Anyone who relies on the frost hardiness of their planting in the balcony box faces a disaster of frozen perennials at the end of winter. Due to the exposed location, the root balls in the flower box are vulnerable to severe frost. These instructions explain how to arm a balcony box against the hardships of the cold season.

Well hardy plants can be overwintered in the flower box

Perennials Checkup in the balcony box - preparation begins in autumn

Before the icy wind whistles around the floral ears of the balcony plants, they should be subjected to a careful assessment. In late fall, remove old debris, such as dead branches, wilted flowers, and leaves. Be on the lookout for symptoms of diseases and pests. Cut off affected parts of the plant and dispose of the rest in the household waste. In addition, a pruning before winter is just right for healthy perennials.

Warm winter coat for the flower box - this is how it works

When the plants are perfectly prepared for ice and snow, the flower box (€16.99) is given a warming cover. The thin walls of plastic flower boxes (€16.99) do not offer perennials the reliable frost protection that the garden soil has. Adequate remedial measures are required to replace the natural cold protection of deep bed soil. How to winterize a balcony box:

  • Pack the planter with bubble wrap or several layers of cling film
  • Put on a coat made of fleece, jute or sheep's wool
  • Alternatively, cover with coconut mats (€21.90) that protrude the edge of the box by 5 to 10 cm
  • Cover the substrate with leaves, straw, sawdust or expanded clay

So that the cold doesn't get into the flower box from the ground, slide a block of wood or several polystyrene plates under it. Changing the location to a rain and wind-protected niche on the balcony is also advantageous.

Don't forget to water in winter

All efforts to create a winter-proof flower box will come to nothing if your plants die of thirst. Evergreen and evergreen perennials, grasses and small shrubs continue to evaporate water during the cold season. Therefore, water from time to time on mild days, provided there is no snow cover as a water dispenser.

tips

Once the compulsory work related to winter protection has been completed, the voluntary program follows. With creative decorations, you can stylishly stage the wrapped-up flower box. With fairy lights, shiny balls, rustic pine cones or colorful stickers, the wintry balcony becomes an eye-catcher worth seeing.

Category:

Indoor plants