• What can be cooked from squid: quick and tasty

    It's no secret that store-bought vegetables and fruits, in most cases, are treated with wax and other substances undesirable for the body. Plus, the delivery of products from abroad - unnecessary emissions of harmful gases. There is an exit! Grow fruits, vegetables and herbs on the balcony.

    Grade

    On the balcony, almost all the necessary (at least) food for the table. And we will tell you how to do it correctly and productively.

    What to plant on the north side and what on the south?

    On the sunny south side, plant seeds can be planted in the ground at the end of April. On the western and eastern sides, the planting process takes place a little later - from mid to late May. On the southern balconies, it is good to grow strawberries, and even blueberry bushes.

    And if on the north side, then vegetables are planted at the end of June in seedlings: tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, eggplants, sweet and hot peppers, carrots.

    How to grow carrots on the balcony

    Indoor carrots are planted in late April or May, and often harvested in late July or early August.

    Carrots on the balcony will need a bright spot. To do this, fill the container ¾ with soil. Carrot pots should be at least 13cm in diameter, with a minimum depth of 12cm.

    Sow seeds into the soil and sprinkle them with a layer of soil no more than 1 cm. For quick germination of seeds, light watering is necessary so that the ground is constantly moist, but not wet.

    When the plants germinate and reach a height of about 2.5 cm, they can be thinned or transplanted into other containers and do not forget to water them periodically.

    How to grow radishes on the balcony

    Radishes can be grown in the same way as carrots. Will feel good in the sun and partial shade.

    Important! Too much sun can cause overgrowth of leaves to the detriment of the root system. Therefore, it is better to plant the radishes with larger plants so that they create a little shade. The container for growing radishes should not be too shallow, at least 10 cm deep.

    For growing in containers, varieties are best suited:

    When sowing the seeds, leave enough room for tasty root vegetables to form. Optimal distance is about 5-10 cm. Seeds are sown directly into containers, there is no need to transplant.

    Most types of radish grow quite quickly. Therefore, sowing can be repeated after harvest.

    It is necessary every 2-3 days, more often in warm weather, so that the radish turns out to be soft and juicy. When the radish begins to form roots, you can remove some of the lower leaves at a time to allow the plant to form a root crop.

    How to grow tomatoes on the balcony

    - the most unpretentious balcony plants vegetable crops, are quite fruitful and decorative. For growing on a loggia, it is better to take undersized, dwarf varieties.

    Tall tomatoes have a very powerful root system, and a lot of soil will be needed for its development.

    Low-growing varieties:

    • variety Minibel - small rounded red fruits, fruiting period 15-17 days;
    • variety Angelica - early ripening variety, fruits are red, egg-shaped with a spout;
    • variety Pearl - absolutely unpretentious, tolerates heat, lack of moisture and nutrients, crimson fruits;

    Cherry:

    • , the fruits, respectively, are also red;
    • variety Cherry yellow;
    • variety Cherry black, purple-brown fruits;
    • cherry pink variety

    You can sow seeds from February to April. If sown in February, it will be possible to harvest the crop at the end of June. Plants sown in April will bear fruit in September.

    Before sowing, the seeds are soaked overnight in warm water (approximately 50 degrees), it is convenient to use a thermos. The land can be used from parks, vegetable gardens or bought ready-made.

    How to grow tomatoes at home? Sowing containers are filled with soil, then grooves are made in them with a depth of one centimeter. The grooves are watered with water and seeds are sown in them. In a few days, seedlings will appear that need a lot of light. You also need to ensure that the seedlings do not dry out.

    When the second leaf appears in the seedlings, the plants dive. The seedlings are carefully removed from the soil and placed one at a time in a plastic container filled with soil. Cropped ones work well plastic bottles or sour cream cups. water and leave in the shade for one day.

    Seedlings are watered 1-2 times a day. It is necessary to ensure that it does not dry out, but it is also not necessary to excessively moisturize it. After 10 days, the first feeding is done. You can buy it in a specialized store. Before planting the plants in the pot, you will need to feed them twice more.

    When the seedlings are 30 days old, they are transplanted into a permanent deep pot. For one plant of undersized varieties, 1.5 liters of soil are needed. Pre-watered plant, gently move into a pot or box, container.

    It consists in watering, loosening. It is necessary to remove diseased leaves, extra stepsons (just two stepsons are left above the flower brush).

    How to grow cucumbers on the balcony

    There are special varieties of cucumbers bred for growing on a loggia:

    • Turquoise
    • Moscow hothouse
    • Stresa

    Also suitable varieties:

    • Non-woman
    • early Altai
    • Elegant
    • Rytovsky.

    The ideal soil for growing cucumbers should contain peat, dung humus, small sawdust, turf soil. All components are taken in equal quantities.

    Then you need to add a tablespoon of nitrophoska, a glass of wood earth, and a teaspoon of urea to a bucket of such a mixture. And you can buy a ready-made mixture.

    Cucumber seedlings are grown in the same way as tomato seedlings. After the appearance of 3-4 leaves, the seedlings are ready.

    Ready seedlings are planted in containers, boxes, pots. One plant needs about five liters of soil. Otherwise, during the fruiting period, the soil will dry out greatly.

