Plants are a beautiful way to connect to our environment while supporting birds, pollinators, and other wildlife. When your outdoor space is limited to a small patio or balcony, it can feel challenging to create a garden while battling the heat, long hours of sunlight, and periods of drought that are common in the Southwest.
The good news? With a little seasonal planning and native plants, you can transform your outdoor space into a welcoming oasis for you and local birds.
Understanding Your Options for Small Spaces
Before you begin planting, take a look at the space you are working with.
For most balcony or small patio gardening, a great start is to use large pots with drainage holes. Larger pots let plant roots get more oxygen and retain water. Garden grow bags, hanging planters, or tiered container stands are great options as well. During intensely hot months, consider adding a balcony sail shade or shade cloth to cover your plants. If your floor space is limited, vertical gardening can help you expand your creativity with what you can plant while still giving your plants enough room to grow.
Be sure to plan ahead, and get plants started in the cooler months so they are established before the summer heat hits. In case of a cold snap, frost-tender choices can easily be covered with a sheet, towel, or frost cloth available from local retailers. Start small and commit to caring for a just a few plants at first to get familiar with their individual needs, then add more layers as you gain experience.
Native Plants Support All Life
When considering which plants to work with, it is helpful to think about which plants thrive locally to make it easier for birds and pollinators to recognize food sources.
While we might be inspired to grow plants from other regions, native plants already have the ability to grow within your local environments without creating extra work for maintenance. For heat-intensive environments, it’s essential to look at plants that can survive in containers and smaller spaces. Remember, heat-tolerant does not mean that they won’t need water, and these plants will still require time and care.
To find plants native to your area, check out our Audubon’s native-plants database. It is also helpful to think seasonally when it comes to planting to ensure that you are maintaining their needs while getting the best out of harvesting and blooming during different seasons. Take some time to find plants that could do well in containers within your space and start dreaming!
Help Your Garden Thrive
Once you decide what kind of plants and containers you will be using, remember that the correct soil will support a healthy garden. Visit your local nursery to find the best soil for your plants. Some additional soil supports you could add are compost, worm castings or perlite to support plant growth.
One effective way to ensure easier water retention is by mulching the top of your plants and adjusting for shade when possible. Continue to check your soil moisture and stay on top of watering your plants, as smaller containers dry out faster than in-ground gardens.
With a little patience and ongoing care, your balcony or patio can become a thriving habitat that brings nature and maybe a little bit of magic closer to you.
A few ideas to get you started:
Agave, Aloe Vera, Desert Willow, or Penstemon- for nectar-feeding birds such as Hummingbirds.
Desert Marigold or Sunflowers – for seed-eating birds such as Goldfinches and Sparrows.
Other Native Plants to Consider:
