Most homes have balconies that can become a wonderful retreat when adorned with climbing and flowering plants. Caring for such a “garden” is quite simple. Plants should be grown in boxes on the balcony. The ideal dimensions for these boxes are about 3 feet long, 10 inches wide, and 9 inches high. They should be made from dry boards that are 0.8 inches thick, sanded on the outside, and painted with oil-based paint in green, brown, or gray. It’s essential to drill a few holes in the bottom of the box to allow excess water to drain.
The boxes can be placed on the balcony floor, but it’s important to elevate each one on three cross slats to prevent direct contact with the floor. If a box is positioned on the outer side of the balcony, it should be securely fastened to the railing with thick wire.
Fill the boxes with soil. You can use regular loose, nutrient-rich garden soil. It’s advisable to mix in well-rotted horse manure or leaf mold. If the soil is too clayey, add about a quarter of the total volume in coarse sand. To enhance the soil’s nutrient content and structure, you can also incorporate peat moss.
Water the soil in the boxes thoroughly until the water drains through. After 2-3 days, once the soil has settled, you can start sowing or planting your plants.
Flowering plants can be planted as small seedlings (with a few leaves), larger saplings, or mature plants (with buds or even flowers). The planting technique is as follows: use a stick to make a hole, hold the plant in your left hand, gently lower the roots into the hole without curling them upwards, and cover them with soil. After that, press the soil around the plant firmly with your fingers. Newly planted seedlings should be watered well and shaded from the sun, at least with newspapers, until they start to grow.
Many plants can simply be sown directly into the soil. Before sowing, level the soil surface and use a stick to create furrows or individual holes at the desired depth. Sow the seeds sparsely; for larger seeds like peas or beans, you can plant a few seeds in each hole. Overcrowding can lead to excessive seed loss and negatively affect the development and growth of the plants.
When filling the boxes, place trailing plants in the first row, relatively tall plants in the second, and climbing plants in the third.
It’s wise to plan how to best decorate the balcony in advance. On southern, southeastern, or southwestern balconies, you can create a cozy gazebo using climbing annuals or perennials for sun protection. Northern balconies are better suited for straight and hanging plants. For the gazebo, construct a frame from narrow slats or pipes. The design will depend on the materials available, but it’s crucial that the frame is lightweight yet sturdy. Attach the frame to the balcony and paint it with green oil-based paint.
If you want the gazebo to quickly become lush with greenery, surround it with annual climbing plants, such as decorative beans. This plant can grow up to 13 feet tall, grows quickly, and blooms profusely with beautiful clusters of predominantly red flowers in early summer. Sow the beans directly into the soil in early May, spacing them 4-5 inches apart and planting them 1-1.5 inches deep. It’s best to place two seeds in each hole, which should be soaked in water for a day before sowing.
Sweet peas can grow up to 6-8 feet tall with proper care. They require fertile, loose soil and need frequent watering and fertilizing. A light sprinkling of wood ash is particularly beneficial. Plant sweet peas in a sunny spot. For more abundant and prolonged blooming, remove all faded flowers and prevent the formation of pods. Sow them in late April or early May directly into the soil, spacing them 3-4 inches apart and planting them 1-1.5 inches deep with seeds soaked a day before planting. It’s better to place two seeds in each hole.
Most houseplants can also be used to beautify the balcony.
Avoid placing houseplants on the balcony in regular clay pots. In such pots, the soil can overheat in the sun and dry out quickly. If the plant is in a small pot, you can bury it in a box filled with soil. Ensure the pot is firmly embedded in the soil without any gaps underneath. For larger pots, use a larger barrel or box. Fill the bottom of the container with soil, place the pot inside, and surround it with soil up to the top.