Container gardening can be a great way to bring a little bit of nature onto your east facing balcony. With the right plants, you can create a lush and inviting outdoor space without worrying about the amount of light available. The key is to choose plants that thrive in indirect sunlight, such as ferns, coleus, begonias, and impatiens. With just a few containers, you can turn your east facing balcony into an oasis of greenery and beauty.
Benefits of Container Gardening
Container gardening is a great way to add a splash of color to your balcony or patio. Not only does it create a beautiful, living space for you to enjoy, it is also low maintenance and relatively easy to set up.
With a few simple steps, you can create a vibrant outdoor space for yourself and your family. Container gardening allows you to add a variety of plants to your outdoor space. You can choose from a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors, allowing you to customize your outdoor space to your tastes.
Container gardening is much more affordable than other types of gardening, and it is easier to transport and maintain than traditional gardens. Container gardening is also great for those with limited space, as the plants can easily be moved around and rearranged.
Container gardening is also a great way to get kids involved in gardening, as it is a fun and interactive activity that the whole family can participate in. If you’re looking to add some life to your balcony, consider container gardening!
Choosing the Right Container
When choosing a container for your east facing balcony, it’s important to find one that offers adequate drainage. Clay or ceramic pots are some of the best options because they’re less likely to crack or break in the sun and heat. Be sure to pick one that has enough room for the roots of your plants to grow and spread.
Be sure to choose a container that is large enough to allow for proper water retention.
This will ensure your plants stay hydrated even on the hottest of days. When picking a container, it’s also important to consider the color of your balcony’s walls or railings.
Choose a pot that complements the color scheme of your outdoor space. This will create a more unified and attractive look. Make sure the pot will stand securely, as some balconies may be a bit windy. It’s generally best to avoid lightweight planters that could easily be knocked over by the wind.
Choosing the Right Plants for an East Facing Balcony
Choosing the right plants for an east facing balcony can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be! There are some wonderful container plants that prefer indirect sunlight and will thrive in an east facing environment. Coleus, begonias, and impatiens are all excellent container gardening options for an east facing balcony.
Ferns are great for their lush foliage and are relatively low maintenance.
Coleus are a great option for adding some bright, bold color to your outdoor space. Begonias have beautiful blooms in both bright and subtle hues, and they’re also easy to care for.
Impatiens are an excellent choice for adding texture and color to your balcony, and they’re a great way to welcome in pollinators like butterflies and bees. When choosing a container plant for an east facing balcony, be mindful of how much indirect sunlight the plant will get and be sure to pick a variety that will thrive in that environment. That way, you’ll have a beautiful, thriving container garden in no time!
Ferns
Ferns are a great choice for east facing balconies, as they thrive in light shade and indirect sunlight. They are low maintenance plants, requiring minimal water and care.
Ferns can be considered a classic choice for container gardening and will bring a touch of timeless elegance to your balcony. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance but beautiful addition to your east facing balcony, ferns are a great option!
Ferns are also very hardy plants and can withstand a range of temperatures and conditions. They’ll still look great even if you neglect them a bit. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, depending on the variety you choose, so you can find one to fit your own personal style. So if you’re looking for a plant that will last and bring a touch of class to your balcony, ferns are the way to go!
Coleus
Coleus is an excellent plant for an east facing balcony. It enjoys indirect sunlight, which makes it a great choice.
It is known for its colorful foliage and it’s easy to care for, making it a great choice for beginners. You can get creative and mix and match different colors and varieties for a great look. Coleus plants need consistent watering and regular feeding every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
Make sure you have a pot with good drainage, as too much standing water can cause root rot. Coleus is a great addition to any east facing balcony and will give your space an exotic and unique look.
Fertilizing your coleus is also important, as it helps to keep the foliage looking vibrant and healthy.
It’s best to use a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 fertilizer, every other week. For best results, water your coleus well before applying the fertilizer, as the roots need to be soaked in order to absorb the nutrients. It’s also important to make sure that you’re not over or under fertilizing, so follow the directions on the product’s packaging.
Be sure to place your coleus in a spot that gets plenty of indirect sunlight. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the plants’ foliage, so try to find a spot that gets dappled sunlight throughout the day. Coleus is a great addition to an east facing balcony and with regular upkeep, you can enjoy a beautiful display of colors and textures.
Begonias
Begonias are a great choice for an east facing balcony. Whether you go for wax begonias, tuberous begonias or angel wing begonias, you won’t be disappointed.
They thrive in partial to lightly shaded areas and require regular watering, such as once or twice a day. Tuberous begonias are especially beautiful and flowering, and look stunning when planted in hanging baskets. For maximum benefit, fertilize them every two weeks for best results. Begonias can also make a great ground cover for east facing balconies, as they are known for their fast and spreading growth.
Impatiens
Impatiens make for great container plants for an east facing balcony. They are easy to care for and require minimal maintenance. Impatiens are a great choice for those with busy lifestyles who don’t have a lot of time to spend on gardening.
They thrive in indirect sunlight and need little water, making them an ideal choice for balconies facing east. Impatiens come in a variety of colors and sizes, making them a great choice for adding a pop of color to your balcony display.
They are quite affordable, so you won’t break the bank if you choose to fill your balcony with them.
Impatiens do require a bit of care, however. Make sure they’re planted in well-draining soil and watered regularly, without over-watering. Prune the plants to encourage bushy growth and deadhead to promote continuous blooming.
Fertilize your impatiens every two to three weeks for optimal health and growth.
Keep an eye on the weather and bring them inside on cold nights to prevent frost damage. Impatiens make for great container plants for east facing balconies. They are colorful, easy to care for, and require minimal maintenance. With a bit of TLC, your balcony will be overflowing with beautiful blooms in no time!