Balcony flowers thrive in the smallest of spaces. The modest amount of soil around their roots, however, is eventually depleted. Important nutrients are missing, without which growth is not possible. The flower owner must fertilize in a targeted manner and thus fill up the empty nutrient depot.

Coffee grounds are a good fertilizer in moderation

Nutrient-rich potting soil

Flowers newly fetched from the garden center and specimens freshly repotted at home do not suffer from a nutrient deficiency. This is because the potting soil used for planting is already enriched with all the important substances. Balcony plants can still feed on it for several weeks before they have to be fertilized again.

Commercial liquid fertilizer

The easiest way is to provide balcony plants with a commercial liquid fertilizer. However, this must not be given directly to the roots. Since balcony plants have to be watered regularly during their main growing season anyway, fertilizing can be easily combined with this.

Which of the various flower fertilizers (€1.95) is most suitable depends on which plants you are cultivating. Flowering plants have different requirements than those that only produce plenty of greenery. Above all, they need a balance of nitrogen and phosphorus.

tips

Before each fertilizing, loosen the soil so that the nutrients are well absorbed.

The dosage

Follow the manufacturer's instructions for dosing. The packaging will also state the intervals at which you should fertilize. In general it can be said:

  • fertilize more frequently during the main growing season
  • Reduce fertilizing in the off-season
  • adjust completely if necessary

You should also inquire about the requirements of the types of flowers being planted. Some plants also belong to the so-called heavy consumers, while others are content with only a few nutrients.

Notice:
Most balcony flowers are annual or have to overwinter indoors. By then, at the latest, they should no longer be fertilized.

Home remedies as fertilizer

Balcony plants do not necessarily have to be supplied with a purchased fertilizer. In the household, quite incidentally, there is some natural waste that is ideal as fertilizer. For example the following:

  • coffee grounds
  • unsalted vegetable water
  • stale mineral water
  • finely chopped banana peels

Fertilize with a slow release fertilizer

If you want to save yourself the constant fertilizing, you can also use a long-term fertilizer for balcony flowers. They are available in different dosage forms. The best known is certainly the fertilizer stick. (4.48 €)

Category:

Indoor plants