If you are someone that loves plants, growing them, and gardening in general, don’t let your living situation stop you from having the greenhouse of your dreams.
If you live in an apartment building and do not have access to a garden, you can repurpose your balcony space to create the perfect little greenhouse for yourself to enjoy.
Not only can making a greenhouse can be a great DIY project, but gardening and looking after plants is a healthy hobby worth anyone’s time.
You can also get additional benefits from having a balcony greenhouse, such as free fruits, vegetables, and herbs that you can grow to consume.
Not to mention, a greenhouse can be an incredibly peaceful and calming place to be when you want to take a break from your fast-paced everyday life.
Read ahead for ideas and tips on how you can turn your balcony into a greenhouse.
Create the Perfect Greenhouse on Your Balcony
Setting up a greenhouse on your balcony may seem easier than it actually is.
Before you get started, it is important that you plan out how you want to approach the process.
You need to consider things like whether your balcony is suitable for a greenhouse, all the materials you will need, what kinds of plants you plan on growing, and more.
Basic Needs and Requirements for a Balcony Greenhouse
There are some basic things that are required for setting up a greenhouse. You must first ensure that your balcony is suitable for a greenhouse.
Before anything else, you would need to check if making a greenhouse on your balcony is even allowed.
You would need to see that there aren’t any federal laws restricting you.
You would also have to check out your building, city, and state rules and regulations regarding what purposes a balcony can be used for.
A quick chat with your landlord is advisable before you begin if you’re living in a rental.
Next, you need to inspect your balcony and see that it is structurally sound.
Your balcony would need to be able to support the weight of any greenhouse structures you might want to add on, as well as heavy planters and soil.
And lastly, you need to check whether your balcony receives enough direct sunlight and wind to help grow and sustain various kinds of plants.
This will help you determine whether you need to get wind-breaking screens or if you might need to invest in artificial lighting.
Once you have all these basic needs and requirements figured out, you can start turning your balcony into a greenhouse.
Benefits of Turning Your Balcony into a Greenhouse
If you have a small balcony, you might think that you don’t have enough space for a garden.
However, by turning your balcony into a greenhouse, you can grow a variety of plants and vegetables, regardless of the size of your balcony. Here are some benefits of turning your balcony into a greenhouse:
1. Maximizes Space
A balcony greenhouse is an excellent way to maximize space. It allows you to grow plants vertically, which means you can grow more plants in a smaller area. By using shelves and hanging baskets, you can create a beautiful and functional garden that takes up very little space.
2. Provides Ideal Growing Conditions
A greenhouse provides the ideal growing conditions for plants. By controlling the temperature, humidity, and ventilation, you can create the perfect environment for your plants to thrive. Additionally, a greenhouse protects your plants from pests and harsh weather conditions.
3. Increases Sun Exposure
If you live in an apartment or a house with limited sun exposure, a balcony greenhouse can help you grow plants that require more sunlight. By placing your greenhouse near a window or on a sun-facing balcony, you can give your plants the sunlight they need to grow.
4. Saves Money
Growing your own plants and vegetables can save you money on groceries. Additionally, by growing your own plants, you can ensure that they are organic and free from harmful chemicals.
5. Enhances Your Living Space
A balcony greenhouse can enhance your living space by adding color and beauty to your balcony. It can also provide a relaxing and peaceful environment where you can escape the stresses of daily life.
Overall, turning your balcony into a greenhouse is a great way to create a beautiful and functional garden that maximizes space, provides ideal growing conditions, increases sun exposure, saves money, and enhances your living space.
Consider Whether You Want to Buy or DIY Your Balcony Greenhouse
Are you interested in buying a greenhouse kit to set up on your balcony, or would you rather DIY it?
Both options are great for different people and come with their own sets of advantages and disadvantages.
Buying a greenhouse kit would be much quicker and a lot less work than DIY-ing it.
The kits come with all the parts you need and are generally very easy to set up.
You also have a lot of different options to choose from and can likely find a kit that would be perfectly suited to your balcony.
However, if you have an awkwardly sized balcony, you may have some trouble finding a good fit.
Additionally, a greenhouse kit could be expensive and cost a lot more than you’re willing to spend.
As for a DIY greenhouse, you can build and design it to meet all of your specific needs.
You can choose exactly what materials you want and find them at most home stores or gardening stores.
The downside is that you would need to spend a significant amount of time building the greenhouse, and sometimes, individual materials can end up costing much more than a ready-made kit.