    On a 4-5 leaflet, it is necessary to tear off the growth bud. It is better to water cucumbers in the evening and in the morning. The water should be at room temperature. It should be remembered that cucumbers do not like drafts.

    How to grow greenery on the balcony

    On the balconies, you can grow not only vegetables,. She feels no worse there than in the field beds.

    For example, on the balcony you can grow onions. In addition, it is one of the most unpretentious plants. Small bulbs or seeds are used for planting. For growing on the balcony, the following varieties have proven themselves well: Strigunovsky, Danilovsky.

    You can grow onions in water. To do this, use jars. The bulbs are placed in water so that their root system is in contact with the water.

    But it is still more convenient to grow onions in the ground. The bulbs are planted close to each other. For the first ten days, the onions can be kept cool and semi-dark, and then they need good lighting.

    The process of forcing green onions will take 20-30 days. To ensure an uninterrupted supply of onions, it is worth using four containers. Plant 40-50 bulbs every week. To obtain green onion feathers, shallots are also grown, the yield of which is several times higher than that of onions.

    Also, on the balcony you can grow parsley. It is better to use these varieties:

    • Curly
    • Sugar
    • Yielding
    • Prima

    These varieties are early ripening and give. Parsley seeds on the balconies begin to be sown in early April.

    In order to grow parsley on the balcony, shallow boxes (18-20 cm) are filled with soil and spilled hot water... Then grooves are made. The depth of the grooves is 1 centimeter, and the distance between them is 10-12 centimeters. Then you need to water the grooves again with warm water. The seeds can be soaked in water for a day, or they can be sown dry.

    Crops of parsley are watered every other day. After emergence, watering is carried out every day.

    Dill- also an unpretentious culture that you can. For the growth and development of dill, a temperature of 17 degrees is enough. Of the balcony varieties, it should be noted:

    • Grabowski
    • Kaskelensky
    • Uzbek-243

    Planting and watering is similar to planting parsley.

    On the balcony you can also . Such varieties are especially suitable:

    • Odessa (the edges of the leaves are corrugated, curly)
    • Mustard leaf
    • Moscow sheet
    • May
    • Kochanny
    • watercress

    The salad is picky about moisture. Therefore, it is better to use square boxes, or special containers with automatic watering.

    In the soil, grooves are made with a depth of 1 centimeter. The distance between them is 12 centimeters. The seeds are sown sparsely. Keep the box in the shade until shoots appear. Salad care is about watering. The crop can be harvested 3 weeks after sowing.

    How to care for your balcony garden

    Soil selection

    Regular soil for plants on the balcony will not work. Here you need to pick up a special soil with humus so that the plants take root better. But since each plant needs a certain land, it is best to purchase a special ready-made mixture in the store.

    Plant care

    Before you start growing, be sure to consider the possibilities of your balcony. As the plants begin to grow, remember that they will get bigger and taller. Therefore, do not plant them too compactly, then it will be possible later. And be sure to tie up fragile stems to the support.

    Lighting

    As for the lighting, it’s easier in the summer. There is plenty of natural sunlight. And in the fall, you need to add artificial lighting. To do this, you can use regular fluorescent lamps that can be placed close to your plants. Then, even in winter, when it gets dark quickly, they will be in sufficient light.

    Shading

    In summer, plants need shade, so darken tomatoes and radishes with paper or a white sheet. And of course, additional moisture is also needed, as a spraying, for both plants and the stem. When it gets cold, it is advisable to transfer the plants to rooms and cover them with a special film.

    Watering and irrigation

    Watering and irrigation is one of the keys to successful balcony harvesting. To keep water constantly irrigating the plants in your absence, you can install a simple system drip irrigation... To do this, use. Holes are made in the lids so that the water only slightly seeps out, and they are turned over into containers with plants.

    Lovers house acrispy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes and aromatic greens are constantly looking for new ways togrow them without extra effort and costs. And the true admirers of fresh vegetables went even further and, having neither a garden nor a summer residence, learned how to grow them right at home - on the balcony. Now there is no need to look for grandmothers with homemade crops in the market. By simply stepping out onto the balcony, you can harvest your own, grown without chemicals. And what aroma awaits such a "gardener" during the flowering period!

    What can be grown on the balcony?

    A selection of plants that will happily grow on a regular balcony apartment building is very large. Having well thought over and choosing the right ones, the balcony can be made not a chaos of the plant world, but a beautiful and useful greenhouse. What to choose so as not to waste time and space? What can be grown at home?

    There are a lot of ideas:

    1. Flowers. What could be more beautiful than flowers? Only a large number of different different colors... You can sow them directly into boxes or large pots. It is worth paying attention to the growth and flowering period of the selected plants. In this way, it is possible to ensure that some flowers will change color, while others will only begin to bloom.

    2. Vegetables. Almost any vegetable can be grown on the balcony. This includes peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants, and even potatoes. You just need to water, feed and harvest them on time. The family, of course, will not feed themselves on vegetables from the balcony, but in winter it is pleasant to eat a fragrant fresh product in any case.

    3. Spices and herbs. This type of plants was one of the first to be settled on the balcony by enterprising housewives, because in winter their prices are high, and you really want to please your relatives with something tasty. Greens are used in almost all dishes, so it makes sense to grow them on the balcony.

    4. Berries. Both strawberries and strawberries are grown on the balconies. Many berry lovers arrange whole fragrant plantations. Perfect solution for those who have babies who only need natural products.

    Why and why?

    Why do this? What is the difference between the grown on the balcony and the purchased one? After all, doing this in such a small area, it is impossible to feed a family. Here are some reasons why many people think about what can be grown at home:

    1. All year round, you can pamper your family with something tasty, aromatic and fresh. Vegetables and berries in winter period store bought cannot boast of this.

    2. In order to save money. After all, fresh vegetables, herbs and berries are quite expensive in winter. Yes, and running constantly in search of a bunch of fresh herbs is not always possible.

    3. This activity has a constructive character. A person receives from him positive emotions and a charge of energy.

    4. There is a category of avid gardeners who cannot sit still even in winter. Thus, the summer cottage season will not end even when there is snow and a blizzard outside the window.

    5. This activity is perfect for those who have children. They will be able to see how plants actually grow and fruits appear on them.

    6. Just as an interesting hobby for those who have nothing to do with their free time.

    Where to begin?

    Those who have not previously been involved in growing vegetables and herbs on the balcony do not know where to start and what to buy. Most beginners have no idea what can be grown at home.

    If there is no experience at all, then it is better not to buy dozens of types of seeds and seedlings. You need to think carefully and choose several types. You can take one representative from vegetables, berries, herbs and fruits. Better to choose unpretentious varieties with minimal requirements. Ideally, these are early maturing varieties, bred specifically for such conditions.

    It is worth examining the plant's requirements for the amount of sun. If there is little light on the balcony, then you will have to illuminate with lamps.

    The next step is the selection of containers for future plants. After reviewing technical requirements, it will be easy to find the right one. Do not forget about the trays, into which excess water will drain after watering.

    Another main element is a variety of feeding. They are different for each plant.

    Finally, you need to prepare the soil for planting seeds.

    Homemade mint

    Mint is a well-known and beloved plant by many. It is often grown for human consumption. It is used in cooking, it is brewed instead of tea, and also for decoration. Fragrant greens can be grown in the cold season. How to grow mint at home to delight yourself and loved ones with a pleasant fresh aroma?

    It is grown in pots, boxes and trays. It all depends on how much mint you need to grow. Two planting methods are used:

    • Planting cuttings.
    • Sowing seeds.

    The first way is faster. If there is nowhere to take cuttings, then sowing seeds is perfect. Loose humus soils with an acidity of 5-7 are best suited for a plant.NSand peat soils.

    For mint comfortable temperature environment - 20-25 degrees.

    How to grow mint at home and what should you pay attention to? She does not like excess moisture, especially in winter, you should not water it often. Better to spray water on the leaves. Drafts should also be excluded.

    But even when the soil is overdried, the plant may die. It is also important to make sure that pests do not appear. If drugs have been used to combat them, it is worth carefully considering the timing of collection.

    Also, the plant does not like direct sunlight. For him, a well-lit, but shaded place is more comfortable.


    Pepper

    Bulgarian pepper is a juicy tasty vegetable loved by many, is quite unpretentious and feels great on the balcony. This fruit will decorate any table, but it costs a littlewait, since the first fruits can only be tasted after 5-6 monthsafter sowing seeds.

    How to grow peppers at home and what is needed for this? Early maturing and self-pollinated varieties are chosen for balconies. Here are the most common ones:

    • Many gardeners have appreciated the pepper variety. Patio Ivo. It is planted both in open ground and on a balcony. Its bright yellow fruits will bring joy and sunny mood to the house.
    • California miracle- an excellent variety of thick-walled pepper. The plant grows up to 75 cm in height. Fruits with a ribbed surface, bright red color.
    • Jupiter F1 - a variety of pepper that has large fruits that change color as a result of ripening from dark green to red.
    • Oh yeah- pepper purple, undersized, juicy and sweet fruits.

    It is also worth remembering the mid-early varieties that delight with the harvest: Swallow, Winnie the Pooh, Gift of Moldova, Novogoshary, Bulgarian-79.

    How to grow peppers at home and what should you pay attention to? There are some conditions, without which it is impossible to harvest:

    • Pepper loves the sun, so you need to place it in the sunniest place. If natural light is not enough, it needs to be backlit with a lamp.
    • Eliminate all drafts, otherwise the pepper may die.
    • Comfort temperature - 20-26 degrees, at night - 18-20 degrees.
    • The soil must be constantly loosened.
    • Peppers are very sensitive and susceptible to pests.
    • Do not forget that the fruits are quite heavy for such a miniature plant, so it must be tied to a trellis.

    There are also bitter pepper lovers who will not refuse to enjoy always freshly picked pepper. With seeds, soil and a suitable container available, the first fruits can be obtained in three months. The bright pepper will delight not only the taste buds, but also the eye. What varieties to choose? Here are the main ones that "balcony gardeners" have already appreciated:

    • The Queen of Spades.
    • Curiosity.
    • Astrakhan 147.
    • Carmen.
    • Elephant trunk.
    • Sweeties.
    • Ukrainian bitter.
    • A twinkle.
    • SuperchiliF1.
    • Indian summer.

