In July the heat makes itself felt and the vegetable garden on the balcony risks suffering: basil that yellows, stunted tomatoes and plants that seem firm. Behind these problems are hidden common errors, often underestimated.
Cultivating on the balcony has a charm of its own. You can always have fresh vegetables at hand and a small green oasis even in the city, perfect for detaching from daily frenzy. But it is not enough to plant a few seeds: it takes constant attention, especially in the hottest months. Each season has its own rules, and July is one of those periods when the vegetable garden can give a lot but also suffer a lot. The high temperatures, the dry wind and intense light can be allied or enemies, it all depends on how the space is managed and how much care is dedicated to details. That’s why know the More common mistakes of the garden on the balcony in July It can really make the difference, even if apparently they seem nonsense.
It is worth checking your own green corner today: sometimes a forgotten sauce or a dry leaf never removed to block the growth of plants and compromise the entire summer harvest is also enough.
Wrong exposure of the garden on the balcony: too direct sun or too much shade
One of the most frequent errors is to think that the more sun it means more growing. In reality, many Garden plants on the balcony They do not tolerate prolonged exposure to the afternoon scorching sun, especially in July. Tomatoes and peppers, for example, love light, but not the excessive heat that can burn leaves and flowers. At the same time, positioning plants in an too shaded angle does not help: there is a risk slowed down, with pale leaves and few blooms. It is therefore necessary to observe the orientation of the balcony well: Est and South-East are ideal, because they guarantee direct light in the morning and shadow in the hottest hours.
Better still if you can modulate the exposure with curtains, umbrellas or simple shading sheets. Sometimes it takes very little to find the right balance.
Wrong irrigation: too much or too little water
With the heat you tend to water too oftenbut it is a rather common mistake that creates more damage than benefits. The roots, constantly wet, risk rotting and attracting mold and parasites. On the other hand, the water given too rarely can stress the plants and slow down its growth.
How to adjust, then? Here are some signals to be observed:
- If the soil remains wet for many hours, the water is probably too much.
- If the leaves are quickly afflicted during the day, it could serve more frequency.
- The water should be given early in the morning or after sunset, never in the central hours.
Better to opt for abundant but spaced wateringin order to stimulate the roots to look for water in depth.
Poor or old soil: an invisible enemy of the garden on the balcony
Sometimes we start on the right foot but, after a month or two, the plants seem to slow down. The fault of the soil often: too poor in nutrients or simply “exhausted” if used several times.
Vase plants have no way of looking for what they need elsewhere. It is therefore necessary to enrich the ground with Compost, gentle humus or natural fertilizersat least every two weeks.
Another useful trick? Avoid substrates too compact or clayey: in the vases, light, draining mixtures are needed, which do not mix after each watering.
Too small or badly drained vases
A trivial, but still very common error. Small vases mean forced roots, little available land and therefore less water and nutritional reserves. Especially in July, with the heat, the risk is that the plant is stressed in a few hours.
In addition, the Lack of drainage holes It worsens everything: the water stagnates and the roots begin to rot. It is better to prefer large containers, at least 30 cm deep for vegetables such as tomatoes, courgettes or peppers. And under each vase, never forget a draining layer of expanded clay or stones.
Poor rotation or overpopulation
The enthusiasm often leads to fill every available space, but thecrowding Among plants it is never a good idea. Too many roots in the same pot compete for water and nutrients, while the leaves touch each other creating a favorite microclimate with mushrooms and parasites.
Another error is not to vary the crops: it is a basil in the same pot every year, without thinking about the cultivation rotation. But each plant consumes specific nutrients and attracts certain parasites. Alternating is essential to maintain the soil healthy.
Those who love a productive vegetable garden also on the balcony should therefore plan well: less plants but more space for each, rotations between aromas, legumes and leaf vegetables and, if possible, some plant that keeps insects away.
In July the vegetable garden on the balcony can give the best, but it is used to pay attention to detail. Just avoid these 5 errors to transform it into a lush and productive corner, even under the city sun.
There are no miracles: just a little observation, some targeted measures and a lot of patience.
Photo © Stock.adobe
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