Choose the Best Materials for A DIY Greenhouse
If you do decide to go DIY, there are a number of different ways you can go about making the greenhouse.
You can turn your entire balcony into a greenhouse by covering the railings with some kind of greenhouse material.
This material can be taken all the way up to the ceiling to close off the entire balcony.
The best materials for this kind of DIY greenhouse would be polycarbonate plastic, polyethylene plastic, or polyvinyl plastic.
You could also use woven greenhouse covers if you want to.
If you don’t want to turn the entire balcony into a greenhouse, you can DIY a smaller low-cost greenhouse.
You can do this by setting up a wooden frame covered with come like of poly plastic. You can also make a little tent greenhouse using pallets and plastic covering.
- Plastic sheeting: This will be used to cover the structure and create a greenhouse effect. You can purchase it in rolls from your local hardware store or online.
- PVC pipes: These will be used to create the frame of your greenhouse. You can purchase them in various lengths and thicknesses, depending on the size of your balcony and the strength you need.
- Connectors: You’ll need connectors to join the PVC pipes together and create the frame of your greenhouse. You can purchase these in various shapes and sizes, depending on the design you choose.
- Containers: You’ll need containers to plant your seeds in. You can purchase ready-made containers or use recycled materials such as plastic bottles or yogurt cups.
- Soil: You’ll need soil to fill your containers and provide nutrients for your plants.
- Seeds: You’ll need seeds to plant in your containers. You can purchase them from your local nursery or online.
- Watering can: You’ll need a watering can to water your plants.
If you’re not confident in your DIY skills, you can also purchase a ready-made balcony greenhouse kit.
These kits come with all the materials you need and are designed to fit on a small space like a balcony.
Overall, creating a DIY balcony greenhouse is a fun and rewarding project that allows you to grow your own plants and vegetables even if you don’t have a lot of outdoor space.
With the right materials and a little bit of effort, you can turn your balcony into a thriving garden in no time!
Ensure Access to Electricity and Basic Plumbing
Once your greenhouse is mostly set up, you want to ensure access to electricity and plumbing before you bring in your plants.
If your balcony goes not get enough sunlight, you may need to set up lightbulbs and special grow lights. These will require an electric outlet.
If you don’t want to get any electric work done, you can use a temporary extension cord and bring it out to your balcony.
You also want to ensure that there is plumbing access on your balcony greenhouse.
Unless you want to lug around a watering can and make multiple trips inside the house to fill it up, a hose with different settings would be ideal.
If you have a water tap or a sink on your balcony, it will make watering your plants a lot easier and more convenient.
Make the Most of a Small Space
Balconies are usually not very big and do not give us too much space to work with.
If you only wish to use a portion of your balcony for a greenhouse, that leaves you with even lesser space to work with.
This means you need to think smart and make the most of whatever space you do have available.
Some of the ways to go about doing this include making the most of vertical space so that you are not restricted by how much floor space you have available.
Consider setting up trellises, shelves, and window planters along the sides of the walls and railings in your balcony.
Hanging baskets are also very useful and can be hung high up from the ceiling to make use of space that would otherwise be unused.
Consider What Kind of Plants You Can Grow
A balcony greenhouse would probably not be conducive to growing large plants and trees that require lots of open ground and soil.
Working in a small space means you have to carefully consider what plants to grow.
Herbs are a great option since they usually grow well in most conditions and do not require a lot of space to grow.
Many herbs grow throughout the year and can be used in cooking and for other purposes around the house.
Try growing herbs like mint, thyme, rosemary, basil, parsley, and catnip.
Fruits and vegetables are also a good option, and it can be very rewarding to grow your own plants and watch the first fruits and vegetables emerge.
Lemons, limes, strawberries, apricots, and plums are good options for fruits as they can be grown in smaller pots.
As for vegetables, you can try growing peas, tomatoes, cucumbers, and salad greens.
You might have to take into account how much sunlight you get on your balcony and choose which fruits and vegetables to plant accordingly.
And finally, many people prefer to grow flowers and other attractive houseplants in their greenhouses.
You can consider petunias, begonias, and geraniums to get started. You can also grow house plants like snake plants, spider plants, and various kinds of ferns.
Herbs
Herbs are a great choice for a balcony greenhouse, as they are easy to grow and don’t require a lot of space.
They also add a lovely fragrance to your outdoor space. Some popular herbs to consider include basil, parsley, chives, and mint.
