Cultivating urban biodiversity, one container at a time
Living in the city or in an apartment can sometimes make it feel as though contributing to biodiversity is out of reach. A balcony is rarely seen as a space where biodiversity can thrive. However, with a few well-chosen pots and native plants adapted to container growing, it is possible to transform an often sterile urban space into a true micro-habitat that supports pollinators and local wildlife. On its own, a single balcony may seem modest, but at the scale of a neighbourhood, dozens—or even hundreds—of planted balconies form a real network of urban habitats. In cities, every square metre counts, and growing native plants in containers offers a concrete way to support local biodiversity.
Every balcony can make a difference
A balcony without vegetation provides neither food nor shelter for pollinators. In contrast, adding just a few native plants in pots immediately creates essential resources: nectar, pollen, foliage, and temporary shelter. On a small scale, the impact may seem limited, but multiplied across a neighbourhood or a city, it becomes very real.
Cities are made up of fragmented habitats. Balconies, terraces, and green roofs can act as stepping stones that allow insects, birds, and other species to move, feed, and sometimes reproduce. Every space matters, regardless of its size.
Choosing keystone plants to maximize impact
When space is limited, plant selection becomes even more important. Some species play a particularly crucial role in ecosystems: these are keystone plants. They support a large number of insect species and, in turn, the entire food web that depends on them.
Including keystone plants on a balcony helps maximize the ecological impact of a small space. Even a few carefully chosen pots can support more biodiversity than several purely decorative plants with little ecological value.
Successfully growing native plants in containers
Growing native plants in pots is entirely accessible, even for beginner gardeners, as long as a few basic principles are respected.
Before planting, it is important to observe the balcony carefully: actual sun exposure, wind exposure, and the heat retained by urban surfaces. These factors directly influence the choice of plants and containers.
Plants best suited to container growing are generally those that tolerate drought, shallow soils, and exposed conditions. A moderate mature size also makes them easier to maintain in pots. In urban settings, aromatic plants are often a good choice, as they tend to be less attractive to squirrels—a well-known challenge in Montreal.
Choosing the right container is just as important. Wide, deep pots provide better root insulation, reduce water stress, and require less frequent watering. Good drainage is essential, as is the use of durable, frost-resistant containers. In that sense, geotextile pots (such as Smart Pots) are a good choice: they improve drainage, allow better air circulation through the potting mix, and support a denser root system, while helping to prevent the overheating sometimes seen in certain containers on very hot days.
Organic potting soil works well for growing native plants in containers, provided it drains adequately. In pots, drainage is especially important, as water does not move through the soil as easily as it does in the ground. To improve drainage, the soil can be lightened with perlite, which helps prevent compaction and promotes better air and water circulation around the roots. A natural mulch applied to the surface completes the system by retaining moisture, protecting roots, and contributing to more stable growing conditions throughout the season.
What about winter? A simple, low-effort solution
Under the right conditions, native perennials grown in pots have a good chance of surviving winter when containers are left outdoors. Using sturdy containers, ensuring sufficient soil depth, and adding mulch all help insulate roots and reduce cold stress. For urban gardeners, leaving pots in place over winter is also a simple, low-maintenance option that allows plants to regrow in spring without additional effort.
A collection designed for urban balconies
Looking to take action without unnecessary trial and error? Our collection of seeds for container-friendly plants features native plants selected for their ability to thrive in pots and integrate easily into urban balconies. It offers a simple way to garden in the city while having a real impact on biodiversity.
Whether you have a large balcony or just a few square metres, every action counts. Even in the city, it is possible to contribute meaningfully to the diversity of life—one container at a time.
References
Akène. (2025). Five Good Reasons to Add Native Plants to Your Garden… or Your Balcony! Retrieved January 9, 2026, from https://akene.ca/en/blogs/publications-in-english/cinq-bonnes-raisons-d-ajouter-des-plantes-indigenes-a-votre-jardin-ou-a-votre-balcon
Akène. (2025). Keystone Plants: Essential Pillars of Biodiversity. Retrieved January 9, 2026, from https://akene.ca/en/blogs/publications-in-english/keystone-plants-essential-pillars-of-biodiversity
Audubon Society. (2017). Brighten up your balcony or patio with a DIY native-plant garden. Retrieved January 9, 2026, from https://www.audubon.org/news/brighten-your-balcony-or-patio-diy-native-plant-garden
Garden for Wildlife. (n.d.). Native plant gardening for patios and balconies. Retrieved January 9, 2026, from https://content.gardenforwildlife.com/learn/native-plant-gardening-for-patios-and-balconies
Wild Seed Project. (n.d.). Balcony gardens: Planting native plants in pots & containers. Retrieved January 9, 2026, from https://wildseedproject.net/blog/balcony-gardens-natives-in-pots-for-urbanites-and-people-on-the-move
WWF-Canada. (2023). How to create wildlife habitat on your balcony, patio or porch with container gardening. Retrieved January 9, 2026, from https://wwf.ca/stories/how-to-create-wildlife-habitat-on-your-balcony-patio-or-porch-with-container-gardening/