So that you can avoid balcony planting or mistakes made oftenGardening in springas well as other seasons, you should read some important information about it first. Many city dwellers who live in high-rise buildings and apartments use their balconies to fulfill their desire to have a garden. No matter how big or small your patio or balcony is, you could grow a beautiful bed of potted plants and flowers. However, this also requires time and care by investing appropriate garden care in your balcony plants. So here are the most common mistakes that could be stopping your balcony garden from blooming.
Mistakes can ruin balcony plants
Sometimes spontaneous decisions canPlanting spring flowers on the balcony, pose some risks for the crops. Avoid making balcony planting mistakes by becoming more informed about them. In this way, as a hobby gardener, you can become the proud owner of a flowering bed on your terrace or balcony. By learning more about the common gardening mistakes listed below, you can save yourself a lot of hassle and disappointment when making your planter.
Mistake number 1: If there is no plan for the balcony garden
AOutdoor flower gardenPlanting without proper planning is one of the biggest mistakes home gardeners can make. Just like a ground garden, your balcony garden needs to have a certain structure and aesthetic. Therefore, planning ahead is very important. The best way to do this is to make a simple template of the garden. Figure out the basics, like deciding where to place the pots and how many of them you can fit on the floor. It would also be important to know whether you want to have creepers on the railings or whether you want to add hanging flower boxes and what kind of garden accessories will go there.
Additionally, you should focus on the garden design that works best there. Also think about whether the balcony garden will appeal to your living area and how it will look from a distance. You should also strategically place plants of different sizes in order to achieve thisTo optimally design the garden on the terraceand make it more visually appealing. However, you should not overfill it as this could affect growth if the plants do not get enough sunlight and water.
Mistake number 2: The wrong selection of plant varieties and location
Choosing the wrong plants can also affect your balcony garden. Each plant species has specific sunlight and water requirements, while some plant varieties also have specific flowering times. Therefore, it is important to choose the right variants that suit the conditions of your balcony and the region. For example, if you live in a region with high humidity, triplet flowers may not be useful as they require lots of sunlight and dry air to thrive. Therefore, research in advance which plants are suitable for where you live. The location of your balcony can also be a mistake, sending balcony plants in the wrong direction. A south-facing balcony or terrace receives maximum light in both intensity and duration.
In comparison, a north-facing balcony receives the least amount of light. The incidence of light from the east and west balconies is somewhere in between. Again, it's important to do some research before deciding on the plants to bring into your balcony garden. The plant varieties you choose should fit into the outdoor space even after they are fully grown.
Keep this in mind when planting such crops as seedlings. Choose annual, biennial and perennial plants to keep your balcony plants blooming and green all year round. If you are a newbie, you should not choose plants that require too much care. For example, get a ivy plant as it can improve air quality. The golden fruit palm also freshens the air. Aloe vera and royal basil are good for reducing pollution and dust in and around your living area.
Mistake number 3: Underwatering and overwatering the balcony plants
Both overwatering and underwatering are harmful to plants. It's best to stop watering your plants when you see water coming out of the drainage hole of your planters. Excess watering near the roots can cause them to rot. On the other hand, if plants don't get enough water, the plants dry out and die. Therefore, do the knuckle test to find out if the potting soil has dried out. Insert your finger into the soil up to the second knuckle. If the soil feels dry at this depth, your plants need watering. However, in summer you will need to water most plants twice a day, preferably in the morning and evening.
Mistake #4: Choosing the wrong flower pots or planters
The two things you should consider when purchasing flower boxes or pots are proper drainage and the appropriate size for your balcony or patio. According to gardening experts, a good drainage system is crucial for a balcony garden. As mentioned above, standing water under the pot or too much of it in the potting soil can cause the plant to rot.
So when you buy plants for your balcony, you should be well informed about the size they will reach when fully grown. This could help you better determine the appropriate size of the flower pots you buy. If you see roots coming out of the planters, it means your plant desperately needs a larger container. The plant's roots do not receive enough nutrients and water in a smaller pot, which negatively affects plant growth.
Mistake number 5: Not using fertilizers
Water and sunlight are essential for plants, but a balcony garden also needs additional nutrients in the form of fertilizers. This is precisely why not purchasing fertilizer can be a wrong decision. You can instead purchase a fertilizer specifically designed for container plants or opt for compost. The latter is both organic and environmentally friendly. Mix a handful into the potting soil every two weeks to keep your balcony plants healthy. Regular fertilization is necessary for potted plants as they are used up quickly and are washed out by regular watering.
Mistake #6: Not keeping an eye out for pests or weeds
Regular plant care also includes pest control. You can constantly take care of your balcony plants by carrying out regular maintenance. In addition to pests, try removing weeds and dead leaves, as gardening experts recommend. If you don't remove weeds in a timely manner, they will rob your plant of nutrients. Check your plants regularly, removing weeds carefully to prevent injuries. Last but not least, you need to regularly check your plants for insect and caterpillar infestation.
