Match usable pot size, depth and sunlight to a small planting layout, then download it or adjust the plan.
1. Measure the space you can actually use
Count direct-sun hours at the pots, including shadows from walls and rails.
Note each pot’s usable liters and fill depth, leaving watering headroom. Measure the inside, not the outside label.
Check drainage, runoff, access for watering and the permitted loaded weight of your balcony.
Choose the closest starting point below. Each pot holds one target plant or clump in these examples; the drawing shows root positions, not the full spread of mature leaves.
2. Choose a starting layout
Three leafy pots
Three pots with 20 L of usable mix each, at least 20 cm deep; 4 or more hours of direct sun.
Pot 1 · phase 1. Each dot is one target position. 20 L usable · diameter 35.7 cmPot 2 · phase 1. Each dot is one target position. 20 L usable · diameter 35.7 cmPot 3 · phase 1. Each dot is one target position. 20 L usable · diameter 35.7 cm
60 L total usable fill · 3 target positions
Lettuce, chives and compact parsley in separate pots.
Six pots with 8 L of usable mix each, at least 20 cm deep; 4 or more hours of direct sun.
Pot 1 · phase 1. Each dot is one target position. 8 L usable · diameter 22.6 cmPot 2 · phase 1. Each dot is one target position. 8 L usable · diameter 22.6 cmPot 3 · phase 1. Each dot is one target position. 8 L usable · diameter 22.6 cmPot 4 · phase 1. Each dot is one target position. 8 L usable · diameter 22.6 cmPot 5 · phase 1. Each dot is one target position. 8 L usable · diameter 22.6 cmPot 6 · phase 1. Each dot is one target position. 8 L usable · diameter 22.6 cm
48 L total usable fill · 6 target positions
Small chive clumps and compact parsley. Four hours is a trial limit; herbs prefer more sun.
Open your chosen plan, enter usable liters, depth and sunlight, then check drainage and select Apply changes. Review any root-space or light warning before buying plants. Enter mix and seedlings you already own to get the net shopping list.
If your pots differ in size, calculate each group of equal-size pots separately. A plan uses the same volume for every pot in that group. For less sun or shallower pots, change the crop or growing space instead of squeezing in more plants.
Download your adjusted layout or print the complete plan. The downloads above are the unchanged examples.
Why these checks matter
Container choices depend on crop size, depth, volume, sunlight and drainage. Compact cultivars still need their own packet or nursery checks. Our figures are selected planning settings, not a guarantee that every variety will thrive.
