The right containers for the pot garden
When shopping, choose the highest quality planters possible, preferably made of clay or terracotta. But also buckets and troughs made of natural stone, concrete, metal, wood, wickerwork, fiberglass or (recycled) plastic are very suitable, as long as they are not thin, cheap goods. The size of the containers depends on the local conditions, the planned planting as well as your personal taste.
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High-quality buckets with a water outlet make maintenance easier
Planters should always have a water outlet. Especially for larger buckets, specialty shops also offer constructions with water retention and overflow. These can significantly reduce the frequency of regular waterings. Fully automatic Irrigation systems for potted plants not only secure the water supply during the holiday weeks.
The right place for vegetables and herbs on the balcony
If the fall protection of the balcony is light and air permeable (e.g. B. with perforated metal or plastic railings), the plant containers can stand on the floor. In the case of massive parapets made of masonry, metal or plastic, the vessels should be arranged at least on the south side on the upper edge. Adequate exposure can only be ensured there. If there is a roof overhang, the containers with the tomatoes can stand underneath.
Fill and plant vessels
In our latitudes, the window box season begins around mid-April, with in particular Vegetables sensitive to cold, such as tomatoes, are only put outside after the ice saints should. Before you start potting, you should first clean the vessels thoroughly. Then it continues as follows:
- A drainage layer is filled in as the bottom layer.
- They are especially suitable for this Grit(€ 49.99 at Amazon *) or Expanded clay.(€ 16.36 at Amazon *)
- In the case of pots with a water reservoir, the overflow must still be in the drainage layer.
- If necessary, a filter made of fleece is placed on top.
- Finally, the actual substrate follows.
- High-quality potted plant soil is suitable for this.
- This is where you put the vegetables and herbs.
- Do not forget to wash thoroughly afterwards.
Tips
Do not lose the statics when designing and planting balcony gardens eye: Cantilever balconies are often only designed for a load of around 250 kilograms per square meter. For a 10 square meter balcony this means that it can be loaded with a maximum weight of 2.5 tons.