Spring is just around the corner and your balcony is calling you. But how do you transform the gray oasis into a blooming paradise? Sebastian Born from the Horticultural Institute has the answer.
Freising
– The crocuses already attract the first bees when the sun shines, and the tulips are soon ready to enchant with their colors. Spring is almost within reach and the gardening season begins. There is now a lot to do on the balcony too. Even in the smallest of spaces, hobby gardeners can ensure a blooming spring awakening. Sebastian Born, operations manager at the Weihenstephan Institute for Horticulture for two years, gives tips in the FT interview on how you can enjoy your balcony plants for as long as possible.
Mr. Born, is it worth taking care of the balcony now?
The growing season, in which a plant actively grows, begins here in Freising at the beginning of April. This means that it is worth planting containers such as balcony boxes or pots.
And what kind of flowers are the best to plant at the moment?
Pansies, daffodils, primroses, wallflowers, daisies and horned violets are very suitable for spring. If you plant containers with it, you will have something for about six weeks, or longer if the weather is mild. It's even better to start thinking about spring in the fall. For example, you could plant hardy perennials and grasses in the fall along with bulbs of daffodils, snowdrops, crocuses and tulips. Grasses like sedges and perennials like purple bells overwinter very well and still look great in spring, and the onion flowers add a splash of color. This way you have a colorful plant pot from autumn to spring. I can also recommend the horned violet, whose flowers are a little smaller than those of the pansy, but which are much more robust and produce new flowers after the winter.
Expert from the Horticultural Institute gives tips for a blooming balcony
What should hobby gardeners pay attention to on their balcony now so that they have a cozy oasis in summer too?
Good drainage is important when planting at any time of the year. The water should be able to drain easily and never stand in the lower area of the box or bucket for a long time. Coarse material such as expanded clay is suitable as the bottom layer for large vessels. Shards of pottery on drain holes prevent clogging. I would also recommend containers with water storage so that you don't have to water so often. These work either with a wick system through which the water migrates from a chamber into the substrate or via a reservoir in contact with the earth. But even with water storage boxes, I would recommend not leaving the balcony plants alone any longer. It is better to get a watering service - neighbors or family - so that the plants don't dry out. Another important issue is the earth; you shouldn't save money at the wrong end. Many garden centers sell their business substrate, so you can be pretty sure that it is of good quality.
(By the way: Everything from the region is now also available in our regular Freising newsletter.)
How do you recognize good soil?
The simplest indicator is smell. Good soil should not stink or be too wet and clumpy, but should have a healthy, earthy smell and a loose structure.
Which plants would you particularly recommend for the balcony?
Basically, whatever you like is allowed. There is an incredible variety of balcony plants that is constantly growing. Most of the plants prefer full sun. For a north-facing balcony, it makes sense to use plants that can cope with less sun.
There is the right plant for every location
And that would be?
Begonias also thrive in the shade and are quite tolerant of a wide range of lighting conditions. The fuchsia also prefers shade and not full sun. The hard-working Lieschen is perfect for the north-facing balcony because it also blooms in full shade, while the Edellieschen blooms more in partial shade. Basically you can say: There is the right plant for every location. It is best to seek individual advice from specialist companies. They can also inform you how much care a plant needs and what would be suitable. You are welcome to stop by us in Weihenstephan Am Staudengarten. In the summer we exhibited countless balcony boxes that offer lots of inspiration.
Can you do something for insects on the balcony?
Double flowers tend to be worse for insects because they don't have access to nectar and pollen; simple flowers that have a typical daisy shape are better. Dahlias, for example, are available with double and single flowers. Insects also love mint plants. These are usually plants with a high proportion of essential oils such as rosemary, sage, thyme and many other herbs. It's worth going to a nursery on a nice day and observing where most of the insects are.
And what do you think belongs on every balcony?
Definitely a comfortable lounge chair.
You can find even more current news from the Freising district at Merkur.de/Freising.