If you've always dreamed of having a garden but you don't have a large enough yard, or you don't have any yard you might believe that your dream can never come true. However, even if your condo has only a small balcony you can still have a wonderful, fulfilling garden. You patio or balcony can become home to a flower, herb, or vegetable garden, or you can choose to grow a mixture of all three. Whatever you choose you can have a beautiful, practical garden on your patio or balcony.

The most popular type of patio or balcony garden is a flower garden. This can be the perfect option if you want to spruce up your condo rental and add some color to your outdoor spaces. It is generally easy to grow flowers in pots and most growers supplies stores will have a variety of flowers to choose from. You will just need to arrange them in a pleasing manner on your patio or balcony, and perhaps re-pot them in more attractive containers.

If you want something a bit more practical than flowers consider moving aside your patio set to make room for a small herb garden. Like flowers, herbs will grow well in pots and in additional to being practical often have lovely blooms which will add color and beauty to your outdoor space. Herbs can be grown from seed or purchased already started and potted at a garden supply store or a greenhouse. It is also possible to purchase kits that will aid you in starting your own miniature herb garden. These kits usually include seed, pots, and soil and well as care instructions for your herb garden.

Even if it's a vegetable garden that you've always dreamed of don't give up on that idea either. There are many vegetables that you can grow in pots on your patio or balcony. You might need to do a little more research as some vegetable, like carrots, require extra deep pots in order to accommodate their roots. One vegetable that is particularly conducive to being grown on a patio or balcony is the tomato. Tomatoes can be grown "upside down" in hanging bags, buckets, or specially made tomato planters. These planters can hang from hooks and will grow well in any bright, sunny location. Once you have the gardens all planned out you'll just need the perfect small patio set to complete your spot.

Here's a great balcony garden idea that doesn't infringe on your seating area: