When it comes to apartment gardening there is nothing more beautiful than plants with tall, dark green leaves on a sunny balcony. These plants look quite decorative and grow very attractive flowers that contribute to the liveliness and harmony in an apartment setting. Choosing these plants falls under two categories, flowering or non-flowering. The first category is easier to deal with since most apartment gardens need at least one flowering plant of this type. Thus deal with the termite and the spider plant, which are often confused with each other. Spider plants have tiny little white hairs that resemble small baby hairballs.

Flowering plants are easier because you do not have to worry about removing them when the flowers bloom. For those plants that need the balcony for shade and for greener grass there is another class of these plants. These plants grow well in full sun and they are best planted in the southern part of a balcony. They also like the southern exposure and can be left in full sun during the summer months. However in the winter months they will need to be shaded or mulched to protect them from the bitter cold of the winter.

Both flowering and non-flowering plants should be chosen carefully so that you don’t end up with a garden full of dead leaves. This will look unsightly and detract from your apartment gardening efforts. Green plants can provide beauty, simplicity and color to an apartment garden.

Before starting your apartment landscaping project, you need to decide where the various plants will go. If your balcony has two stories then you would want to plant plants down the hall on the bottom floor. You can grow plants over the top or you can install brackets along the top that hold the pots in place. When the pots are not in use, the brackets can be covered with netting to keep insects out.

Most plants require about six hours of direct sunlight and most apartment complexes do not allow more than six hours a day. There are several plants that will do better in areas that do not get as much sunlight. Basil, chives, fennel, marigold, Rosemary, sage, spinach, Swiss chard and thyme are just some of the choices you have for growing outside.

Most balcony plants are not very heavy and can be suspended by a weighted trellis system. If the plants are large and bulky, you might need to bring them up to the level of the balcony railing or install hanging planters. Hanging pots work well when there are no plants to support them. The pots can also be covered with netting to keep certain insects out.

Some plants need a little extra care. You can take plants that you can easily move in the garbage cans to other parts of the apartment and replace them with those that need more attention. Lemongrass, cilantro, radishes, carrots and lettuce are easy to grow plants to place on the balcony or patio. Be careful with tropical plants, though, because they can go through some of the same diseases that other plants can. If you are having trouble with a particular plant, give it a try next time you are out.

It is best to get advice from an experienced apartment gardening professional to make sure that your plants are getting the proper amount of sun and water. Most plants can be used in any area, whether it is an apartment garden large backyard or a container garden. If you need help deciding what types of plants will work best for your needs, ask your local apartment gardening supply store’s workers. They will be able to answer all of your questions and guide you in the right direction.