While south-facing balcony gardens might get all the fanfare, there is no reason you can’t make a good garden on your east-facing balcony. Let us explain what conditions you’re likely working with on your east-facing balcony and how you can make the most of them.
Is An East Facing Balcony Good for Plants?
An east-facing balcony isn’t ideal for a lot of the most popular garden plants, but it has exceptional conditions for others. When you’re facing east, your plants will get a limited amount of sunlight, and they will get most or all of that in the morning. At the peak of summer in most places in California, that means your plants will get about six hours of sun before noon, but this will be less intense sun than in the afternoon.
Unfortunately, that is not quite enough to support sun-loving options like tomatoes. However, on a garden balcony, you probably wouldn’t have enough soil to support heavy-feeder plants like this anyway. You can still have an exceptional garden by choosing plants that don’t need much in terms of root space or intense sun.
Plants for East Facing Balcony Gardens
Flowers that do well in east facing spots include:
- Clematis: Some clematis varieties enjoy the shade. Plus, as climbing plants, they can give your balcony some privacy.
- Morning glory: Morning is the best time to enjoy your space, and adding morning glory, whose blooms only open in the morning, can enhance it.
- Berberis: If you have room for this small shrub, it can add privacy to your balcony.
- Coneflowers: There are many coneflower varieties that are well suited to shade environments.
Vegetables which do well in east facing spots include:
- Leafy greens: Almost all leafy greens, including spinach and
- Peas: Pease prefer gentle sunlight, and they do not need deep soil (although it should be rich in organic matter)
- Green onions: Simple to grow, green onions are a good place to start if you’re new to gardening.
- Garlic: Garlic does not like intense sun and will do well in your conditions.
- Cauliflower: This plant and other brassicas will bolt in full sun, so they may do better in an east facing balcony.
You might also consider planting ornamental grasses facing east, as many are tolerant of shade and provide year-round interest.
Pest Management
Balcony gardens can still fall prey to pests. Regularly inspect your plants for signs of pests such as aphids, spider mites, or whiteflies. Here are some organic pest control methods:
Neem Oil: This natural pesticide can be effective against a variety of pests.
Insecticidal Soap: Safe for most plants, insecticidal soap can control soft-bodied insects.
Companion Planting: Certain plants, like marigolds, can repel pests and protect other plants.
Aesthetic Considerations
Creating a visually pleasing garden involves more than just choosing the right plants. Think about the overall look you want to achieve. Here are some ideas:
Color Scheme: Choose a color scheme that complements your outdoor space. You might opt for a monochromatic look with varying shades of green, or a vibrant mix of flowers in different colors.
Decorative Elements: Incorporate decorative elements like garden statues, fairy lights, or colorful pots to add personality to your garden.
Seating Area: If space allows, create a cozy seating area where you can relax and enjoy your garden. A small bistro set or a couple of comfy chairs can make your balcony a perfect retreat.
Other Tips for East Facing Gardens
Here are a few other tips that can help you maximize your garden:
- If you are growing climbing plants, ensure your balcony railing is strong enough to withstand them, or remove them if they grab onto the railing.
- Choose plants that withstand the wind well or add trellises and other objects that can block the wind.
- When growing from seed, start plants inside to avoid damage from the wind. Move plants outside only when they can withstand wind.
- Use large pots or baskets, which take longer to dry out than smaller options and can therefore be watered less.
Following these tips and using the right plants, you can have a great balcony garden if it faces east.
