6 Steps Guide to Turn Your Balcony into a Garden

Written By Adam Paul - Waterproofing Expert

Balcony gardening is the practice of growing plants, flowers, herbs, or even small vegetables in a balcony space by transforming it into a green, functional, and aesthetically pleasing environment. Balcony floors, walls, and railing can be used for this purpose. A proper balcony garden can enhance the aesthetic appeal, improve air quality, provide fresh herbs and vegetables, reduce stress, and promote mental well-being. Balcony gardening should be done properly without affecting the balcony structure.

So Aqviz experts introduce you to follow these 6 essential steps before you start gardening on the balcony without increasing any water damage to the balcony.

6 Steps for Balcony Gardening

1. Evaluate the Balcony Structure and Waterproofing
2. Choose the Right Planters and Soil Setup for the Balcony
3. Set Up an Efficient Irrigation and Watering System in the Balcony
4. Manage the Drainage System in the Balcony
5. Plant Selection Based on Sunlight Exposure
6. Pest Control and Plant Care for a Balcony Garden

Aqviz experts especially noted that many balconies have been damaged by the water due to improper gardening on the balcony floor and walls. As waterproofing experts, we emphasize the importance of protecting the balcony surface from water damage while creating a functional and aesthetically pleasing garden. So let’s dive into all the 6 steps that we mentioned above. 

1. Evaluate the Balcony Structure and Waterproofing

Before adding plants, soil, and planters, it’s important to evaluate the balcony’s condition and waterproof the balcony using a proper balcony waterproofing membrane.

1. First, you should check the balcony load-bearing capacity. Because balconies have weight limits, so ensure they can support the additional weight of planters, soil, and water. In this step, you should get help from a professional engineer or home improvement expert.
2. Check for signs of cracks, peeling, water stains, or leaks. If the balcony is already showing dampness, mold, or seepage, it needs proper waterproofing before proceeding.
3. Identify the slope of the balcony drainage. Make sure the balcony has a proper drainage system to drain the water. 
4. Waterproof the balcony if the balcony isn’t adequately waterproofed, apply a waterproofing membrane (such as polyurethane, cementitious, or liquid-applied membranes) before adding garden elements.

After you waterproof the balcony, you should choose the right planters and soil setup. 

2. Choose the Right Planters and Soil Setup for the Balcony Garden

Once the balcony is structurally sound and waterproofed, the next step is selecting suitable planters and soil to prevent excess water accumulation and structural strain.

1. You should choose fiberglass, plastic, or vertical wall planters instead of heavy ceramic or concrete pots to reduce the weight load.
2. Make sure planters with drainage holes and use saucers or trays to prevent water from pooling on the balcony floor.
3. Then select the right soil mix. It should be a lightweight, well-draining potting mix instead of garden soil, which retains too much moisture and adds unnecessary weight.
4. Add the raised planting bed (if necessary). You should line the bottom with a waterproof membrane and add a drainage layer (gravel or perlite) to avoid waterlogging.

After the plant and soil setup step, you should set up the irrigation and watering system.

3. Set Up an Efficient Irrigation and Watering System for the Balcony Garden

A proper irrigation system helps your balcony garden thrive while preventing excess water buildup that could damage waterproofing. Here’s how to manage water efficiently in your garden, protecting the balcony floor, walls, and railing.

1. Use planters with built-in reservoirs that provide consistent moisture while preventing overwatering and leaks in the balcony.
2. Set up a low-pressure drip irrigation on the balcony. It helps to deliver water directly to plant roots, reducing runoff and minimizing balcony surface wetness.
3. Place waterproof drainage mats or trays under pots to help collect excess water while protecting the floor.
4. Set up a small rainwater barrel with a controlled outlet to recycle water for plants.
5. Use a water can for manual watering without a drain on the balcony floor.

After you set up an irrigation system, you should manage the drainage in the garden.

These 7 types of balcony railing are highly recommended for balcony gardening. Those will reduce the prolonged water damage to the balcony. 

4. Manage the Drainage System in the Balcony

We highly recommend you maintain a proper balcony drainage system on the balcony.  It helps to prevent water pooling, seepage, and waterproofing failure. Here’s how to manage balcony garden drainage effectively.

1. Ensure proper drainage balcony slope. It should slightly slope to the drainage outlet. If water pools, consider using a thin mortar screed to improve drainage.
2. Use plants in the pots, it helps to prevent water and moisture from spreading over the flow.
3. Use a geo-drain mat or perforated rubber mat under planters to help excess water flow toward the drain without sitting on the surface.
4. Check waterproofing regularly by inspecting for signs of leaks, cracks, or damp spots, and reapply sealants or waterproof coatings if needed.

