- Start free for a second life - implement perennial balcony plants
- Dispose of annual balcony flowers professionally - this is how it works
- Overwinter cold-sensitive summer perennials instead of throwing them away
At least twice a year, balcony gardeners are faced with the question of how to dispose of used balcony plants. In May, summer flowers take over the floral scepter from the spring bloomers. In September/October, summer balcony plants pass the baton to the autumn plantings. This guide gets to the heart of how to deal with wilted plants wisely.
Dried plants are best disposed of on the compost heap or in the compost bin
Start free for a second life - implement perennial balcony plants
Some of the loveliest balcony plants for winter and spring are far too good to be carelessly disposed of at the end of the flowering period. A shining example is the wonderful Christmas rose, which enchants in the wintry flower box with white bowl-shaped blossoms. Place the perennials together with the root ball and as much soil as possible in the bed in a partially shaded location. Where Helleborus niger feel comfortable, they will remain loyal to you for another 20 to 25 years.
Dispose of annual balcony flowers professionally - this is how it works
For annual flowers, curfew is final at the end of the flowering period. The following options are available for professional disposal:
- Pull wilted plants out of the box or tub together with the root balls
- Dispose of in the compost bin
- Alternatively, chop up the plant remains and dispose of them on the compost heap
- Clever: before disposal, harvest the ripe seeds for propagation by sowing
Gardeners with a large balcony should consider investing in a vermicompost. Not only the remains of annual balcony plants can be disposed of in it. Uncooked kitchen waste also finds its way in here to be processed by busy compost worms into valuable natural fertilizer in solid and liquid form.
Overwinter cold-sensitive summer perennials instead of throwing them away
A variety of summer balcony plants come from distant countries and are not hardy. Geraniums, fuchsias and other species thrive in their habitats as perennials. If there is enough space behind glass, the exotic specimens can very well overwinter north of the Alps in order to repeat their flowering spectacle next year.
tips
Carefully inspect each balcony plant for pests before wintering the plant. If aphids and the like catch your eye, targeted control under quarantine prevents the pests from also entering the winter quarters.