    In what conditions does bitter pepper feel more comfortable? To create such, you need to fulfill a few simple conditions:

    • Prepare quality soil.
    • Place the plant on the sunniest side of the house.
    • Replenish the need for moisture in a timely manner.
    • No need to pinch, then the plant will be lush and beautiful.
    • During the period of fruit ripening, do not forget about fertilization.


    Mushrooms at home

    Now, in order to pick up mushrooms, you do not need to go to the forest. They can be grown directly on the balcony. How to grow mushrooms at home without specially equipped premises?

    Everything is very simple! If there is a glazed balcony, it remains to put together a cabinet with shelving and get drawers about 20 cm deep. A ventilation pipe should be built on top of the cabinet, and an electric kettle should be placed below. It will work as both a heater and a humidifier.

    Mycelium (a kind of mushroom seeds) can be purchased at any specialized online store. Different mushrooms may require a different substrate. Some grow well on straw, while sawdust is better for others. Some add poultry droppings, others add wheat. All the information you need is on the instructions for planting the mycelium.

    So how do you grow mushrooms at home so you don't have to shop around looking for fresh produce? Into the prepared substrate v The mycelium is sown evenly over the entire area. From above it is sprinkled with a layer of the same substrate.

    The most favorable conditions for the growth of mushrooms:

    • Temperature 22-27 degrees.
    • Air humidity 80-90%.

    In order to create ideal conditions for mushrooms, you just need to periodically turn on the kettle and monitor the temperature and humidity.

    After 10 days, the overgrown mycelium is covered with a special substrate. It is made from peat and chalk (10: 1). After four days, the temperature can not be increased to more than 17 degrees, but constantly spray from the sprayer, avoiding flooding the substrate. Be sure to periodically ventilate the balcony.

    The crop is harvested every other day for two months.


    Balcony cucumbers

    To grow cucumbers on the balcony, you need to choose varieties that were created specifically for these purposes. The most famous:

    • Cucaracha.
    • Sail.
    • Barnaulets.
    • Gribovsky.
    • Stresa.
    • Matrix.
    • Courage.
    • Turquoise.
    • Dubrovsky.

    How to grow cucumbers at home? To do this, it is worth planting seeds in disposable cups... Further, the sprouts are transplanted into pots or boxes to a permanent growth site. Seeds need to germinate a little before planting. For these purposes, a universal primer is suitable.

    So, how to grow cucumbers at home, because they are woven and they need to create conditions for this? For this, the ropes are pulled in an upright position. Cucumbers grow and gradually begin to braid them.

    How to grow cucumbers at home in the heat? They must be shaded and watered in a timely manner. Avoid watering plants or watering during peak heat. It is best to do this early in the morning or in the evening.

    Bow on the balcony

    The easiest and most familiar to everyone from childhood to get greens in winter is to sprout onions on a feather. Some did such experiments as part of the school curriculum, while others watched as my mother did it. How to grow onions at home and enjoy the genuine taste and aroma of the plant? There are two ways:

    • Landing in the ground.
    • Hydroponics.

    In the first method, a little suitable soil is poured and the bottom of the bulb is inserted into it. In the second, a little water is poured into small containers and the bulbs are inserted so that only the roots are in contact with the water. How to grow onions at home is better not to read, but to try and plant.

    The garden on the balcony is not only useful, interesting, but also incredibly beautiful. Any gardener rejoices at each new leaf, flower and fruit as his achievement. All guests must visit the balcony and admire the harvest.


    Juicy salad

    You can also grow lettuce on the balcony. It is quite unpretentious, but very useful. How to grow salad at home on a windowsill? It’s as easy as shelling pears! To do this, you need a container 20 cm deep, it is better to take wide boxes so that moisture is retained in the soil longer. Be sure to pay attention to drainage so that the roots do not rot. Light moisture-retaining soil is perfect for the plant. Grooves are made in it, and lettuce is sown. Then the seeds need to be watered with warm water, every day you need to irrigate the soil. When shoots appear, the box must be installed in a bright place to be there permanently.

    How to grow a salad at home on a windowsill and take care of it? The plant is unpretentious, it just needs to be watered at least every other day and not placed in direct sunlight.

    The first crop can be harvested in 3 weeks. To delight relatives with a juicy salad all the time, then each next sowing should be done 10 days after the previous one.

    Such a garden on the balcony will help you eat healthy vitamin foods all year round.

    Tomatoes on the balcony

    Most often, tomatoes are grown at home either in winter or due to the lack of land. Seeds sown in September can give the first harvest to the New Year's table. So how to grow tomatoes at home on a windowsill?

    Caring for tomatoes is not too different from caring for any indoor plants, you just need to take into account some features. There are many early-maturing self-pollinated varieties that can produce a pretty good tomato harvest. These include: Florida Petit, Dubok, Pinocchio, Button, Balcony Miracle, Micron, Oxheart, De Barao, Carlson.

