Planting tomatoes on the balcony offers the whole family a happy treat. Who else is missing a garden? The following lines describe in a comprehensible and practical way how the gardening adventure succeeds.

The weather doesn't cooperate before mid-May

The tomatoes, which need warmth, are only allowed on the balcony when the danger of frosty night temperatures has passed from mid-May. Those who want to devote themselves to their tomato cultivation by then prefer the plants in the house. At the end of February/beginning of March, the starting signal for sowing will be given. Germination starts within 2 weeks under ideal temperatures of 18 to 24 degrees Celsius.

In order for tomatoes to thrive on the balcony, they need a nutrient-rich, humus-rich and permeable substrate. To prevent waterlogging, cover the bottom of the pot with a drainage made of pebbles, shards of pottery or grit. (46.95€) Put the plant you have brought forward or bought ready-made up to the lower leaves and water generously. Place the tomato in a sunny, airy balcony spot.

Create a harmonious unit from tomato variety and planter

Choose the planter wisely, because a tomato plant can take on considerable dimensions. Cocktail tomatoes, also known as cherry tomatoes, are ideal candidates. The smallest varieties even find space in a balcony box. It is important to note that there is an opening in the bottom so that excess water can drain off easily. Avoid dark-colored pots because they get killer heat in summer.

Climbing aid gives tomatoes support

If you plant tomatoes on the balcony, an adequate climbing aid should not be missing. Only when growing bush tomatoes can you do without a climbing aid. Experienced hobby gardeners use this useful support at the same time as the young plants. Here's how to do it:

  • A rod thickness of 15 to 25 millimeters is ideal
  • the minimum length varies between 1.10 and 2 meters
  • Disused women's tights cut into strips are suitable as binding material
  • Alternatively, tie the shoots with bast or special plant ties from specialist retailers
  • Tomato vines must never be pinched or injured

Not without rain protection

Protection from the rain is just as essential for tomato plants on the balcony as it is outdoors. Skilled hobby gardeners quickly build a protective roof themselves. Garden centers and hardware stores offer inexpensive models. If you only cultivate a few paradise apples on the balcony, an innovative tomato hood protects against moisture and thus against the lurking fungal spores of late blight.

tips and tricks

If you plant the tomatoes at a slight angle in the soil just below the first pair of leaves, this trick will encourage the roots to spread quickly. If you also put a few nettle leaves in the planting hole, the nutrients give additional growth energy.

Category:

Vegetable garden