Vegetables
If you want to grow your own vegetables, a balcony greenhouse can be a great place to start.
However, it’s important to choose vegetables that don’t require a lot of space and can thrive in the conditions you can provide. Some great options include cherry tomatoes, peppers, and salad greens.
Flowers
Flowers are a beautiful addition to any balcony greenhouse and can add a pop of color to your outdoor space.
When choosing flowers, consider the amount of sunlight your balcony receives and choose flowers that will thrive in those conditions. Some popular flowers to consider include marigolds, petunias, and pansies.
Seedlings
If you want to start your plants from seed, a balcony greenhouse can be a great place to do so. However, it’s important to choose seedlings that are suitable for the conditions you can provide.
Make sure to choose seedlings that will thrive in the amount of sunlight your balcony receives and choose plants that don’t require a lot of space to grow.
Overall, when choosing the right plants for your balcony greenhouse, it’s important to consider the space you have available and the conditions you can provide.
With a little planning and research, you can create a beautiful and thriving outdoor space.
Creative Ideas for Balcony Greenhouses
When it comes to turning your balcony into a greenhouse, there are plenty of creative ideas to choose from.
From mini greenhouses to customized pallet designs, there is something for every balcony gardener. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Mini Greenhouses
Mini greenhouses are perfect for small balconies or for those who want to start small. You can create a mini greenhouse using old CD cases, plastic bottles, or even umbrellas.
These greenhouses are perfect for growing herbs, small fruits, and vegetables.
Customized Pallet Greenhouses
If you have a larger balcony, consider building a customized pallet greenhouse. Pallets are an inexpensive and eco-friendly building material that can be used to create a variety of designs.
You can customize your pallet greenhouse to fit the size and shape of your balcony, and even add shelves for additional growing space.
Creative Greenhouse Ideas
Get creative with your greenhouse design by using unconventional materials such as old windows, doors, or even a bookshelf.
These unique designs will add character to your balcony while providing a functional growing space.
Fruit Trees
If you have a larger balcony and want to grow fruit trees, consider building a greenhouse specifically for your fruit trees.
This will protect them from harsh weather conditions and pests, while also providing them with the necessary warmth and humidity to thrive.
No matter what your style or budget, there is a greenhouse design that will work for your balcony.
Get creative and have fun with your design, and soon you’ll be enjoying fresh fruits and vegetables right from your balcony.
Building a Permanent Balcony Greenhouse
If you’re serious about turning your balcony into a greenhouse, building a permanent structure may be the way to go.
A permanent greenhouse will provide you with a larger and more stable green space, allowing you to grow a wider variety of plants.
When considering the size of your greenhouse, it’s important to keep your balcony’s dimensions in mind. Small balconies may require a more compact design, while larger balconies afford more flexibility.
Materials for your permanent balcony greenhouse will depend on your budget and the size of your structure.
Wood, metal, and PVC are all popular options. Wood is a classic choice that provides a natural look, but it may require more maintenance than other materials.
Metal and PVC are both durable and low-maintenance, but they may not blend in as well with your balcony’s aesthetic.
A permanent balcony greenhouse will also require proper ventilation and temperature control. This can be achieved through the use of vents, fans, and shading.
Overall, building a permanent balcony greenhouse is a great way to create a dedicated green space for your plants.
With careful planning and consideration of materials and size, you can create a beautiful and functional addition to your balcony.
DIY Balcony Greenhouse Options
If you’re looking for a way to grow your own vegetables and plants on your balcony, a DIY greenhouse could be the perfect solution.
There are several options available that are easy to build and won’t break the bank. Here are some DIY balcony greenhouse options that we recommend:
Pallet Greenhouse
Pallets are a great material for building a greenhouse, and they’re easy to come by. You can often find them for free at hardware stores or on Craigslist.
To build a pallet greenhouse, simply stack the pallets on top of each other to create the walls and roof.
You can then cover the structure with plastic sheeting to create a greenhouse effect. This type of greenhouse is perfect for small balconies, as it doesn’t take up much space.
Portable Greenhouse
A portable greenhouse is a great option if you don’t have a lot of space on your balcony.
These greenhouses are often made from lightweight materials like PVC pipe and plastic sheeting, and they can be easily moved around as needed.
You can even buy pre-made portable greenhouses online or at your local garden center.
CD Case Greenhouse
If you’re looking for a unique and creative way to build a greenhouse, consider using old CD cases.