    How to grow seedlings at home? For this, a universal soil for vegetables is suitable. You can sow seeds in disposable cups, before that they need to be soaked in a weak solution of potassium permanganate for 15 minutes. When real 2-3 leaves appear on the seedlings, it can be transplanted into pots.

    Use warm water for irrigation. Water the plants in the evening without getting on the leaves. Tomatoes are very fond of the sun, they can be turned every 2-3 days so that all the leaves receive enough light. Tomatoes are fed with fertilizer for vegetables every two weeks. Almost all varieties require tying.

    It's actually not that difficult to grow vegetables at home. You just need a desire and a small amount of time. From the balcony garden, they are chemical-free and always fresh. This option is perfect for young parents who are worried about what their child is eating.

    If suddenly you have a question, what kind of plant to grow at home, so maybe it is worth trying to grow greens or vegetables instead of the usual violets and cacti? It is beautiful, useful and entertaining.


    Fresh parsley

    Parsley is not only tasty, but also healthy greens. It is used in the preparation of broths, meat, fish and cereals. Without it, of course, you can live, but is it worth giving up such a familiar taste? In order not to run every time to the store or to the market for a fresh portion or not to use a product that is not the first freshness, it can be planted on the balcony. How to grow parsley at home and what is needed for this?

    In order to grow greens, you need to have a container and soil, and it is also worth deciding on a planting method. The first method is planting root crops. It gives a crop literally 2 weeks after planting. The second method is sowing seeds in the ground.

    Almost any container with a depth of at least 20 cm is suitable for growing parsley. Parsley loves fertile soil made of peat, humus, turf and sand. You can easily buy it in a specialty store.

    You need to water the plant often, but without much fanaticism. Parsley loves the sun, but the leaves can turn yellow from direct sunlight. With the help of phytolamps, she needs to arrange a 12-hour daylight hours. The main enemy of the plant is aphids, therefore, before planting, the soil must be thoroughly disinfected so that one day you do not find insects on the leaves.


    What can be grown at home and how, we hope, is already clear.It is important to take a little time and think carefully about what is best to plant on the existing balcony, as far as there is enough lighting. If it is also insulated and there are phytolamps, then you can pamper yourself with vegetables, herbs and berries all year round.

    A person is part of a natural ecosystem and it is difficult for him to exist and be always happy in modern city apartments among artificial materials... Some townspeople make up for their communication with nature by gardening and gardening in the country, this is in the warm season. People who plant indoor flowers on window sills know what a pleasant care it is. An even more interesting and exciting direction is the do-it-yourself garden on the balcony. What can be grown on the balcony? If the balcony is well insulated, then it is possible to use it like a greenhouse: to plant vegetables, herbs, berries and even mushrooms.

    What can be planted on the balcony

    So, you have decided to arrange a mini vegetable garden. What to plant on it?

    Vegetables

    The following crops are suitable for growing in a home garden:

    • fruit: cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers;
    • root vegetables: radish;
    • onions: green onions;
    • leafy: lettuce, chard, celery;
    • greens: parsley, cilantro, dill.

    Some grow eggplants. Even medium-sized carrots can be grown at home in the garden on the windowsill. Due to the fact that the balcony room is not very large, you should not try to plant pumpkins, zucchini, potatoes. But to plant vegetables not requiring large volume soil for roots that you really want to grow in your home garden - it makes sense to do this using ready-made developments or experiment. The main thing is to decide to create a garden on the balcony, and what to plant on it - plants that you like to care for, watch, admire. And they will certainly reciprocate you!

    Berries

    The most common berries that are grown in the garden garden are strawberries and strawberries. If you choose the right varieties of berries, you will be able to enjoy them from late spring to early autumn. Growing strawberries and strawberries is not only a harvest of sweet aromatic berries, but also an aesthetic pleasure from contemplating flowering and bright fruits.

    Spicy herbs and mushrooms

    Savory, lemon balm, rosemary, mint, thyme and marjoram grow on the windowsill and balcony in the garden. Spicy herbs are used during cooking. Many of them have different shades of foliage and can become decoration no worse than recognized green pets.
    Honey mushrooms and oyster mushrooms are grown from mushrooms on the balcony. Honey mushrooms are less whimsical. Subject to the light and humidity conditions, the mushrooms will delight with the harvest.

    When to plant

    Having chosen for ourselves what to plant on the balcony, we move on to the next question. Depending on the orientation of the balcony to the cardinal points, the timing of planting will be determined. The south side will provide plenty of light. At the end of April, you can plant seeds immediately in a permanent place. The western side is less illuminated, so it is better to postpone planting to the end of May. The north side of the balcony is also suitable for planting, but they should start in June. You can also use seedlings to speed up the fruiting process. Seedlings can be grown on more sunny windowsills or bought. When growing seedlings in a garden on a window, it is recommended to unfold the container in relation to the sun with the other side every two days so that it grows even and strong.

    Note: Strawberry seedlings, getting into a warm room, celebrate the arrival of spring and begin to develop. Therefore, if the balcony is insulated, you can grow strawberries and strawberries all year round.

