How to Grow Grass on an Apartment Balcony in 8 Simple Steps

Just because you live in an apartment doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a lively patch of grass. Balcony lawns are becoming more common throughout recent years. They’re easy to maintain and they cost very little in terms of an initial investment.

To grow grass on an apartment balcony, you need to choose the proper container, fill it with soil and fertilizer, germinate and plant the seeds, then top them off with more fertilizer. Make sure that you water the grass regularly, and drill drainage holes to prevent root rot.

Throughout this article, you’ll also learn the following information about growing grass on an apartment balcony:

• Detailed step-by-step instructions to grow your boxed grass quickly
• Choosing sod vs. growing your own grass from seeds
• Various product recommendations to get the best results

Choose an 8-Inch Deep Container for the Grass

Growing grass in a container is a trend that is common among gardeners throughout the world. One of the main benefits of this type of grass growth is that it prevents you from dealing with patches of dirt and other unsightly issues.

Apartment grass containers are available in various materials, sizes, colors, shapes, and prices, with each having its pros and cons. Your box could be made from any of these materials: 

• Metal
• Plastic
• Wood (CYS Excel Rustic Planter Box is an excellent, long-lasting choice)
• Terra Cotta
• Concrete
• Fiberglass
• Resin
• Ceramic
• Pressed paper
• Coir

Containers provide physical appeal, and they showcase your creativity, depending on the type of container you use and what you plant. Since grass planted in balcony containers have shallow roots, SF Gate advises that the containers should be just about 8 inches in depth to facilitate the growth of the plant.

Drill Four Holes in the Bottom for Excess Drainage

Grass grown on an apartment balcony will require holes at the bottom of their holders to enhance drainage and plant growth. Without drainage holes, the presence of excess water could result in the oversaturation of the resident soil, and in turn, the root of the grass is deprived of adequate air. Air deprivation can cause root rot, and grass rarely survives once it gets it.

Most of the apartment plant containers out there come with pre-drilled drainage holes. However, if you are interested in a DIY, the simplest way out is to get a drill and the appropriate bit. The general requirement for plant containers is a minimum of four (1/4 inch) drainage holes. Larger plant containers can, however, should have more than four drainage holes, but nothing less.

Fill the Tub with Soil and Fertilizer

After getting the appropriate container, you’ll have to fill it up with soil. Careful considerations will be required as to what type of soil to use. Ensure that whatever soil you choose supports the growth of grass seedlings. Also, do not reuse soil from an existing garden or balcony plant container.

Potting soil is a great choice if you want to start growing the seeds in a potted container. Review my article about growing grass in potting soil if you’re interested.

Start off with a sterile and fresh soil mix to ensure that the grass seedlings are healthy and free of diseases. Before filling up your plant containers, see that the soil mix is adequately moistened but not gloppy or sopping wet. It’s important to note that most soil mixes will contain little or no nutrients; hence, the need for fertilizers.

Germinate the Seeds

Germination involves the sprouting of seeds, and it’s key to the growth of any plants. For proper seed germination, the following are required:

• Darkness
• appropriate temperature
• Oxygen
• Moisture

There are several methods that you could try during the seed germination process, depending on your preference. These methods include paper towel method, Rockwool method, submersion method, and a few others.

Let’s have a quick look at these methods:

Paper Towel Method: For this germination method, you will need paper towels, a heat mat for seedlings, and a covered non-translucent container.

Procedure:

• Thoroughly dampen the paper towels
• Place the grass seeds on the towel and fold it over them
• Place the wrapped seeds in a container and lid it
• Position the light-proof container on the heat mat or other heat sources
• Ensure that the temperature is not too hot (70-80 degrees F)
• Watch your seeds quickly germinate

Note: If you don’t have a light-proof container, you can position it in a dark area.

Rockwool Method: This is a simple, yet advantageous method because you can move your seeds from the sprouting medium to the soil. For this process, you will need spray bottles, heat mat for seedling, Rockwool cubes, and seedling trays with dome-like covers. Here are the procedures required for this method from Full Bloom Greenhouse.

For the submersion method, check here. These germination methods are not all-inclusive, but they’re popular, simple, and easy to comprehend by amateur growers.

Plant the Seeds

When planting your grass seeds, some of the must-do procedures include:

1. Spread the seeds around: Liberally, sprinkle the seeds over the soil surface.
2. Take note of the seed spacing: Ensure that the allowance between grass seeds is about 0.125 to 0.25 inches.
3. Put the seeds under the soil: Cover up the grass seed with 0.25 inch of soil or as stated on the seed packet.
4. Hold seeds in place in the soil: Firmly push the seeds down in place.
5. Water the seeds: Moisten the seed with water from a small watering can or bottle sprayer.
6. The seeds need light to grow: Position your plant container in the sight of light to facilitate its growth. Of course, this process promotes photosynthesis.

You can skip this set if you opt for sod. I have an article about removing the mesh from your sod if you choose to go this route.

Top it Off with More Fertilizer

The necessity of fertilizer cannot be overemphasized, especially when it comes to grass growth in such a small area. Ensure that you top your grass soil mix with more fertilizers when you’re finished planting the seeds.

Water the Grass

Watering your apartment balcony container grass regularly is essential because it only draws moisture from a little amount of soil. Depending on the current weather conditions, your grass may require that you water it a few times each day during windy or hot periods.

However, during cold and rainy periods, less watering will do just fine. In general, it’s advised that you water your plant when you notice soil dryness in the top two (2) inches.

Go ahead and water your balcony grass until excess water flows out freely through the drainage holes at the bottom of the plant container. The soil should be evenly moistened because it keeps the grass fresh, green, and healthy for weeks. However, ensure that the soil doesn’t become soggy to avoid root rot.

For efficient watering cycles, you can use a sink sprayer or spray bottle.

Maintain the Balcony Lawn

Maintaining your grass and ensuring that it lives and thrives properly is as important as setting out to beautify your apartment balcony with plants.

Here are some maintenance tips for your indoor grass:

1. Be on the lookout for the blades of grass: As soon as they are about one inch in height, water evenly and lightly every other day to ensure that the soil is never dehydrated. However, avoid moistening the soil, except when you’re nurturing water tolerant grass species.
2. Trim off the long blades if need be: When your grass begins to grow significantly, you may have to consider trimming off the tops because grass blades grow differently. If you prefer free-form turfs, you can skip this step, but it becomes necessary if not.
3. Do not forget fertilizers: Make sure that you apply the adequate amount of fertilizer. It’s recommended that fertilizers are used once per year, just at the beginning of the growing period. The number of fertilizers you’ll require will be dependent on the type of balcony grass you’re dealing with. Also, the fertilizer could come in handy if you notice slowed growth in your grass.
4. Biennial replanting/removal of dead blades: At some point, you will have to take the plant out of the container soil, divide it into two (2) pieces, and change the soil mix. Cut out the dying parts of the grass and replant both pieces. This particular operation will be required every two years.

Adhering to strict weekly maintenance routines will ensure that your balcony grass stays around and healthy for several weeks, months, or years.

Wrapping It Up

Growing grass on your apartment balcony doesn’t have to be a chore. Whether you choose to plant the seeds in a small pot or a large boxed container, you’ll be able to have your own private lawn.

Here’s a quick recap of the guide:

• Consider the differences between sod and seeds.
• Choose the proper container material for your environment.
• Remember to look for drainage holes to prevent flooding and rotting.
• Maintain the blades of grass to keep it healthy.
• Use the recommended amount of fertilizer.