Balcony Garden Glossary: 14 Terms Explained
The words that show up in balcony garden specs, reviews and how-to guides, explained without jargon.
- Container gardening
- Growing plants in pots, planters or bags instead of in the ground, the standard method for balconies.
- Determinate tomato
- A bush-type tomato that grows to a set height and fruits all at once, better suited to containers than vining types.
- Drainage hole
- An opening in the bottom of a container that lets excess water escape so roots do not rot.
- Drip irrigation
- Tubing and emitters that deliver slow, steady water to each pot, often on a timer.
- Related: Best Drip Irrigation Kits for Balcony Gardens →
- Fabric grow bag
- A breathable fabric container that air-prunes roots and weighs far less than ceramic.
- Related: Best Fabric Grow Bags for Balcony Gardening →
- Full sun
- At least six hours of direct sunlight a day. Many fruiting vegetables need it, while leafy greens tolerate less.
- Hardening off
- Gradually exposing indoor-raised seedlings to outdoor conditions over a week or two before planting out.
- Indeterminate tomato
- A vining tomato that keeps growing and fruiting all season, needing large pots and tall support.
- Related: Best Plant Support Stakes →
- Load limit
- The weight a balcony structure is designed to carry. Wet soil is heavy, so spread large containers and check building rules.
- Microclimate
- The local conditions on your balcony, such as wind, reflected heat and shade from buildings, which can differ a lot from the regional forecast.
- Neem oil
- A plant-derived oil used as an organic treatment for common pests like aphids and spider mites.
- Related: Best Neem Oil for Plants and Pest Control →
- Potting mix
- A light, soilless growing medium for containers. Garden soil compacts in pots and drains poorly.
- Related: Best Potting Soil →
- Railing planter
- A planter that hangs over or clips onto a balcony rail. Always secure it so it cannot fall.
- Related: Best Balcony Railing Planters →
- Self-watering planter
- A container with a water reservoir that wicks moisture up to the soil, reducing daily watering.
- Related: Best Self-Watering Planters for Balconies →