    Seed preparation

    For a do-it-yourself balcony garden, as well as for ordinary beds, it is better to prepare seeds for higher yields for planting. The seeds are soaked for about twenty-four hours, especially if they have a dense shell or essential oils like carrot seeds, for example. The seeds are placed in gauze bags and dipped in containers with clean water. Cucumber seeds are soaked for twelve hours. The vessels are kept in a dark place, while the water is changed every four hours, and the seeds are removed for a short time so that they do not suffocate without oxygen.

    You can germinate the seeds before planting. to speed up the process and be sure of their germination. A glass plate is placed on a saucer, seeds are placed on it and a little water is poured so that it does not fall on the plate. The seeds are wrapped in gauze, its ends in contact with water. A moist environment is created in which the seeds hatch well.

    How to organize a vegetable garden

    To create a home garden with your own hands, you need to solve many organizational issues: the selection of containers, soil, ensuring the necessary illumination, temperature.

    Container for planting

    For sowing seeds for seedlings, wooden or plastic flower boxes, containers, basins, pots and, in general, any containers where you can pour soil are suitable. The containers must have holes at the bottom for water drainage. Wooden boxes are supplied with slats so that the bottom is not close to the base, but with a gap. You can use small plastic cups to plant seeds.

    Capacities for the constant presence of crops are determined by the need for plants in the required volume for the root system. It is imperative to provide for the possibility of drainage of excess fluid. They organize a garden on a loggia and in bulk bags, bags. Basically, one plant provides from three to five liters of land, but it happens when the volume is needed up to ten liters, for example, for large varieties of tomatoes. Pallets are installed under the containers. If the container is light, sprinkle the soil with gravel so that it does not turn over under the weight of the fruit.

    On the balcony, they try to effectively use the entire useful volume of the room, placing containers with plants in a vertical plane. To do this, they come up with constructions: shelving, hanging boxes to the walls on hooks, building vertical pyramids from pots.

    For strawberries and strawberries, a construction of two PVC pipes is used: a larger (150 mm) and a smaller (20 mm) diameter. Holes are made in a large pipe every twenty-five centimeters. Holes are drilled in a narrow pipe, through which there will be watering. Wrap it with a thick cloth, insulate the bottom so that it does not leak. Insert one pipe into another, fill the space between them with soil mixture and set the structure on a pallet with gravel. Strawberries are planted in the holes of a large pipe. Watering is carried out through an internal narrow pipe, pouring water into it from above.

    Garden decoration - we make a vertical balcony bed for strawberries

    The soil

    The soil for planting is made loose. You can buy special garden mixes in the store, which indicate for which crops they are intended. Cautious gardeners steam the soil with boiling water or heat it in the oven. You can make a mixture for the balcony bed yourself.

    The options are:

    • peat, turf land, humus, mullein, in the ratio: 5 - 1 - 3 - 1,
    • humus, sod land, in the proportion: 2 - 1,
    • humus, mullein, sod land, in the ratio: 7 - 1 - 2,
    • compost soil, river sand, humus, in the proportion: 1 - 1 - 2 and for each bucket of soil two glasses of ash.

    Ingredients for preparing the soil are harvested in advance in the warm season and stored in a cool place.

    Lighting

    The earlier the plants are planted in the home garden on the balcony, the more they need artificial lighting. In winter, they organize eight hours of additional lighting, in the spring they switch to four hours. For this, fluorescent lamps or phytolamps are used. They are considering the possibility of placing such lamps above the landings and raising them to great height when growing up seedlings.
    If the home garden is on the windowsill, then arrange a lamp in the window opening above the drawers. In the summer season, care must be taken that the sun does not damage the plants, they should be shaded. To do this, use paper or gauze.

    Temperature

    Depending on which plants are grown at home and the stage of their development, you will need to maintain a temperature of fourteen to twenty-six degrees. A thermometer is a mandatory attribute of pet care. The window sill in the cold season should be insulated, the windows are better - double-glazed windows. On the balcony, growing plants in the garden on the windowsill in winter is possible only if the balcony (loggia) is insulated and heated.

    Air humidity

    Dry air can damage seedlings. Sufficient air humidity is one of the prerequisites for the normal existence of plants in a home balcony garden. Use humidifiers, wet gravel boxes.

    As a result of growing plants, the windowsill quickly gets dirty. we have told on this page.

    Features of growing individual crops

    Vegetables: Tomatoes and peppers can be planted directly in a permanent place or grown through seedlings. Carrots, chard, radishes, cucumbers, lettuce and celery are sown in a container where they will constantly grow in a mini home garden. It should be borne in mind that lettuce is unpretentious, tomatoes love the sun, but they also tolerate the shady side. They are planted buried in order to form additional roots. The height of the container for growing them must be at least 35 cm.


    For planting cucumbers, varieties are often chosen that do not need pollination. Radish does not tolerate dry hot weather. Strawberries must be artificially pollinated. To do this, use a soft brush. When planting a plant, you should pay attention to whether it needs artificial pollination. Dill loves shading. Cucumbers and peppers love to be watered with warm water.

    Tip: Water for irrigation should be separated and at room temperature.

    For growing in a home garden, plant varieties are selected that have medium-sized fruits. For example, tomatoes: Cherry Lisa, Cherry black, Cherry pink, Bonsai, Minibel. Although varieties with larger fruits, such as, for example, Angelica, Pearl, also do their job well.

