Balcony Gardening in Edmonton

by Brett Kerley

Balcony gardening is a fulfilling way to grow your own plants, even with limited space. In Edmonton, the northern climate presents both challenges and opportunities for balcony gardeners. Whether your balcony faces the sunny south or the shaded north, you can create a thriving green oasis tailored to your conditions.

Understanding Edmonton’s Climate

Edmonton’s Hardiness Zone is 3b to 4a. It has a relatively short growing season, typically from mid-May to early September. Frosts can occur as late as early June and as early as mid-September. This makes choosing cold-tolerant and fast-maturing plants especially important.

Balcony microclimates—such as reflected heat from building walls or shelter from wind—can slightly extend the growing season, especially on sunny southern exposures. Understanding your balcony’s orientation is the first step to success.

Sunny Balconies: Full Sun (6+ hours of direct sunlight)

South- and west-facing balconies bask in full sunlight and are ideal for sun-loving plants. Be mindful of heat and wind, which can dry out containers quickly.

Edible Plants for Sunny Balconies:

  • Tomatoes (cherry, patio, or dwarf varieties)
  • Peppers (hot and sweet)
  • Herbs: Basil, thyme, oregano, rosemary, sage, dill
  • Strawberries (day-neutral varieties like “Seascape”)
  • Lettuce (bolt-resistant varieties)
  • Radishes and carrots (in deep containers)
  • Bush beans and peas
  • Zucchini (in large containers)
  • Cucumbers (bush or patio varieties)
  • Eggplant (compact varieties)

colourful pots hanging on the railing of a balconyOrnamental Plants for Sunny Balconies:

  • Geraniums
  • Petunias
  • Marigolds
  • Lavender
  • Zinnias
  • Salvia
  • Sunflowers (dwarf varieties)
  • Sedums and succulents
  • Cosmos
  • Gazania
  • Verbena
  • Calibrachoa (Million Bells)

Tips:

  • Use light-colored pots to reduce heat stress.
  • Water deeply and frequently.
  • Consider a drip irrigation system or self-watering containers.

Shady Balconies: Partial to Full Shade (less than 4 hours of direct sunlight)

Tiered planters on a balcony, full of lush green herbs.North- and east-facing balconies are more challenging due to limited light, but many plants still thrive in these conditions.

Edible Plants for Shade:

  • Leafy greens: Spinach, kale, arugula, Swiss chard, lettuce
  • Mint (best grown in a container to prevent spreading)
  • Chives
  • Parsley and cilantro
  • Green onions
  • Peas (tolerate partial shade)
  • Beets (for greens)
  • Broccoli rabe

Ornamental Plants for Shade:

  • Impatiens
  • Begonias
  • Fuchsias
  • Coleus
  • Hostas (in large containers)
  • Ferns
  • Caladium
  • Lobelia
  • Torenia (Wishbone flower)
  • Heuchera (Coral Bells)
  • Astilbe
  • Violas and pansies

Tips:

  • Reflective surfaces can boost light levels.
  • Choose light or white pots to brighten the space.
  • Avoid overwatering; shaded areas dry more slowly.

General Tips for Balcony Gardening in Edmonton

Choose the Right Containers: Ensure they have drainage holes. Use larger containers to reduce watering frequency and allow root growth.

Use Quality Potting Mix: Choose a mix designed for containers, not garden soil.

Feed Regularly: Container plants deplete nutrients quickly. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2–3 weeks.

Watch for Wind:

  • Use windbreaks such as lattice panels, bamboo screens, or clear acrylic sheets to deflect gusts without blocking all light.
  • Cluster larger or heavier pots around lighter ones to create natural wind buffers.
  • Anchor tall or top-heavy containers to railings or weighted bases.
  • Choose compact or low-growing plant varieties that are less prone to wind damage.
  • Consider planting grasses or ornamental shrubs like dwarf junipers that tolerate wind well and can act as living screens.

Extend the Season: Use cloches, frost blankets, or mini greenhouses to start early or finish late.

Watering: Early morning is best. Use saucers to catch excess water, but don’t let roots sit in it.

Pollination: Hand-pollinate if necessary (especially for tomatoes and peppers) by gently shaking flowers.

Final Thoughts

With a bit of planning, balcony gardening in Edmonton can be both productive and beautiful. Whether your space is drenched in sunshine or nestled in shade, there are plenty of plants that can flourish in containers. Embrace the microclimate of your balcony, experiment with different plants, and enjoy the vibrant life you cultivate just outside your door.

May your cucumbers climb confidently, your kale stay curly, and your balcony buzz with bees and bliss. Until next time, happy planting in your little slice of sky-high paradise!