Creating a vegetable garden on the balcony is a surprisingly simple way to bring a little nature into everyday life, even in the city. With a few precautions and some well -positioned vases, it is possible to transform a bare space into a small green paradise.
You have never thought about how rewarding it it can be to collect basil fresh just before dinner? Or cut some lettuce leafs grown by you? This type of pleasures is within the reach of anyone, even without green thumb. Just start on the right foot and follow some simple but effective tips.
One of the most beautiful aspects is that a large terrace is not needed. Also a balcony tiny can become a production and relaxing space. The important thing is to know where to start and not be discouraged by the first mistakes.
Choose the right space and evaluate the exhibition
First of all, you have to Observe the balcony well. How many hours of sun takes per day? The urban garden on the balcony needs at least 4-6 hours of direct light. If the exposure is south or south-west, all the better: the plants will grow more vigorous.
In the case of more shaded balconies, there is no need to give up. In fact exist Plants also suitable for half shadowsuch as parsley, mint or cutting salad. The important thing is to adapt the choice of crops to real conditions, without chasing impossible results.
It is also better to do some order and cleanliness, eliminating unnecessary or broken objects, for recover space and enhance it better. A well -kept environment stimulates to take care of it with more pleasure.
Prepare suitable containers and soil
Once the space is chosen, it is necessary to understand Where to put the plants. There are no very expensive vases: recycled containers are also fine, as long as they have holes for drainage. Alternatively, there are the wooden boxes or the bags for cultivation, ideal for optimizing space.
Before planting, make sure you have a universal quality soil of good qualityenriched with compost or organic fertilizer. This will guarantee a nourishing base for all crops. And remember: it is essential to avoid stagnation of water, so inserting a layer of expanded clay or stones on the bottom of the pot is always a good idea.
To help you start in order, here’s what it should be prepared:
- Vases or boxes with drainage holes
- Biological universal soil
- Expanded clay or gravel
- Watering can with long spout
- Labels to recognize plants
You don’t need to buy everything immediately: you can proceed step by step, adding what is missing as it is missing.
Choose the most suitable plants to start
One of the most common errors is to start with too many plants or complicated varieties. Better to focus on simple crops, that grow easily even in pots And they don’t require too much maintenance.
Among the best allies there is basil, but also cherry tomatoes, cutting salad, rocket, mint, parsley and even strawberries. They are generous plants, which give satisfaction already after a few weeks.
Very useful also to organize plants by type, for example:
- Aromatic: basil, rosemary, thyme, sage
- Leaflet vegetables: lettuce, spinach, chard
- Balcony fruits: cherry tomatoes, strawberries, chillies
Some plants can share the same vase if compatible. This allows you to save space and create decorative combinations.
Daily care and small gestures that make the difference
A vegetable garden on the balcony requires constant attentions, but nothing too complicated. The watering is the most delicate part: too little water makes plants suffer, too much can make the roots rot. Better to observe the ground every day and touch it with your fingers.
It is often believed that it is enough to water once in a while, but in the summer it can be used to do it every day, better early in the morning or evening. Also Eliminate dry or damaged leaves It helps to keep plants healthy and stimulate new growth.
Another useful gesture is to rotate the vases every now and then, to grow straight and uniform plants. And every two or three weeks it is good to add a little liquid fertilizer, diluted in the water.
Creative ideas to exploit every centimeter
When the space is little, it is necessary to engineer. They can be used vertical planterspallets transformed into door-door, shelves or even railings as support for suspended pots. The important thing is to exploit the height, not only the surface on the ground.
There are those who hang small jars on the walls with aromatic herbs, or use old kitchen containers in a creative way. Each balcony can tell a unique story, made of plants, perfumes and daily gestures.
After all, it’s not just about growing vegetables. It is a way to slow down a littlereconnect with nature and take care of something. Very little is enough to start. And once the pleasure of collecting your food is discovered, you hardly go back.
Photo © Stock.adobe
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