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If you are new to gardening and want some ideas for setting up a balcony garden here are some tips to help you get started.

• Keep it simple. If you don鈥檛 have time to maintain your balcony garden, grow tough plants that will need less care and attention.
• Prepare a plan in advance. A small sketch on paper is enough to give you an account of the opportunities you have in your space.
• Consider watering. It鈥檚 a priority! If you own a South or West facing balcony, or if your balcony is windy, you will need to water more often. An automatic watering system for your pots and planters is a great idea, especially if you are going to be away for any lengthy periods.
• Check out the hours of sunshine your balcony receives. Is it facing the North? South? Your choice of plants in your mini-garden very much depends on their exposure to the sun on your balcony.
• If you live in a rented apartment, you need to know if there are specific regulations and rules to follow. In some places, the suspension of plants outside the railings is prohibited. There may also be restrictions of load weight of pots and planters, so it is better to find that out before you begin.
• You can grow climbing plants to make use of the vertical space on balconies. Grow both perennials and annuals and think about the seasons if you want to extend flowering periods and have more colour throughout the year.
• It is entirely possible to develop a small edible garden on your balcony. A few edibles like tomatoes, peppers and chilies could be grown in pots, and many green leafy vegetables and herbs will grow really well.