Balcony Gardening for Beginners: Grow Herbs, Tomatoes & More Without a Yard
Now that the sun is clocking in for longer shifts, it's officially garden girl season. No yard? No problem. A balcony, a windowsill, or even a fire escape can be all you need to start your own mini edible oasis.
Every spring, I turn my little patch of outdoor space into a balcony garden filled with herbs, tomatoes, and peppers—and let me tell you, nothing beats snipping basil straight into your pasta. This is your sign to start urban gardening and reconnect with the real world.
Where to Buy Plants for Your Balcony Garden
Your first step? Finding the right plants. Here's where to look:
Farmer’s markets: Perfect for grabbing local, transplant-ready plants that are already adapted to your climate. Bonus: you're supporting local growers and skipping the shipping emissions.
Big box stores: If you don’t have any local growers, check out Home Depot or Lowe’s—they often stock great starter herbs and veggies like basil, jalapeños, and Little Sicily tomatoes. Just check the tags to make sure they’re container-friendly.
Pro tip: Growing citrus trees on a balcony? Totally possible. Just bring them indoors for winter. My lemon tree is currently working on twins.
How to Start a Balcony Garden: Easy Steps to Get Planting
Once you’ve got your plants, containers, and potting soil, set aside an afternoon for planting. Music on. Lemonade in hand. Dirt under your nails. It’s a full sensory reset—and a sneaky little phone detox.
Even a few pots of herbs or cherry tomatoes can make your balcony feel like a tiny farm stand. And with your hands busy in the dirt, you’ll be less tempted to scroll and more tuned in to the moment.
How to Keep Your Balcony Garden Alive (and Thriving)
The magic formula?
Sun + water + consistency = happy plants and a happy you.
Start a daily garden check-in. Instead of your morning Instagram scroll, step outside, touch the soil, see what’s growing, and maybe give your basil a pep talk. In return, you’ll get fresh ingredients, a little mindfulness, and major bragging rights when you make a caprese salad from scratch.
Ready to Grow Your Own Balcony Garden?
Whether you’re in a tiny apartment or high-rise condo, you can turn your space into a thriving container garden that feeds your body and your soul.
Below are some of my balcony garden essentials from Amazon!
*This post contains affiliate links so we may receive compensation if you purchase products linked to below. As an Amazon Associate, I can earn from qualifying purchases.