Simply glue the cases together to create the walls and roof of the greenhouse, and then cover the structure with plastic sheeting.
This type of greenhouse is perfect for small balconies, as it doesn’t take up much space.
Plastic Bottle Greenhouse
If you’re looking for a way to reuse plastic bottles, consider building a plastic bottle greenhouse.
Simply cut off the bottoms of the bottles and then glue them together to create the walls and roof of the greenhouse. You can then cover the structure with plastic sheeting to create a greenhouse effect.
Recycled Container Greenhouse
If you have old containers lying around, consider using them to build a greenhouse. You can use anything from old buckets to milk jugs to create the walls and roof of the greenhouse.
Simply cut off the tops of the containers and then glue them together to create the structure. You can then cover the structure with plastic sheeting to create a greenhouse effect.
Old Windows Greenhouse
If you have old windows lying around, consider using them to build a greenhouse. Simply attach the windows together to create the walls and roof of the greenhouse.
You can then cover the structure with plastic sheeting to create a greenhouse effect. This type of greenhouse is perfect for larger balconies, as it takes up more space.
As you can see, there are several DIY greenhouse options available that are perfect for balconies of all sizes.
Whether you’re looking for a portable greenhouse or a more permanent structure, there’s a DIY option that will work for you.
Regulations and Considerations for Balcony Greenhouses
When planning to turn your balcony into a greenhouse, it’s important to consider the regulations and restrictions that may apply in your area.
We recommend checking with your local building department to see if you need a permit for your balcony greenhouse.
Some municipalities may consider greenhouses as outbuildings, which require a permit.
Additionally, if you live in a community with a homeowners’ association, you may need to check with them for any specific regulations or restrictions.
Another important consideration for balcony greenhouses is the temperature. Glass balconies can turn into a sauna during the summer months, which can be detrimental to your plants.
If you’re using a glass balcony, consider installing a shade cloth or using a reflective film to reduce the amount of sunlight that enters the greenhouse.
Additionally, you may want to consider using a ventilator or fan to help maintain a comfortable temperature for your plants.
If you’re on a tight budget, you may want to consider using a cold frame instead of a full-fledged greenhouse.
Cold frames are simple structures that can be built using inexpensive materials, such as old windows or scrap wood.
They provide a controlled environment for your plants but are much cheaper than a traditional greenhouse.
Lastly, it’s important to consider the weight of your balcony greenhouse. Balconies are not designed to support the weight of a greenhouse, so you’ll need to ensure that the structure is properly anchored and supported.
You may also want to consider using lightweight materials, such as PVC or aluminum, to reduce the weight of the greenhouse.
Overall, turning your balcony into a greenhouse can be a great way to grow your own plants and vegetables, but it’s important to consider the regulations and restrictions that may apply in your area.
By taking the time to plan and prepare properly, you can create a beautiful and productive balcony greenhouse that will provide you with fresh produce for years to come.
Greenhouses require proper ventilation
When turning your balcony into a greenhouse, it’s essential to ensure proper ventilation.
Without adequate ventilation, the greenhouse can become too hot, resulting in poor plant growth, the need for frequent watering, and increased monthly electric bills.
Here are some key points to consider when it comes to greenhouse ventilation.
Natural ventilation
One of the best ways to cool a greenhouse is by using natural ventilation. This process involves allowing thermal buoyancy and wind to cool the greenhouse.
By opening vents or windows, hot air rises and escapes, while cool air enters the greenhouse. This process can be enhanced by using fans to move air more effectively.
Fan ventilation
Fan ventilation is another option for greenhouse ventilation. This method involves using fans to move air in and out of the greenhouse.
This process can be enhanced by using exhaust fans to remove hot air and intake fans to bring in cool air.
It’s essential to ensure that the fans are placed correctly to ensure that air is circulating properly.
Proper placement
When it comes to greenhouse ventilation, it’s crucial to ensure that vents and fans are placed correctly.
Vents should be placed high on the greenhouse walls to allow hot air to escape, while fans should be placed low to circulate cool air.
It’s also essential to ensure that fans are not blowing directly on plants, as this can cause damage.
Importance of ventilation
Proper ventilation is crucial for the health of your plants. Without adequate ventilation, the greenhouse can become too hot, causing plants to wilt and die.
Additionally, proper ventilation helps to control humidity levels, preventing the growth of mold and mildew.
In conclusion, when turning your balcony into a greenhouse, it’s essential to ensure proper ventilation.