    Hydroponics method

    The hydroponics method has proven itself well, when a nutrient solution enters the roots of the seedlings. There is no soil, and thus a lot of problems are removed, because all kinds of diseases are taken from the soil. The solution should contain potassium, nitrogen, phosphorus and magnesium in the proportion: 2 - 1 - 0.5 - 0.3. The substrate that replaces the soil can consist of gravel, peat, coconut fiber, eggshell, hydrogel.

    To put this method into practice, it is necessary to build a certain device (or buy a ready-made one). A container for the solution is taken, for example, a plastic bucket and a plastic pot with a smaller volume, where the substrate is placed and the plant is planted. Fix the pot in the bucket, for example, by making a hole in its lid. A pipe for solution is fed into the bottom of the pot, a hole for overflow is provided on the side. The solution is supplied by the aquarium pump.

    Growing mushrooms

    Compost first. For him, seed husks, chopped straw and corn cobs, sawdust are suitable. This mass is boiled in a saucepan for two hours. Then the water is drained and the wet mass, cooled to 25 0, is laid out in five-kilogram plastic bags. Each bag contains 250 grams of mycelium.

    First, the bags are hung in a dark warm (20 0) room. The bags are made five cuts after three days. And two weeks later, the first mushrooms appear. The bags need to be hung out on the loggias, because they require twelve hours of lighting and an air temperature of 15 0. It is necessary to ensure that the air is sufficiently humid.

    Home beds are a fascinating activity that requires vigilant attention, accuracy in details and diligence. The compensation will be the harvest, spiritual harmonization, the pleasure of contemplation.

    Garden on the balcony video

    This section provides a short video on the topic of our article. You will see how different types of crops can be placed in a small balcony space.

    The cultivation of decorative flowers is usually associated with a suburban area or dacha, since it is there that you can start planting beautiful flower beds and flower beds as your heart desires and realize your floristic fantasies with almost no restrictions.

    But flower lovers can afford to create a mini-flower garden in an urban environment - on the balcony of their apartment. Beautiful flowers can grow and bloom there no worse than in a suburban area.

    To do this, you just need to competently approach the choice of plants and caring for them.

    Let's talk about important points when creating a home flower garden with your own hands: what flowers for the balcony are best suited for your specific situation, how to care for them and what else can be planted, we will share design tips, etc.

    To a greater extent, the choice of plants will depend on the location of the loggia relative to the cardinal points, on the degree of illumination.

    There may also be a choice: annuals or perennials? The latter require long-term systematic care and, accordingly, a lot of patience from the gardener, so let's talk about annuals.

    Names and photos of flowers suitable for the south balcony

    Most garden flowers are very thermophilic and it is not difficult to make a flower arrangement on the southern balcony.

    Of course, you might think that the more sun the better.

    But you need to consider a few serious points regarding the effect of direct sunlight on flowers:

    1. The scorching rays of the sun burns delicate leaves.
    2. On the south side, there can be searing heat in the summer. In such conditions, flowers require frequent watering and regular spraying.

    When choosing a plant with such an orientation, one should start from the following characteristics of species and varieties: high drought resistance, good ability to tolerate sunlight, light-requiring.

    Pelargonium (Pelargōnium)

    Very similar to geranium, but this different plants... Excellent direct sunlight tolerance. Zonal (Pelargonium x hortorum, Zonal pelargoniums) and ivy-leaved (Ivy-Leaved Pelargoniums) varieties are the most resistant to abundant sunlight.

    Zonal pelargoniums have leaves with a characteristic zonal pattern that differs in color. Flowers are collected in large, umbrella-shaped inflorescences that can be laid along the entire length of the shoot, due to which long flowering occurs. In the presence of sufficient heat and light, such varieties can bloom all year round, starting in March.

    Green Color

    Divas Blueberry

    Knight Scarlet

    Patricia andrea

    Ivy Pelargoniums are distinguished by long, thin stems and tough ivy-shaped leaves. The leaves are covered with a thick cuticle that helps reduce moisture loss during dry periods.

    With an abundance of light, pelargonium will even increase its flowering. She can also do without watering for a long time. True, royal pelargonium is an exception in its kind and in the hottest midday hours it must be shaded.

    Calendula, marigold (Calendula officinalis)

    In addition to being photophilous and drought-tolerant, calendula is also a plant that blooms all summer long. Flowering period: June to September. For long-term flowering, you need to remove wilted inflorescences.

    For loggias, the undersized variety Calendula Officinalis Fiestа Gitana, which has various types of color, is most suitable. Germinates very well from seeds.

    Calendula Officinalis Fiestа Gitana

    Petunia

    Decorating a balcony with these bright, light-loving colors is one of the most popular and proven ideas today. As for drought tolerance, in hot summer conditions on the southern side, they require moist soil, frequent watering (about 2 times a day!). To reduce the need for frequent watering, you need to select deep boxes and mix the hydrogel into the soil.

    Purslane (Portúlaca)

    Abundant flowering of the purslane occurs precisely in the south.

