Ten tips for balcony gardening that work.

1. Measure light honestly — 6+ hrs sun for most veg
2. Self-watering containers for busy schedules
3. Vertical grow bags stack 3 tiers in small footprint
4. Over-rail planters double usable space
5. Dedicated potting mix, not garden soil
6. Windowsill herbs year-round
7. One statement plant (small tree, large fern) as anchor
8. Hanging basket of trailing flowers
9. Mirror against a wall doubles visual light
10. Cluster plants — isolated pots read scattered