Natural ventilation and fan ventilation are both effective methods of cooling a greenhouse.
Proper placement of vents and fans is crucial, and adequate ventilation is essential for the health of your plants.
Greenhouse Pest Control
When we turn our balcony into a greenhouse, we need to be mindful of pests that can damage our plants. Here are some tips for greenhouse pest control:
- Screening vents and doorways: We can limit the movement of insect pests into the greenhouse by screening vents and doorways. We need to consider several factors when using physical barriers in the greenhouse.
- Biological pest control: Biological pest control often involves more work and risk at first than chemical control, and may require changes in production methods. Biological control agents can include predators, parasites, and pathogens that can be introduced into the greenhouse environment.
- Organic pest control: We can use organic pest control methods to avoid the use of chemical pesticides. These methods can include companion planting, concentrated plant extracts, neem oil, nematodes, sticky paper, predator insects such as ladybugs or lacewing, moats, screens, organic slug and snail pellets/eggshells, and natural insecticides.
- Act swiftly: We need to act swiftly when we detect a pest problem in our greenhouse. Early detection and control can prevent the pest from spreading and causing more damage.
By following these tips, we can keep our balcony greenhouse free from pests and enjoy healthy plants all year round.
Maintenance Tips
To keep our balcony greenhouse in good condition, we need to perform regular maintenance. Here are some tips to help you maintain your balcony greenhouse:
- Clean the greenhouse regularly: We should clean the greenhouse regularly to remove any dirt, dust, and debris that may accumulate on the walls and roof. This will ensure that our plants receive maximum sunlight and that the greenhouse remains well-ventilated.
- Check the watering system: We should regularly check the watering system to ensure that it is working correctly. We need to make sure that the plants are receiving the right amount of water and that there are no leaks in the system.
- Inspect the plants: We should regularly inspect the plants to ensure that they are healthy and free from pests and diseases. We need to remove any dead or diseased plants and treat any pest infestations promptly.
- Maintain the temperature: We should maintain the temperature inside the greenhouse to ensure that it remains within the optimal range for our plants. We can use a thermometer to monitor the temperature and make any necessary adjustments to the heating or cooling system.
- Fertilize the plants: We should fertilize the plants regularly to ensure that they receive the nutrients they need to grow healthy and strong. We can use organic fertilizers or make our own compost to provide our plants with the necessary nutrients.
By following these maintenance tips, we can ensure that our balcony greenhouse remains in good condition and that our plants thrive.
The Bottom Line
Building, setting up, and maintaining a greenhouse can be a fun, calming, and interesting way to spend your time.
As we mentioned before, don’t let your lack of a garden space hold you back from building the greenhouse of your dreams.
If you have a balcony, that is the perfect space to set up a small greenhouse where you can grow an array of plants.
Before you get started, make sure to check that your balcony is safe and strong enough to set up a greenhouse and that you won’t be breaking any rules or regulations.
Then, you can start thinking about building materials, the plants you want to grow, and how to make the best use of the space you have available.
Good luck with turning your balcony into the best greenhouse you could hope for!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to maintain the temperature in a balcony greenhouse?
Maintaining the temperature in a balcony greenhouse is crucial for the health of your plants. One way to do this is by using a thermometer to monitor the temperature inside the greenhouse.
You can also use a small heater or fan to regulate the temperature. Another way to maintain temperature is by using shading devices such as curtains or blinds to block direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day.
What materials are needed to turn a balcony into a greenhouse?
To turn a balcony into a greenhouse, you will need a few basic materials such as PVC pipes, plastic sheeting, and zip ties.
You can also use wooden frames and glass panels if you prefer a more traditional look. Additionally, you may want to invest in shelves or plant stands to maximize the space inside your greenhouse.
Can a balcony greenhouse be used year-round?
Yes, a balcony greenhouse can be used year-round with proper maintenance and temperature control.
During the winter months, you may need to use a heater or insulation to keep your plants warm. In the summer, you may need to use shading devices to prevent overheating.
With a little effort and attention, you can enjoy fresh produce and beautiful plants all year long.
What are the benefits of a balcony greenhouse?
A balcony greenhouse offers a variety of benefits, including the ability to grow fresh produce and herbs, improve air quality, and reduce stress.
It also provides a fun and rewarding hobby that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Additionally, a balcony greenhouse can add value to your home and improve the overall aesthetic of your balcony.
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