28
Feb
Feb
Balcony Gardening
Now that we are in March and the weather is getting ready for planting flowers and gardening, many of us want to create a small garden on our balcony. Although balconies usually do not have much space for this, by considering a few points, we can have a garden that is so beautiful and vibrant that it brings life and freshness to our home. A miniature garden that brings a smile to everyone’s face from afar, and cheers up everyone’s spirits up close:
First of all, evaluate the conditions of your balcony. Before bringing a bunch of seeds, flowers, and plants into your home, pay attention to the light, temperature, and whether the balcony is windy or not. Each plant has specific conditions for better growth. Therefore, let’s get to know our balcony!
The second point is to choose suitable pots! The pot is one of the most important factors for having a healthy plant. A suitable pot should be lightweight with proper drainage so that the plant roots do not drown in water. Moreover, the size of the plant should be proportional to its pot. The plant roots should have enough space for growth but not too much that the plant focuses on root growth and neglects the leaves!
Choose plants suitable for the region and the time you are in! Temperature directly affects the vitality and growth of plants. For example, in March and early April, flowers such as pansies, daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, and herbs such as mint and parsley, which are resistant to cold weather, are good choices for planting and nurturing.
Now it’s time for suitable soil! A healthy plant cannot thrive without good, rich soil. Choose the appropriate soil for your plants, considering that it has proper drainage and contains the necessary organic materials for plant growth. The use of chemical or organic fertilizers should also be done according to the needs of the plant.
Small gardens on balconies, due to their exposure to light and wind, lose moisture from their soil faster and may dry out. We should be careful to water the plants regularly. On the other hand, irrigation should not be excessive, and we should never water the soil again when it still appears wet. Using suitable saucers under pots also helps to keep the balcony clean and tidy after watering.
Since the horizontal space on balconies is limited, you can make the most of the vertical space. Using hanging pots, wall shelves, and railing pots can help us better utilize the space. This way, not only do we utilize all the space, but we also give a much more beautiful view to the balcony.
Regularly take care of the pots! Tending to the pots and removing dry branches and leaves, or removing flowers that have finished their life, not only helps to beautify the pots but also prevents some pests and diseases from infiltrating the plant.
If you get to know the plants, you can naturally repel pests and insects by planting some flowers and plants together. For example, always plant basil alongside vegetables, or plant tomatoes alongside basil.
In March, when sudden weather changes are frequent, it is better to anticipate the conditions. Be prepared to temporarily move the pots indoors for a sudden frost, or consider installing a sunshade or fence in extreme heat and sunlight to prevent sensitive plants from burning.
Use sustainable gardening methods! Gardening on the balcony can be an excellent opportunity to minimize environmental changes. Use environmentally friendly fertilizers, creatively repurpose tools or containers into suitable gardening tools, and collect rainwater for watering plants!
For someone who loves gardening, a balcony is like a canvas for painting! Experience the joy of gardening on the balcony and enjoy planting and nurturing plants and the experience of friendship with these calm and beautiful creatures. Have a good gardening!