Learning how to grow fresh flowers at home is a healthy hobby that is cost-efficient. Growing plants at home provides exercise, reduces stress, and many beautiful flowers. Moreover, it gives you a sense of achievement when you see flower buds finally starting to bloom.
Everyone doesn’t have the outdoor space for a traditional garden but if you have a sunny balcony, you have plenty of room to start balcony gardening. The balcony space can be maximized by growing a vertical garden, using window-box planters, and hanging baskets.
However you decide to plant your balcony garden, use these tips for success.
Shall we?
How Much Sunlight?
Determine how much sunlight your balcony receives each day. It certainly depends on your surroundings and the direction your balcony faces. Most plants require at least 6 hours each day but some can thrive on more or less sunlight. Select plants according to the amount of sunlight the space receives.
Rotate plants once a week so all sides will receive sunlight.
Containers and Potting Soil
Select the right size container for each plant and make sure the container has a sufficient drainage hole in the bottom.
If the container is too small the plant will become root-bound and stop growing. Without plenty of drainage holes to allow excess water to quickly drain away, the plant will drown.
Some plant pots don’t have a drainage hole in the bottom. You may need to have a smaller container with a drainage hole to fit in these pots and put some stones under the container to let excess water escape.
Add Mulch
The soil in containers will dry out quickly and a 2-inch ( 5cm) layer of mulch (compost, straw, pea gravel, etc,) will help retain soil moisture.
Use a water-soluble plant food mixed at one-half the recommended rate once a week to keep balcony garden plants hydrated and well-fed. Water slowly so soil can absorb it.
Plant Choices
Some plants adapt to life in a container on a balcony better than others These 5 flowers will thrive in a sunny balcony garden. Pick one for your next balcony gardening project!
African violets
They are small, easy-care plants that produce colorful blooms all summer. Place plants in a bright location but not in direct sunlight. Keep soil moist and leaves dry.
Crown of Thorns
This is a member of the cacti family and enjoys full sun and minimal water. The plant will produce pink, yellow, or white flowers from spring through late summer.
Jasmine
This is a fragrant vine that produces small white flowers all summer if soil is kept moist. The plant can grow up to 30-feet (9m) long and 10-feet (3m) wide but is easy to prune to the desired size.
Orchids
This plant will bloom for 6-10 weeks during the summer. Place moss on top of soil to act as a mulch. Water orchid when moss is dry, mist plant during mid-summer.
Scented geraniums
They require direct sunlight and prefer to be watered from the bottom. Place geranium container in a shallow saucer and fill saucer with water so the soil can absorb it from the bottom drainage holes.
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