Raised beds on the balcony: what you need to bear in mind

A raised bed can transform any balcony into a little green oasis – but before you get started, there are a few important points to consider. In this article, you’ll find out whether raised beds are allowed on balconies, how heavy they can be, how to fill them properly, and which vegetables and herbs thrive particularly well in raised beds on balconies.

Is a raised bed allowed on the balcony?

In short: Yes – in most cases.

In most rented flats and owner-occupied flats, it is generally permitted to set up a raised bed on the balcony. However, it is important to note:

  • The raised bed must not pose a hazard (stability, water leakage).
  • The total weight must not exceed the balcony’s permitted load capacity.
  • For rented flats, if in doubt, you should inform your landlord or property management.

What is the maximum weight a raised bed on the balcony can be?

A filled raised bed can quickly become very heavy. That is why the load per square metre must be strictly observed. Instead of a fixed kilogram recommendation, it is worth checking the balcony’s approved load capacity. It is therefore advisable to choose a raised bed that – including substrate and water – remains well below this load capacity. This ensures there is a sufficient safety margin, and your balcony will not be overloaded.

How do I fill a raised bed for the balcony?

On the balcony, the weight of your raised bed matters. You should therefore use a lightweight layering system that drains water well whilst also saving weight. For balcony raised beds, we recommend a simplified, lighter version of the classic raised bed layering method. It consists of a drainage layer, a small amount of organic structural material and an airy mixture of potting soil, compost and, if necessary, coconut fibre. This keeps the raised bed significantly lighter while still following the tried-and-tested layering principle of a classic raised bed.

Which plants are suitable for a raised bed on the balcony?

A balcony raised bed offers many possibilities despite limited space. The key is to choose plants that grow compactly, are heat-loving or have shallower roots. The following overview shows which plants are particularly well-suited for this.

 

   Vegetables 

Lettuce, rocket, spinach, radishes, snack cucumbers (with a climbing support), peppers & chillies, tomatoes (opt for smaller varieties such as cherry tomatoes)

 

Herbs

 

Basil, parsley, chives, thyme, oregano, rosemary, dill, sage

 

Fruit

 

Strawberries, physalis, raspberries (ideally space-saving or compact-growing varieties)

Which GARANTIA raised beds are suitable for the balcony?

As the ideal solution for the balcony, we recommend the compact and stylish GARANTIA Urban Balcony Raised Bed.