Plants in boxes - quite a few plants can be kept in appropriate planters both in the garden and on the balcony. The balcony and garden design can be implemented with relatively little effort and you also remain flexible thanks to the mobility of the pots.
The perfect time
If you want to have beautiful plants in the garden and on the balcony in planters throughout the summer, you should plant them at the right time. You shouldn't be impatient, because plants that are moved outside too early may still get night frosts in spring and then die. From May onwards, the right time has come to devote yourself to planting pots for the garden and balcony without having to take the plants back into the house at night. Marguerites, begonias and geraniums in particular are just as popular in pots as plants that are sensitive to cold temperatures.
Tip: If you want to be absolutely sure and possibly even want to use relatively sensitive plants, wait until the ice saints before the pots are then finally planted, because up to this point in time around mid-May there may still be night frosts in our regions come.
Plant only clean containers
Before the tubs are planted, they should be cleaned thoroughly. A hand brush is suitable for removing coarse dirt. After the planter has been freed from the coarse dirt, a damp cloth is used for final cleaning. Some vessels that have already been planted have relatively stubborn limescale deposits. A wire brush can be used to remove this. Alternatively, the plant pot, which is affected by limescale deposits, is placed in a water bath that has been mixed with vinegar or citric acid. In this way, even strong limescale stains can be easily removed.
Correct layering when planting
When placing any plants in pots, it is important that they are protected from waterlogging, some plants react very sensitively to waterlogging and cease to exist, but unwanted waterlogging influences in any case all
Plant healthy growth. The first layer when the substrate is placed in the bucket is therefore a layer of expanded clay that absorbs the excess irrigation water and keeps it away from the sensitive roots. The advantage of expanded clay is that it slowly releases the stored water back to the earth, especially on hot days.A separating fleece is placed over the drainage layer so that the subsequently filled soil is not washed into the expanded clay drainage layer. Only now is the appropriate potting soil poured into the planter. It is beneficial to incorporate a long-term fertilizer, such as compost, as soon as the container is filled with soil. This ensures a continuous supply of nutrients to the plant, which ensures continuous and powerful flowering. As an alternative to compost, horn shavings, which are available at hardware stores or garden centers, can also be worked into the soil. Those who take this precaution no longer have to worry about fertilizing the plants throughout the season. Layering the substrate correctly means...
- first drainage from expanded clay
- then a separating fleece
- then only pour potting soil mixed with slow-release fertilizer into the bucket
Correct placement of the potted plants
Before the plants are put into the tubs, they are removed from the plastic cups in which they were purchased. To do this, the cup is gripped and then squeezed in some places. In this way, the root ball is released from the cup without damaging the delicate root ramifications. Now the stunk of the plant is taken between two fingers and covered with the hand. Then the plant is turned over and removed from the cup with a gentle pull. If the root balls are already strongly matted, they must first be carefully plucked apart. This is important so that the plant later roots perfectly in the substrate. If the plants are in the right place in the container, the
Pour properly
While bedding plants can build up a water supply in the ground through intensive watering, potted plants for gardens and balconies need more tact. The potted plants must be watered moderately but regularly, especially during the growing season in summer. It is best to water in the morning and in the evening, because at slightly cooler temperatures the water penetrates into the water Soil, while in the hot midday hours it evaporates immediately on the surface of the earth and not to the roots got. Soft and lime-free water is perfect, preferably from a rain barrel. Potted plants may only be poured onto the ground, but not over leaves and flowers
Tip: Always water potted plants slowly. Then you can absorb the water well from the dried soil, while it runs through the dry soil directly into the drainage when it is poured quickly.
Equip thirsty plants with an automatic irrigation
Special planters are equipped with a double bottom and therefore have a water reservoir for the plant. Equipped with a water level indicator, the bucket then shows when it is time for watering again. Alternatively, you can buy special vessels that are filled with water and inserted into the ground, which sporadically release the water to the substrate. In addition, special flower boxes are available in stores which, in addition to the double bottom, also have a lateral filler neck over which they can be poured. Incidentally, these pots do not have to be provided with drainage before planting. Clay pots are also very good as planters because they soak up water and gradually release it to the plant. A quick and inexpensive solution are plastic water bottles that are filled with water and put upside down in the substrate. With this solution, the plant can easily be supplied with water for about a week without further watering - this watering is also ideal for shorter trips.
Select the right plants for the tub
There are all sorts of plants that can be put in pots and kept in the garden or on the balcony. First of all, the location of the garden or balcony is important for the selection, because that already decides whether it is earlier May be sun-hungry plants or whether more robust plants that get by with less sun are placed in the tub can be. Incidentally, both garden herbs and deliberately small-scale vegetable and fruit plants that are kept in pots are an ornament and promise a harvest at the same time are becoming increasingly popular. Here, too, it is important to consider the influence of the sun on the plants and their needs. Those who prefer shade should rely on plants such as ivy, fuchsias, primroses or boxwood and chrysanthemum. On the other hand, fruits and herbs, vegetables such as tomatoes or geraniums, dahlias or petunias can tolerate a lot of sun.
frequently asked Questions
- How do I overwinter my container plants? - In general, the plant should be overwintered for its individual needs in terms of light conditions, room temperature and care. It is important for all container plants that they are freed from leaves, weeds and also possible pests before they are sent into hibernation. Faded, diseased areas and dead wood are also removed before wintering. This is the only way for the plant to get through the cold season in a healthy and powerful way.
- How do I protect my container plants from pests? - In addition to good care that strengthens the plant, many hobby gardeners also swear by an infusion also horsetail, which gives the plants strength and protects them from pests and diseases.
Popular plants for gardens and window boxes
- Buddleia: The fragrant butterfly magnet is swarmed by all kinds of butterflies. Many varieties in blue, white and purple. Buddleia is suitable for the vase.
- Sun bride: In numerous yellow, orange and red tones, this approximately 100 to 140 cm high flower wonder provides color from August. The sun bride is one of the most important color props in the autumn garden. Despite her name, the North American prefers adequate moisture.
- Sunflower: If you have a larger area available, the head-high sun worshipers should sow them at different times so that new flowers adorn the vase.
- Sun hat: Safe entry-level perennial that you can't go wrong with. The carmine-red flower stars adorn beds and vases. Attractive fruit heads.
- Flame flower: The upright ornamental shrub is the right flower material for representative beds. Varieties in white, pink and red reach heights of up to 150 cm. Ideal neighbors are chrysanthemums.
- Blue rhombus: A blue miracle in the first year of gardening. The blue rhomb attracts many insects and, with its gray-felted foliage, is ideal for roses. Prefers sunny, bright locations.
- Splendid spar: Magnificent sparrows (astilbe) love partially shaded locations. The wetter the soil, the more direct sun they get. White, red and pink varieties offer a wide selection for every taste. the finely feathered foliage underlines the graceful character of this border perennial.
- Dahlias: The selection of dahlia varieties is gigantic. They bloom reliably in any weather. In contrast to the many other bulbous and bulbous flowers that bloom in spring, dahlias shine with many blossoms in autumn.
- Autumn anemones: Excellent autumn bloomers for partially shaded locations. They also fit very well between woods and spread highlights even on northern locations. Autumn anemones reach a height of about 100 cm. They bloom in many shades of pink and white until the first frost.
- Chrysanthemums: Well-known cottage garden perennials with large flower plates in bright colors that organize a late flower festival in red, yellow and pink. Prefers sunny locations.