Do you have a balcony that you want to make more lively and green? Do you want to grow your own food and flowers in a simple and fun way? Then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we give you tips on the best plants for balcony cultivation and a guide to help you succeed with your cultivation before the summer.
1. Choose plants that suit your balcony
The first thing you need to do is choose which plants you want to grow on your balcony. There are many different types to choose from, but it is important that you take your balcony’s location, size and climate into account. Here are some things to consider when choosing plants:
Location: How much sun does your balcony get during the day? Choose plants that thrive in the light conditions that your balcony has. For example, tomato plants need a lot of sun, while lettuce and herbs can do with less.Size: How much space do you have on your balcony? Choose plants that don’t get too big or take up too much space. For example, you can grow narrow and tall plants such as sunflowers or sugar peas along the railing, and low and wide plants such as strawberries or basil in pots or boxes.Climate: How hot or cold is it on your balcony? Choose plants that can withstand the temperatures of your balcony. For example, you can grow Mediterranean plants such as lavender or rosemary if you have a warm and dry balcony, and Nordic plants such as blueberries or lingonberries if you have a cold and damp balcony.2. Create good conditions for your plants
When you have chosen which plants you want to grow on your balcony, it is time to create good conditions for them to grow and thrive. Here are some things to consider when creating your balcony garden:
Soil: Use a good soil that suits the needs of your plants. For example, vegetables and fruits need a nutrient-rich soil, while flowers and herbs can do with a lighter soil. You can buy ready-made soil in the store or make your own by mixing compost, peat and sand.Pots: Use pots that are large enough for your plants’ roots and have holes in the bottom for drainage. You can use different types of pots, such as plastic, terracotta or metal, but make sure they are clean and free from pests and diseases. You can also reuse old buckets, bottles or cans as pots, but don’t forget to make holes in them.Water: Give your plants the right amount of water according to their needs. For example, tomato plants need more water than lavender plants. Water your plants regularly, but not too often or too little. A good way to check if your plants need water is to stick a finger in the soil. If the soil feels dry, it’s time to water, if it feels moist, you can wait a little longer.Fertilizer: Give your plants extra nutrition by fertilizing them from time to time. You can use different types of fertilizer, for example organic manure from animals or plants, or artificial fertilizer from the store. Follow the directions on the package when fertilizing your plants, and be careful not to over-fertilize them.3. Harvest and enjoy your plants
When your plants have grown big and beautiful, it’s time to harvest and enjoy them. Here are some things to keep in mind when harvesting your plants:
Timing: Harvest your plants when they are ripe and ready to eat or use. For example, you can harvest tomatoes when they are red and firm, lettuce when the leaves are crisp and green, and herbs when they are strongly scented.Method: Harvest your plants in a gentle way that does not damage them or prevent them from continuing to produce. For example, you can cut some leaves from the lettuce or herb with scissors, pick some berries from the bush with your fingers, or pull the entire root from the carrot or potato with your hands.Storage: Store your harvested plants in a way that preserves their flavor and shelf life. For example, you can put vegetables and fruits in the fridge, hang herbs in small bouquets to dry, or freeze berries in small bags.Growing on the balcony is a fun and rewarding project that gives you many benefits. You get fresh and healthy ingredients for your cooking, beautiful flowers and a wonderful hobby that gives you joy and relaxation.
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