Best conditions for balcony gardens

Whether you prefer a beautiful collection of container-grown bushes for beauty, a few tomato plants for your kitchen, or your very own herb garden, the balcony often provides the space and just about the right environment to succeed.

Depending on its orientation, a balcony may be sheltered or exposed to strong winds and sunshine.

You will need to access the prevailing conditions in your balcony. Light is critical. All plants need light, hence the less light you receive in your balcony, the more you will need to narrow your options.

The good news, however, is that a good number of indoor plants will find the conditions in a low-light balcony livable.

Exposure to wind is the other important consideration.

Exposed balconies will tend to dry out very quickly, hence plants selected should be able to withstand not just the physical turbulence from strong winds but also drier conditions.