This is how it works on the balcony

The weather doesn't play along before mid-May

The tomatoes that need warmth are only allowed on the balcony when the danger from mid-May frostier Has survived night temperatures. Those who want to devote themselves to their tomato cultivation by then, prefer the plants in the house. At the end of February / beginning of March, the go-ahead will be given for the sowing. the germination sets in at ideal temperatures of 18 to 24 degrees Celsius within 2 weeks.

In order for tomatoes to thrive on the balcony, they need a nutrient-rich, humus-rich and well-drained one Substrate. To prevent waterlogging, cover the bottom of the pot with a drainage made of pebbles, pottery shards or Grit.(€ 49.99 at Amazon *) The self preferred Or put the purchased plant down to the lower leaves and water generously. Place the tomato in a sunny, airy balcony space.

Create a harmonious unity of tomato variety and planter

Choose the planter carefully, as a tomato plant can grow to be quite large. Ideal candidates are Cocktail tomatoes, also known as cherry tomatoes. The smallest sorts can even find space in a balcony box. It is important to note that there is an opening in the floor so that excess irrigation water can drain off. Avoid dark-colored pots as they become extremely hot in summer.

Support supports the tomatoes

If you plant tomatoes on the balcony, an adequate climbing aid should not be missing. You can only rely on one when growing bush tomatoes Climbing aid waive. Experienced hobby gardener set this useful support at the same time as the young plants. This is how you do it:

• A rod thickness of 15 to 25 millimeters is ideal
• the minimum length fluctuates between 1.10 and 2 meters
• Disused women's tights that are cut into strips are suitable as binding material
• alternatively the shoots tie up with raffia or special plant binders from specialist dealers
• Tomato tendrils must never be constricted or injured

Not without rain protection

Protection from rain is just as essential for tomato plants on the balcony as it is outdoors. Handcrafted hobby gardeners quickly build a protective roof themselves. Garden centers and hardware stores offer affordable models. If you only cultivate a few paradise apples on the balcony, an innovative one protects Tomato cap from moisture and thus from the lurking fungal spores of the Late blight.

Tips & Tricks

If you place the tomatoes in the ground at a slight angle to just below the first pair of leaves, this trick promotes the rapid expansion of the roots. If you also put a few nettle leaves in the planting hole, the nutrients give additional growth energy.