A garden box is a smart way to grow plants neatly and efficiently on a balcony—especially when you want more control over soil depth and layout. As someone who’s guided many beginners through their balcony gardening journey, I’ll walk you through how to make a simple, effective garden box step by step.
🛠️ What You’ll Need
- Wooden planks or crates (preferably cedar or pine, untreated)
- Screws or nails
- Electric drill or hammer
- Plastic liner or landscaping fabric
- Potting mix and compost
- Plants or seeds
- Optional: casters (for mobility)
📏 Step 1: Choose the Right Size
Measure your balcony space. A good beginner size is around 2–3 feet long, 1–1.5 feet wide, and 1 foot deep. Make sure there’s enough room for you to move around and the box won’t block drainage.
🔨 Step 2: Build the Frame
- Cut your wooden planks to size.
- Form a rectangular box by attaching the sides together with screws or nails.
- Add a wooden base to support the soil (leave small gaps or drill holes for drainage).
🧵 Step 3: Add Liner
Line the inside of the box with plastic sheeting or landscaping fabric. This keeps the soil from escaping and protects the wood from moisture damage.
🪴 Step 4: Fill with Soil
Use high-quality potting mix blended with compost. Fill the box almost to the top, leaving an inch of space.
🌱 Step 5: Start Planting
Plant herbs, leafy greens, or small vegetables like radishes and cherry tomatoes. You can also plant flowers for colour and pollinator attraction.
🛑 Tips for Success
- Add small pebbles at the bottom if your box doesn’t drain well.
- Place the garden box where it gets enough sunlight.
- Water regularly, especially in warmer months.
With just a bit of effort, you can build a strong and beautiful garden box that brings your balcony to life. It’s beginner-friendly, customizable, and adds structure to your garden layout. Happy planting!
