Skip to main content
A Singapore Government Agency Website How to identify
Official website links end with .gov.sg
Government agencies communicate via .gov.sg websites (e.g. go.gov.sg/open). Trusted websites
Secure websites use HTTPS
Look for a lock () or https:// as an added precaution. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
GardeningSG
Housekeeping

Good Corridor Gardening Practices

29 September 2023

Common corridors are shared spaces that neighbours can enjoy together. Growing plants in this communal space can be challenging, especially since the corridors need to also be used by the Singapore Civil Defence Force, Town Councils and others. Read how you can maintain your corridor garden here!

Woman in a white shirt tending to a rectangular planter hanging on the inside of the HDB corridor railing

Common corridors are shared spaces that neighbours can enjoy together. Growing plants in this communal space can be challenging, especially since the corridors need to also be used by the Singapore Civil Defence Force, Town Councils and others.

Download our Good Corridor Gardening Practices brochure for reference!

Minimum access clearance

Row of potted plants in a metal hanging baskets on a HDB corridor railing

All corridors need a minimum of 1.2m clearance for the Singapore Civil Defence Force to access homes in the case of emergencies. Keep your plant pots and other materials flush against the walls and parapets to keep the corridor accessible.

Keeping your corridor safe

HDB corridor with hanging baskets and plant stands along the edge of the wall.

Plant pots should always be secured on the inner parapet walls with racks and planters that are stable, even in high wind conditions. Racks with adjustable grips are the most versatile for large parapets, while iron-wrought plant stands are heavy and stable enough to remain upright while holding potted plants.

If you are using catchment plates to hold water, make sure that you remove the water at least once a week to prevent mosquitoes from breeding. Pots with water reservoirs should similarly have their water changed regularly or have BTI granules applied to kill mosquito larvae.

Keeping your corridor garden neat is also a good way to keep it safe. Trimming back overgrown plants, checking pots and racks for damage, and removing debris are some easy ways to make gardening safe and straightforward.

Choosing plants for your corridor

Thumbnail for YouTube video player

As with any other garden, it is best to figure out how much space you can work with, and how much light you receive throughout the year before you choose your plants. In this case, small plants that thrive in containers that can also tolerate shade would be the best choice for most corridors. Do take note that your pot placement will also affect how much light and space your plant will get. For the most amount of light, try to place your racks or pot stands flush against the parapet.

Because corridors also have a lot of traffic, it is also important to choose plants that are not thorny, sharp, or otherwise dangerous to keep you and your neighbours safe.

Close up of a row of vegetables in hanging plastic planters on the parapet wall of a HDB corridor.

Here are some edible plants to grow along your corridor:

For 4-8 hours of direct sunlight

For less than 4 hours of direct sunlight or 4-8 hours of indirect sunlight

A row of ornamental plants in white decorative plastic pots in metal hangers on the parapet of the HDB corridor.

Here are some ornamental plants to grow along your corridor:

For 4-8 hours of direct sunlight

For less than 4 hours of direct sunlight or 4-8 hours of indirect sunlight

Download our Introduction to Community Gardening for more information and references.

Back to top