Hello and welcome to Jindaiji Saruku!
Today, I’d like to share with you something I’m about to start—balcony gardening.
You might be thinking, “My balcony is tiny… Can I really grow plants there?”
Actually, I believe that very “smallness” makes it the perfect place for beginners to start gardening.
Here in the quiet town of Chofu, spending time with small pots and planters on the balcony has become a precious way for me to connect with nature—even in the middle of the city.
You Can Start Gardening Even in a Tiny Space
My balcony is just about 2 tatami mats in size (around 3 square meters), pretty average for a Japanese apartment. But I’m growing bitter melon (goya), mini tomatoes, mint, and luffa (hechima) there!
Lately, I’ve even started getting into mini bonsai.
Since the space is limited, it’s easy to manage and requires much less effort than you might think.
Watering in the morning before my coffee has become a lovely little habit, and watching the plants grow just a bit each day brings a quiet joy to my mornings.
Closeness You Can Feel—One Plant at a Time
With only a small area, each plant gets its own little spot, and that makes it easier to really care for them.
Naturally, I’ve had to limit the number of plants I grow—but that just means I can give each one more love and attention.
Right now, I’m growing bitter melon from both Kagoshima and Okinawa side by side.
“Which one will grow faster?” “The leaves look different!” “The vines are climbing in their own ways…”
Every little discovery makes me feel like I’m watching over children as they grow.
My goal is to create a full green curtain on my balcony. And yes, the luffa is joining in on the project too!
The Little Joys of Living with Green
A few sweet mini tomatoes, fresh from the vine, enjoyed with breakfast.
A sprig of mint, plucked and floated in a cup of herbal tea.
The luffa has just started to send out its vines, preparing to become part of my summer green curtain.
It not only softens the strong summer sunlight but can also be dried and turned into an eco-friendly natural sponge in autumn!
Even just a small harvest can feel incredibly rewarding when it’s something you’ve grown yourself.
So Many Perks of Gardening on a Balcony!
Here are some of the things I love about gardening in a small space:
- Watering and care is easy!
→ Just 3 minutes a day—perfect for busy mornings. - Less risk of pests
→ Everything’s within sight, so it’s easier to catch problems early. - You get to be creative with space!
→ Hanging, stacking, arranging—your personality shines through layout choices. - Very budget-friendly
→ You can start with just one pot of mint and a 100-yen planter. - Instagram-worthy spots
→ A well-kept balcony becomes your own little urban oasis. - You build mindful habits
→ Noticing even the smallest growth brings a sense of calm and joy.
Enter: Mini Bonsai—A New Challenge
Lately, I’ve been thinking about trying my hand at mini bonsai.
And let me tell you—these tiny trees may be small, but they’re surprisingly deep!
With moss balls, tiny maple trees, and black pine saplings, each little pot becomes its own mini universe.
I’m excited to dive into this peaceful and creative little world.
The world of mini bonsai includes a variety of styles.
Besides classic trees like maples and pines, there are also mini rose bonsai that take advantage of the unique beauty of miniature roses.
At Jindai Botanical Garden, exhibitions featuring these styles are regularly held.
There’s also a style called kusamono bonsai, where seasonal wild grasses from the mountains and fields are planted in small pots to enjoy their natural charm.
Even smaller are the super mini bonsai, where these plants are grown in tiny thimble-sized pots—it’s a fascinating niche within bonsai culture.
I even came across a method for creating mini bonsai using dandelion fluff and roots—and I plan to give it a try!
This is all part of my journey to “bring a little piece of nature close to home.”
And that’s something I hope to cherish for a long time.
Tips for Starting Your Own Balcony Garden
Thinking of starting your own balcony garden? Here are a few beginner-friendly tips:
- Start with easy plants
→ Try mint, mini tomatoes, or basil—they’re hardy and rewarding! - Choose lightweight and breathable containers
→ Plastic or terracotta pots are great options. - Water in the morning or evening
→ Avoid watering at midday in summer—it can overheat the roots. - Check the airflow and sunlight
→ Use a screen or lattice to protect delicate leaves from harsh wind.
In Conclusion: A Life Filled with “What You Have,” Not “What You Don’t”
You don’t need a big yard. You don’t need a lot of soil.
Even with just a small space, you can enjoy the full pleasure of growing and living with plants.
In fact, it’s the limited space that lets you pour in more creativity and care.
In this series, The Joy of Balcony Living, I’ll continue sharing tips and stories about growing mini bonsai, herbs, vegetables, and even creating green curtains—all from a humble little balcony.
Why not start with just one small pot on your own balcony?
Coming Up Next…
In the next article, I’ll be sharing a photo diary of my Kagoshima vs. Okinawa bitter melon project!
Which one grows better? Which one tastes more bitter?
The results might surprise you—let’s explore the world of “local bitter melon gardening” together!
