If you live in a city and want to design your patio or balcony garden, there are some important factors to consider. For most city dwellers, this is an easy way to bring more greenery into their homes. However, since open space is usually limited, you should design and maintain your mini garden in a specific way with lush potted plants and blooming flowers. So before you roll up your sleeves, you can find useful information about gardening in a city apartment here.
This is how a balcony garden can be designed and easily maintained
Before you do thatPlan the design of your balcony garden, you should first find out how many hours of sunshine your balcony gets in a day. Additionally, also observe whether the entire area receives the same amount of sunlight during the day or whether there are some parts that are sunnier than others. This information will help you decide on pot placement, as some plants require more sunlight to thrive while others prefer more shade. It's best to find out which plants you choose are suitable for the conditions of your balcony and the city climate.
When choosing balcony plants, consider how large they will be when fully grown. You don't want one plant monopolizing most of the space and sunlight while the smaller ones fight for attention. Also put together the plant varieties that require a similar amount of light and moisture. ChooseFlower pots and plantersthat correspond to the size of your plants. It's better to start with containers that can accommodate your plants until they reach maturity.
Opt for planters made from porous materials such as terracotta as they offer better drainage. Even if you use planters made of other materials, you should make sure they have holes at the bottom for drainage. Placing a pot on a saucer ensures that water does not spill onto the balcony floor.
Adjust watering and plant care to weather conditions
In addition to sunlight, your plants also need the right amount of water. Water potted plants accordingly according to their individual needs. When the first inch of soil is dry, your plant needs watering. If it is windy or too sunny, water your plants daily as potting soil tends to dry out quickly in such weather conditions. Check the soil moisture to know if you need to water a plant. There are special types of soil for potted plants that are more suitable for the climatic conditions in the city. These have a better balance between drainage and moisture holding capacity. In addition, the city air has different effects on the plants, which is why soil care is an important factor when designing your balcony garden.
The right selection of plant varieties
It is better to grow your balcony or terrace garden with three or four annual and perennial plant varieties. Those that complete their life cycle in one growing season are called annuals. The flowers of these varieties bloom faster and stay in bloom longer. So if you want an abundance of flowers, you can get more annuals, although you will have to plant new ones every year. Therefore, find out which type is best suited to your city's climate and seasons. Perennials live for a few years after they reach maturity. During winter or in the dormant phasePlants appear to be dyingstill and grow back again the following spring or in the growing season. Unlike annual plants, the flowers of perennial plants only bloom for a short time.
While annuals give you the opportunity to constantly change the look of your balcony garden, perennials can form the basic structure of your garden design. It is therefore best to include evergreen plants in your garden. These remain green and leafy all year round, so that your balcony garden can look fresh and well-maintained. Check regularly for the presence of pests and diseases so you can identify the problem as soon as it occurs.
Design the space on the balcony garden and make optimal use of it
If you feel like you have little space on the floor of your patio or balcony, there are a few room design options. For example, you will find plenty of space in height and you could create a vertical balcony garden accordingly. To do this, hang shelves on the walls and railings to fill them with pots overflowing with green plants or flowers.
Many old furnishings can be used for this purpose. A vertical garden and its unusual props create a unique small landscape, tailored to your taste. You can also use tiered holders in different designs to accommodate more plants in a limited space.
Just like rooms, a terrace garden also needs the right accessories. A few colorful pieces bring variety and a touch of whimsy to your balcony. All you need is a few chairs and a small tea table to transform the whole thing into a relaxing seating area with plants. If you have enough space, you can also put a wicker sofa and you will have an outdoor reading corner. Also add a few strategically placed lights to create a cozy atmosphere outside in the evening.
More gardening tips and mistakes to avoid
Don't crowd too many pots together in a limited space. If they are too close together, plants won't grow as they should because they won't get enough light and water. It could also make the balcony look untidy. Also, try not to change the position of a plant when it is growing well. The fact that it thrives in this location means that this area is ideal for the plant.
Also think about the potting soil and do not let it dry out. Placing pebbles and gravel can help prevent evaporation. Another good way to maintain moisture levels is to mulch the soil. Don't let your plant stay in the pot if you see it outgrowing its size. You'll know it's time to transplant your plant into a larger container when it stops growing and when the roots start coming out of the drainage hole in the pot.
Do not drench plants with excessive water. The roots tend to rot in the waterlogged soil. Instead, use less water twice a day – early in the morning and in the evening. This gives the roots more time to absorb the water because there is no bright sunlight drying out the soil. Don't water your plants too quickly with too much water. It is best to use a small watering can for this, as it allows water to spread more easily, covering a larger area with a gentle shower, while a stream of water from a pipe washes away soil and exposes roots. You should also not neglect dead leaves and worn flowers. Keep an eye out for them and remove them immediately to keep your plants looking well-groomed. Leaving dead leaves on the ground also increases the risk of disease or insect infestation.
