If you’re looking for a rental apartment in Riga, the balcony is often what makes a home truly special. Today, renting is no longer just about square meters — it’s about feeling, comfort, and lifestyle.
Most balconies look the same: a few flowers, a chair, and that’s it. But with a few smart tricks and the right plants, you can turn your balcony into a true “wow” zone that significantly increases the perceived value of your rental apartment.
🌿 1. Start with plants, not furniture
Designers always create the “green structure” first, then add furniture.
👉 Ideal mix:
- 1 larger plant (focal point)
- 2–3 medium plants
- 1–2 trailing plants
This instantly creates depth and a more designed look — especially important in a rental apartment where space is limited.
🌱 Plants that do more than just look good
🌿 Mosquito-repelling & fragrant plants
- lavender
- lemon balm
- rosemary
👉 Your balcony smells amazing + fewer insects
💡 Tip: Place these plants closer to your seating area for maximum effect.
🌾 Plants that move with the wind
- ornamental grasses
- dichondra
- lobelia
👉 Makes your balcony feel alive, not static
💡 These plants work especially well in higher floors with more wind exposure.
🍓 Edible balcony (2026 trend)
- strawberries in pots
- cherry tomatoes
- peppers
💡 Fact: balcony-grown tomatoes often taste better than store-bought ones
👉 Tip: place them in the sunniest spot — the flavor will be much richer.
🥗 BONUS: edible plants almost nobody uses
🌿 Microgreens on the balcony
- arugula
- radish sprouts
- pea shoots
👉 Grow in just 5–10 days
💡 Tip: sow small amounts every week for a continuous fresh supply.
🍋 Lemon balm + mint
👉 Perfect for drinks + fragrance
💡 Tip: grow in separate pots — mint spreads aggressively.
🌶️ Mini chili peppers
👉 decorative + productive all summer
💡 Tip: harvest regularly — it stimulates new growth.
💡 Chili loves lots of sun (6–8 hours daily).
🍅 Cherry tomatoes
👉 very productive
💡 Tip: water evenly to prevent fruit splitting.
💡 Support plants with stakes to avoid breaking under weight.
🌿 Basil
👉 aromatic + perfect for cooking
💡 Tip: pinch the tops regularly to encourage bushy growth.
💡 Prevent flowering to keep the flavor strong.
🌱 Parsley
👉 hardy + easy to grow
💡 Tip: sow gradually for continuous fresh greens.
🥬 Lettuce in pots
👉 quick harvest + regrows
💡 Tip: harvest outer leaves only — the plant keeps producing.
🍓 Wild strawberries
👉 smaller but more flavorful
💡 Tip: grow in partial shade — ideal for smaller balconies.
🌿 Thyme & oregano
👉 low maintenance + hardy
💡 Tip: water sparingly — these herbs prefer drier soil.
🌬️ Plants that can handle Riga’s wind
- lavender
- conifers in pots
- ornamental grasses
💡 Tip: use heavier pots to prevent tipping over in strong winds.
🌿 2. Plants also affect mood and sleep
🌙 Less known but important:
- lavender → relaxing
- mint → refreshing
👉 Even a small plant corner can improve your evening mood and sleep quality.
🪴 3. Designer tricks that increase apartment value
👉 3, 5, or 7 pots create a more natural look
👉 mixing pot sizes adds visual interest
👉 lighting from below creates a premium feel
👉 vertical solutions maximize space
💡 Tip: add LED string lights or solar lamps — they completely transform evening ambiance.
🌡️ 4. Balcony as a microclimate
👉 can be 2–5°C cooler in summer
💡 Tip: plants with large leaves help reduce heat even more.
This is especially important if your rental apartment doesn’t have air conditioning.
📍 Where to buy plants in Riga
- Rīgas Centrāltirgus
- Dārza ABC
- Ksenukai / Depo
✨ Conclusion
Modern apartment renting in Riga is becoming more competitive. The balcony can be the element that sets your home apart.
With a few smart choices, you can:
- improve your quality of life
- increase perceived property value
- create a space you truly enjoy
👉 Even if it’s just a rental, it can still feel like home. 🌿
