Plants are a wonderful green decor for any place. If you have recently moved into a new apartment and want to make your rooms and balcony look fresh and vivid, you’re probably checking out plants and pots. Choosing the right options can be a challenge. It’s important to match the planters and plants with the space you have. You can’t just get an urban garden planter box for a tiny balcony and limit your space; the planters should meet several criteria. Be sure to choose the right size, material, match the style with the style of the balcony, but also be sure that the plants you want to grow will survive in the said planter. Without further ado, here are all the things you should consider before buying.
Types of Urban Garden Planters
Self-Watering
Every plant is different, therefore, every plant requires different care. Watering, sunlight, and soil – it seems like this isn’t rocket science, but if you have a history of ‘killing’ plants, then a self-watering urban garden planter box is the best choice for you. You can plant anything from flowers to veggies, and the self-watering planter will keep them alive. The planter has reservoir water at the bottom that connects the area where the plant is, with a soil “foot”.
The plants will send the roots down into the soil foot and will draw up as much water as it needs. The water reservoir lets the plant have access to water so you won’t have to think about this part. If you tend to work late or have a busy life that may be overwhelming (so you’ll forget about watering) then the self-watering planter will do the job for you. All you need to do is make sure there is water in the reservoir. Once you fill the planter, be sure that the soil is evenly moist.
Add water from above at the beginning, so the plants can develop their root system. If you have a larger plant, be sure to add mulch to prevent the soil surface from drying. It will improve the performance and when the plant is settled in, simply add water as needed (the water level should be topped off). This type of planter is perfect for balconies of any size. You can plant more than one plant in them and you can always be sure that they have as much water as they need. If you live by yourself or are new to the whole plant care thing, a self-watering planter will help you learn a few things without actually having to deal with dead plants.

Window Box
This type of planter, as the name suggests, sits on window ledges. It’s a perfect outdoor decor, especially if your balcony is on the smaller side.
Make sure to pick pots made of durable materials such as concrete. The heavier the material the better; this way you won’t have to worry whether wind or rain will damage it. The pot should be stable and keep the plants safe without the risk of falling (and injuring someone).
Booth Backrest
If you have a porch or a large balcony, or simply want some greenery in your home, then a booth backrest is a great choice. You can use it to separate areas of one room or balcony. Placing a large booth backrest planter with your favourite plants and let it visually create two areas of a room, while adding some much needed green contrast. If you keep this planter inside, make sure to choose a plant that doesn’t require too much water (so you won’t damage the flooring).
Geometric
Geometric modern planters are quite a cool option since they can fit everywhere. The simple lines and shapes allow you to use them on balconies or porches with various styles, but you can also use them indoors. The geometric shape can fit perfectly a modern minimalism, but it also won’t disrupt a more traditional setting.
Wall Planters

For smaller balconies, where every centimetre is important, it’s best to choose wall planters. Decorate the walls and organize your plants vertically. This way you will have more space and your movements won’t be limited. Choose smaller plants and pots that are durable and can absorb water easily. Wall planters are great to hide wall imperfections, but also to camouflage the AC.
Consider the Climate in Your Area
Before you invest in any planter, be sure that they will survive the climate in your area. Moderate climates are suitable for most planters, but if there are harsh winds or long rainy seasons, things may go south. Even one drop of water could easily damage your planters causing them to crack. When water freezes during winter, it could crack the pots (this may not happen overnight, but long exposure to hot and cold weather will surely lead to such an outcome).
Choose materials such as clay or concrete if the climate is windy. For milder climate plastic, ceramic or terracotta options will work just fine. A rule of thumb is that the pot should endure a range of temperatures between -40 to 60 degrees Celsius.
Match the Planter Style with Your Balcony

Finally, the planter should complement the style of your balcony. Choose colours in the same colour palette. If your balcony is decorated in minimalist and contemporary style, go for simple shapes and colours. For more traditional looking balconies, you can choose planters that have ornaments and have a bolder colour such as red, yellow, gold and so on.