Balcony Gardening in Mesa at Lakeview at Superstition Springs

Breath taking views are endless at Lakeview at Superstition Springs in Mesa, especially if you add to the view with a balcony garden. Utilizing containers to plant flowers, vines and even trees can easily transform any private balcony into an inviting urban oasis that is complete with fragrance, color and possibly even wildlife. Following a few simple tips can help you create and care for a balcony garden, even if you are lacking a 'green thumb.'

What Containers to Use for a Balcony Garden in Mesa

It is your garden so use whatever you have access to! Keep in mind that the Arizona sun makes watering your balcony garden regularly a necessity. Note, larger containers tend retain more moisture, which is helpful in Arizona. Additionally, make sure your containers need to have drainage holes so that excess water can escape to prevent 'root rot'.

Terracotta Potting Containers

Terracotta pots are easy to find in Mesa and make wonderful balcony garden accessories. However, these types of pots dry out very quickly. If you choose to use them in your balcony garden line the sides of the pot (not the bottom) with clear plastic to help plants retain moisture. You should also plan to water the plants once to twice a day. The best times to water is during the morning and evening hours.

Ceramic Potting Containers

Glazed potting containers are both decorative and hardy containers to use for your balcony garden. These containers retain water very well and do not require an added lining inside. However, make sure they do have a drainage hole for excess water to drain.

Plastic Potting Containers

Plastic containers are very popular and can provide any apartment balcony with a variety of sized plants. However, plastic containers do not retain moisture well. If you do select to use them consider lining the inside of the containers with clear plastic - do not line the bottom, just the sides. This will help your plants retain more moisture.

Wood Planting Containers

One of the benefits to using wooden containers is that you can create them yourself to fit any corner, wall or nook and cranny on your balcony. But beware; wooden planting containers are highly susceptible to rot. Only use redwood and cedar containers since they do not require stain finishes, which can be harmful to plants. Both types of wood are rot resistant.

What Plants to Use on an Apartment Balcony Garden

Before you set out to purchase the plants you intend to use on your apartment balcony garden in Mesa consider how much sunlight and shade your balcony gets on a daily basis. This one element can make or break your private oasis. If your apartment balcony in Mesa is mainly shaded, stick with plants that thrive in the shade such as ferns, hostas, camellias, pieris, and heucheras. To add some color to a shade garden consider adding fuchsias, lilies and impatiens.

If your apartment balcony in Mesa receives a lot of afternoon sun, stick with plants that adore it. Petutinas are an excellent choice that adds color and makes for lush containers. Regardless of what you plant, if you are in the sun you need to water everyday - if not twice.

A local nursery in Mesa can easily help you find sun and shade plants that will fit your apartment balcony. Additionally, most plant containers list the conditions the plant thrives in to help make your selection easy.

When selecting the plants for your balcony garden don't limit yourself to a few common plants. Experiment! The wonderful thing about container gardening is you are not limited to a set design or landscape - containers can easily be rearrange and plants can be transferred to new pots. Use your imagination and have fun. You can rarely go wrong with combinations so mix and mingle plants, flowers and vines until you have the perfect combination.

Container Gardens That Add Privacy to Apartment Balconies

Living in an apartment can mean being close to your neighbors but adding a treacle and a climbing plant to your apartment balcony garden can make your private oasis truly private, while at the same time adding vibrant color and scents both you and your neighbor can enjoy.

There are several different types of climbing plants you can add to your apartment balcony garden that grow well on a treacle. For a quick 'privacy' wall plant a fast growing annual that climbs such as a hyacinth bean vine or morning glory. If you are looking for something that may last throughout the year consider planting perennial climbers such as a Virginia creeper, porcelainberry or a hardy kiwivine. It is also a good idea to check with a local nursery in Mesa to see if they have recommendations on what grows well on apartment balconies in Arizona. Don't forget, you can always plant a tree in a large container to add more life and privacy to your apartment balcony garden.