How to Stop Balcony Containers Overheating by June – 5 Smart and Stylish Tips to Cool Plants and Create Shade
Discover planter tricks to beat the heat
A sun-drenched balcony may sound like a dream, but it can prove the downfall of many plants. Carefully nurtured blooms, lush foliage plants and highly anticipated crops can all fail to cope with the magnified, and often harsh growing conditions but thankfully with little know-how there are some simple measures we can take.
Container grown plants require more care than those in the ground, relying on us for their every need. Balcony life can exacerbate this, with regular exposure to strong moisture whipping winds, regular spells of concentrated sun and heat, plus the amplifying effects of surrounding buildings all leading to stressful growing conditions.
Incorporating some balcony shade ideas into your outdoor décor will reap rewards, but there are other expert tips to try too.
Article continues belowBe Selective When Choosing Balcony Pots
When choosing balcony planters, don’t be seduced by good looks alone, there are plenty of other factors to consider.
'For a full-sun location, you’ll want to avoid metal containers altogether,' says Coleman Cosby, Landscape Contractor at Yardzen. 'Metal conducts heat very quickly, transferring it directly to the soil and roots, essentially 'cooking' your plants in extreme conditions. Thin plastic containers are also not ideal, as they tend to heat up rapidly in direct sunlight.
'Fiberglass and resin containers can perform well, but it’s best to choose high-quality versions in light, UV-resistant finishes,' advises Coleman. 'Ceramic containers are another strong choice, especially thick-walled options in light, reflective colors.'
Wood is best used with caution. 'Keep in mind that certain woods, such as redwood, contain tannins that can stain adjacent surfaces if drainage water runs onto patios or decking,' adds Coleman.
A smart way to beat the heat with metal planters is to opt for products with their own self watering system and cooling air gap such as this rolling design from Vego Garden. Equipped with a built-in water reservoir and water gauge, they can regulate their irrigation for an extended period of time.
Opt for Large Scale Planters
With their greater volume of soil, large containers are a practical solution for sun drenched spots.
Slowing down evaporation from the soil keeps roots happier and plants healthier for longer. It also saves on endless repeat watering, which can become a logistical nightmare during hot spells and vacations.
'When it comes to container shape and size it really all comes down to thermal mass,' explains Landscape Designer Gerardo Loayza. 'A small, shallow pod will heat up to the ambient air temperature in a few hours or less, but a massive, deep container has a huge core of wet soil and it takes all day to warm up. Always go deep and clunky rather than wide and shallow.'
This PolyStone Square Planter from Lowes is a stylish choice but if floorspace is tight, opt for tall, conical designs - such as this Zeus & Ruta Composite Planter, also from Lowe's. Water retaining granules, available from Amazon added to the compost are also useful, prior to planting.
Coleman Cosby is a Bay Area native and licensed landscape contractor with over 25 years of experience and a lifelong passion for building and gardening. As Yardzen’s In-House Construction Manager, he helps homeowners turn their outdoor designs into reality with practical, buildable solutions and a clear path from concept to installation.
Gerardo is the CEO and founder of landscape design company Bacqyard. He is a passionate landscape designer who offers outdoor designs at competitive prices.
Try Double Potting and Adding Insulation
Double potting is an effective yet simple solution for safeguarding roots from prolonged heat.
Coleman Crosby explains, 'Placing a plastic nursery pot inside a larger terracotta container can help balance moisture retention and temperature control, where either material alone might fall short.'
Landscape Designer Gerardo Loayza takes this a step further with this smart tip. 'Here's a cool hack: the Yeti cooler hack. If you have a custom wood planter or a container you just really want to use, you can absolutely insulate.
'My favorite cheap hack is to line the inside walls with standard packing bubble wrap before you add soil in there. It creates this thermal break that keeps the root zone shockingly cool and traps moisture inside.'
You can find plastic nursery pots and bubble wrap on Amazon.
Grow Living Umbrellas for Shade
If you are after a green and leafy balcony why not use plants to create shade. 'Instead of fighting the sun, use tough sun-worshiping plants to kind of take the hit and cast a cool micro-canopy for the more delicate plants below,' says Gerardo.
'A few of my favorites are dwarf olive trees; these evolved on baking, rocky Mediterranean hillsides, so a hot balcony is like their natural habitat.'
Bougainvillea is another good option. Gerardo continues, 'if you want that vertical living curtain to block the heat, bougainvillea is the perfect choice.' Awash with papery bracts in vivid shades of hot pink, red, purple, white and sharp yellow, these climbers are hardy outside in USDA zone 9 and love sunny spot in well drained soil.
One of the best fast growing climbing plants, they do have thick thorny stems, so be sure to invest in thorn proof gloves from Amazon and extendable loppers, also from Amazon, to keep them in check.
Growing citrus trees in pots, to create shade, is another nifty idea. Evan Torchio tree expert and CEO of Tree Mender agrees, 'Potted citrus like lemon or lime trees are a beautiful addition to a sunny patio.
They require plenty of sunlight and thrive in warm climates. Just be sure to grow citrus indoors during freezing temperatures,' he adds. Get started with this Citrus Lovers Bundle from The Sill.
Growing up in northern Ontario, Evan has always found solace around trees. He earned a bachelor’s degree in forestry and is a member of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Evan started his career in arboriculture working for a family-owned operation, before starting Tree Menders. Today, his passion is building a successful business where customer satisfaction is top of mind.
Deflect the Heat with Pale Shades
It may sound obvious, but the materials and surfaces surrounding balcony plants play a huge role in regulating the immediate temperature and light levels.
'When we design for sun-drenched balconies, I tell clients to stop treating them like regular gardens and start treating them like micro-deserts,' says Gerardo. 'You have the sun beating down from above and the radiant heat baking off of the buildings and walls and whatever type of floor you have.'
Reduce the effect with pale tones and finishes, as these deflect the sun rays more efficiently and retain less heat. Materials that retain and conduct heat less efficiently such as timber, rattan, recycled rubber and cork are safer options.
If permanent solutions such as painting walls or retiling are a no go, there are plenty of quick but effective tricks to try. Covering dark ceramic tiles with an all-weather rug, such as this geometric design from Wayfair, will add an insulating layer and help reduce the heat around the plants.
While decking tiles that sit above the floor, like these interlocking wood slat design from Walmart, allows cooling air to circulate. Mulching soil in pots with a layer of organic material such as these pine bark nuggets, also from Walmart will retain moisture keep roots cool.
For more sun loving plant inspiration discover how to grow in the hottest corner of your yard and drought-tolerant climbing vines for further ideas.
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