Many Germans have a balcony. Especially in the warm season they spend many hours there and enjoy the sun. A colorful and beautiful planting is therefore a must for many. There are no limits to creativity and so the balcony at home can definitely keep up with the garden of the neighbour. With these useful tips, nothing stands in the way of a summer on the balcony.

Source: Tchibo.de

Vertical beds, hanging pots and plant bags

Vertical beds or flower stairs offer the opportunity to grow a variety of wonderful plants in a small space. There is space for a colorful variety of flowers on several shelves arranged one above the other. They are also ideal as privacy screens. Another option for planting are trendy plant bags. Made from robust fabric, they offer a modern alternative to classic hanging pots. In addition to flowers, plant bags are well suited for your own small herb garden or even for growing potatoes. If there is a desire for more demanding plants, a small greenhouse is the right choice. A shelf clad with translucent walls with various ventilation options always offers the hobby gardener the opportunity to create the optimal conditions for his plants. Tchibo has great offers for the balcony and other tips so that the balcony becomes a real eye-catcher.

Source: Tchibo.de

Plants for the balcony

Countless plants are available for planting. However, it is important to note how much sun falls on the balcony. Some are ideal for south-facing balconies with lots of sunlight, while others prefer (partial) shade. Which popular plants are good for the respective location is listed in the following table:

Sunny location Shady location
petunia fuchsia
geranium Busy Lizzies
Sage, Thyme & Rosemary crying heart
lavender bluebell

With this colorful selection there is sure to be something for everyone. But of course there are a few more that are wonderfully suitable. When choosing, you should always consider what should happen to the plants in winter, because most balcony plants are not winter-proof. If there is no space available for winter storage and the plants last longer than one season, it is advisable to use special plant species. This is how ferns and hostas survive cold weather, hydrangeas and rhododendrons will bloom again next summer if they have been cut back heavily. Of course, there are also many tips on how to winterize the plants.

The care of the balcony plants

The first question that arises when planting is that of the right soil. Because in narrow tubs or boxes, the plants are particularly dependent on a good substrate. It is therefore advisable to use branded soil. This offers a good absorption capacity for water and fertilizer and remains loose and permeable. Many substrates for balcony plants already contain fertilizer, some even long-term fertilizer that is only used up after more than a month. After that, it is advisable to rework with liquid fertilizer. Depending on the manufacturer's information, this can be added directly to the irrigation water and should be added to the plants every one to two weeks.

The vegetable balcony

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Plants can not only look great, they can also be useful. It is possible to grow fresh vegetables and herbs in addition to colorful flowers - and that on the balcony. Tomatoes, peppers or garden herbs such as basil and rosemary are particularly suitable. The herbs in particular are very easy to care for and give off a wonderful smell. But special varieties of aubergines and carrots can also be grown in tubs. However, in order for the plants to thrive, they need sufficient care. In addition, the larger the vessel, the greater the yield. Pots that are too small can lead to disappointment. Firmly anchored climbing aids are essential for climbing vegetables such as cucumbers or courgettes. Lettuce can be optimally grown in the raised and vertical beds described above.

If there is enough time for care and fun in gardening, it is advisable to raise the plants from seeds. On the one hand, this is significantly cheaper, on the other hand, garden centers often do not offer special young plants for balcony vegetables. From April, sowing can begin on a south-facing balcony, and from May on west- or east-facing balconies.

Creative ideas for the balcony

In order to save yourself from the standard clay pots, fashionable containers for plants can be made from old tin cans. Painted black and with small holes in the bottom, they form the perfect home for all kinds of garden herbs.

Plastic flower boxes (€16.99) are often not a pretty sight. So why not build your own out of old wine crates? With the help of belts (fixed with hot glue or nails), the box can be easily attached to any railing.

Category:

Indoor plants