Now everything is ready for planting on the balcony. You should select the plants based on sunlight exposure, wind, and seasonality. 

5. Plant Selection Based on Sunlight Exposure

Here is our guide to choosing the right plants for your balcony garden depending on how much sunlight your space receives daily. Here’s a guide to selecting plants based on exposure.

1. Full Sun (6+ Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Ideal for south- or west-facing balconies that get strong sunlight. Choose:

• Flowering plants: Petunias, geraniums, marigolds, lavender
• Edible plants: Tomatoes, peppers, basil, rosemary
• Drought-resistant plants: Succulents, cacti, ornamental grasses

2. Partial Sun/Partial Shade (3–6 Hours of Sunlight)

Best for east- or west-facing balconies with a mix of sun and shade. Choose:

• Flowering plants: Begonias, fuchsias, impatiens
• Edible plants: Leafy greens (lettuce, spinach, chard), mint, chives
• Ferns and shade-tolerant plants: Hostas, peace lilies, snake plants

3. Full Shade (Less Than 3 Hours of Sunlight)

Common for north-facing balconies or those blocked by buildings. Choose:

• Low-light flowering plants: Hydrangeas, astilbe, fuchsia
• Tropical plants: Philodendrons, calatheas, pothos
• Herbs: Parsley, cilantro, chervil

Now you should protect your balcony garden from pests and other insects.

6. Pest Control and Plant Care for a Balcony Garden

You should maintain your balcony garden to protect it from infestations and diseases. Aqviz highly recommends you to protect your balcony garden by following the steps.

Common Balcony Garden Pests & Prevention

Balcony gardens are prone to pests like aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, and caterpillars. The below 5 steps will help you to manage it wisely.

1. Check leaves (especially undersides) for bugs, eggs, or discoloration.
2. Spray a mix of neem oil, diluted dish soap, or garlic spray on plants weekly to prevent infestations.
3. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings because they naturally control aphids and other pests.
4. Grow basil, marigolds, or mint to deter common pests.
5. Isolate new plants for a week before adding them to your garden to prevent spreading pests.

Regular Watering & Fertilizing

Proper hydration and nutrients keep plants strong and resilient

• Use a drip irrigation system or water in the early morning to prevent fungal growth.
• Apply compost tea, worm castings, or slow-release granular fertilizers based on plant needs.
• Mulch the soil by using a thin layer of coconut coir, bark, or straw to retain moisture and prevent soil erosion.

Disease Prevention & Plant Health

Balcony gardens can be affected by fungal infections, mold, and nutrient deficiencies. The below 4 steps will help you to prevent diseases and improve plant health on the balcony.

1. Space plants apart to reduce humidity and mold growth.
2. Remove dead leaves, weak stems, and overcrowded branches to prevent fungal diseases.
3. Change plant locations each season to prevent soil depletion and pest buildup.
4. Choose hardy varieties that thrive in container gardens.

What are the Water Damage Signs in the Balcony?

When a balcony is getting damaged by the water you can observe the below 7 signs.

1. Peeling or blistering paint on balcony walls, materials, and below the ceiling.
2. Water stains or discoloration on walls, floors, and below the ceiling.
3. Cracks in the concrete or tile grout
4. Mold or mildew growth on the balcony floor and walls
5. Efflorescence (white, powdery residue) on the balcony floor and walls
6. Rusted metal railings or fixtures in the balcony railing
7. Persistent damp or musty smell on the balcony floor and walls

Aqviz experts have investigated more depth about balcony water damage signs. You should read this, What are the 7 Signs of Poor Balcony Waterproofing?

What Waterproofing Membrane is Good for Balcony Gardening?

If you waterproof the balcony for gardening you can use the below 5 waterproofing membranes. These membranes have special characteristics to protect the balcony from water.

1. Cementitious waterproofing: Cementitious waterproofing is easy to apply, and good for tiled balconies but less flexible.
2. Liquid rubber coating: Liquid rubber coating is seamless and excellent for preventing leaks in high-moisture balconies.
3. Bituminous membranes: Bituminous membranes are strong and waterproof but need a protective layer for garden use.
4. HDPE or PVC waterproofing membrane: These are highly resistant to root penetration, and suitable for raised planters.

How to protect the balcony from water?

You should follow these 6 steps to protect the balcony from water.

1. Apply a high-quality waterproofing membrane before adding flooring or garden elements.
2. Ensure proper drainage slope to direct water toward the outlet.
3. Use sealed grout and waterproof adhesives for tiled surfaces.
4. Install drainage mats under planters to prevent water accumulation.
5. Regularly inspect for cracks, leaks, and clogged drains.
6. Apply a protective sealant on concrete, tiles, or wood decking.