The balcony plant is of course often just a potted plant. However, more than in a regular garden, the balcony plant can catch more wind on the balcony or roof terrace, for example. Partly for this reason, it makes sense to carefully consider which plants you should or should not put on the balcony. There are also more things to take into account when placing plants on the balcony.
Situation Balcony
Before you buy all kinds of nice pots and plants, it is good to check the location of your balcony. Will there be much or little sun and wind for balcony plants? This affects the plants that will do well or less well. Don’t skip this step, because it’s a shame if your beautifully laid out balcony is no longer such a green oasis in no time.
If necessary, make a sketch of where the sun and wind will come and where not, and then check in the garden center which plants you want where and whether this is feasible. The labels attached to the plants provide all the necessary information. Don’t underestimate the wind if you’re several floors up. There are relatively many plants that will not survive in above-average winds.
Pots for balcony plants
Before you decorate your balcony nicely, it is good to think about the pots you will use. Are they special pots for the balcony? Such as pots with a hole at the bottom to let excess water flow away. Some pots have a pre-drilled hole with a plug in it. This way you can also use such a pot indoors, very ingenious. If it is a completely closed pot or container, make sure there are some holes in it (you can do this with a drill).
After all, the water has to go somewhere, otherwise, the roots of your plant can rot if it rains a lot for a period. You should then also check whether the pots still need to be provided with a saucer or other type of bottom. Can the excess water flow away neatly or will it become a foot bath on your balcony? In the latter case, it is good to work with dishes. These collect the excess water.
Pots with a twist
Gardening on the balcony now has many applications. Pots come in all shapes and sizes and in all colors and for just about every application, for example, vertical gardening in ‘bags’ that you hang on the wall, for sale in jute or plastic. Very useful if you have a very limited space and you still want greenery on your balcony. You can simply put some potting soil in the different bags and then put a (hanging) plant in each bag.
But there are also pots that you hang on or over the railing of a balcony. This saves you space, it makes an ugly railing more beautiful and it sometimes also provides some extra privacy. Match your decoration a bit to get a nice whole. For example, cushions, rugs, or candles are often for sale in the color of the pots. And otherwise, mix the colors into a cozy unity.
Filling Jar
With potted plants, it is always good to place a layer of hydro granules in the pot under the potting soil. On the one hand, excellent as a filling for deeper pots or containers, because complete potting soil is heavier (hydro granules do not weigh much and that is more convenient on a balcony). On the other hand, the hydro granules absorb some excess water, so there is still enough room for the roots to grow.
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Always keep potting soil just below the top edge of the pot, water should not flow over it. Also pay attention to how deep you place the plant, especially not too deep. This can cause the trunk to rot. The information that comes with the supplied plant usually indicates this well.
Why Special Soil
Depending on the plant you put in there is special potting soil. This can sometimes be useful for exceptional plants, for example in terms of color, but also for plants that are very sensitive. However, it is not always necessary and then you can of course always use universal potting soil.
It is wise to periodically add some food. There are different types of rods or balls that dissolve in the soil, pipettes with tubes that slowly drip empty, or the well-known liquid nutrition that you have to add to water. Check the packaging for the frequency at which you should give some extra food.
Water Balcony plants
No matter how beautiful you are going to make your balcony with plants, if they are not watered regularly, your beautiful balcony will soon be a thing of the past. Make it a habit to water your plants. This is important for the preservation of your beautiful plants.
A summer shower can sometimes also provide little moisture for certain plants. Then you think it has rained and so the plant has enough water. However, if a plant has large leaves, it is possible that the drops will roll over the leaf outside the pot. So always check the soil before you decide that the plants do not need water.
Drip System for balcony plants
For the lazier gardener or gardener, there is always an option to install a drip system. It is a very thin hose that is placed along all bins and where holes are made at the level of the bins. This way you get a drip system – possibly with a timer – and your plants are always supplied with sufficient water, even when you are on holiday.
Finally
As soon as the warmer months arrive, it is nice to brighten up the outside again. There will also be plants on the balcony that have not survived or you just want something else in your pots. Take a good look at what you need, only then get started and then enjoy it.