    It perfectly tolerates heat, direct sunlight, does not need frequent watering, as it is a succulent plant (with stems and leaves that can accumulate moisture). Purslane flowers have a wide variety of bright, rich colors, which will allow you to create a variety of color compositions.

    The most used species for growing on loggias: garden purslane, terry purslane, large-flowered purslane.

    Large-flowered purslane

    Nasturtium

    Flowering period: July to September. Grown with seeds immediately in a permanent place. is an unpretentious flower that grows from seeds almost always.

    Nasturtium

    It is interesting that the flowers of different varieties are radically different from each other. There are high-climbing vines that can be used to decorate walls, ampelous flowers for balconies and window boxes (for example, foreign nasturtium peregrinum, reaching a length of 3 m), as well as bushy dwarf varieties.

    Also for the sunny side are well suited: calibrachoa, morning glory, sweet peas, canna, gatsania, scented tobacco, zinnia, stonecrops, all succulents and cacti.

    East and West location - what to plant?

    Orientation is the best option for flower cultivation. Soft, harmonious lighting is suitable for the vast majority of plants.

    Also daisies, heather of various types and varieties, calendula, etc. are perfect here.

    If you have a loggia in the west, this is also a very good option. The sun comes here in the afternoon, not as scorching as during the day. Therefore, plants that love partial shade are well suited here.

    A wonderful option for such an arrangement is verbena, which has voluminous inflorescences with large flowers. It has a large assortment and a large color spectrum. But in order for the flowering of verbena to please you for a long time, it will be necessary to water it daily and loosen the soil.

    A more unpretentious option for the western side is the cedium. It blooms profusely almost until mid-autumn. Climbing plants such as morning glory, grapes, weaving roses will also feel good here.

    Often novice gardeners ask themselves, is it really possible to plant grapes on the balcony and expect them to bear fruit? Yes! To do this, first of all, you need to choose grape seeds of a variety that will not be afraid of the weather conditions in your region.

    Varieties that are not afraid of frost and are resistant to other features of the Russian climate: Laura, Severny and Taezhny.

    What to grow on the north side?

    What can be planted on the north balcony? Usually, landscaping in this arrangement is not an easy task for flower growers, as the plants here bloom poorly or do not bloom at all.

    Therefore, the assortment in this case should be selected primarily according to the shade tolerance criterion.

    Fuchsia

    To bloom profusely, fuchsia does not require abundant lighting, it has enough light from the north side.

    Fuchsia does not like the open sun and heat, but it really needs abundant regular watering, otherwise it will die.

    Begonia

    It grows well in semi-shady and shady areas, requires fertile acidic soil and needs intensive watering and feeding.

    Torenia loves bright, but diffused light, so she will have a place in the boxes behind the balcony. Requires regular watering. The soil for treading must be moist at all times.

    A north-facing balcony is also suitable for growing pansies, balsam, viola, ivy, mignonette, nasturtium, various bulbous flowers (such as daffodils). All these flowers do not like direct sunlight and high temperatures.

    Arrangement of indoor plants

    Arrangement of indoor plants on the balcony seems much easier than garden plants - it would seem that it is simple to transfer plants in pots and arrange them in a composition. But it is obvious that not all house flowers will find the new environment suitable for life. It may be too cold for someone on an open balcony, and too hot on a closed one (due to direct sunlight).

    Placing indoor flowers outside, you need to take into account that night temperatures in spring and early summer are much lower than daytime ones.

    Many indoor flowers tolerate temperature fluctuations within 15-20 degrees, but it should not fall below 12-15. It is especially difficult for plants if a cold snap happened after watering (or rain) - wet roots after a "temperature shock" can rot.

    The question often arises - when can you bring flowers to a glazed or open balcony?

    If flowers can be displayed on glazed (but not insulated) loggias already at the end of April, then on open ones - only by the end of May.

    There are indoor flowers for which life in the open street air is, in principle, impossible. Of course, a lot depends on the climate, but at least these plants are better left at home: cacti, violets, tropical flowers with special requirements for humidity - dieffenbachia, philodendron.

    Composition for a balcony from light-loving cultures, video:

    Choice of boxes

    As for the choice of boxes for flowers, today the market provides a huge assortment. To achieve a harmonious combination in choosing a tone for flower containers, you need to take into account the general style of the balcony, as well as the facade of the house.

    It can be a plastic, wooden or even stone box (there are also such boxes on the market now).

    The box can be suspended with holders or ordinary, placed on a stand. Now you can also buy a "house" for flowers with a special form of attachment to the balcony railing as in the photo.

    In order for your flowers to feel good, the general must-haves for boxes are:

    1. Flower boxes must be durable and weather resistant. Usually, most modern plastic boxes meet these requirements (although in fact it is difficult to determine when buying, since manufacturers of flower containers are not required to label their goods according to these indicators).
    2. There should be drainage holes at the bottom of the box every 20 cm with a diameter of about 1 cm.
    3. When watering, water should not run off onto walls, floors, and sidewalks. For this, pallets with sides about 5 cm high should be provided.

    You can buy boxes for flowers on the balcony at any garden store quite cheaply. There is a large selection in stores such as "Obi", "Leroy Merlin", as well as on Internet portals.

    The price ranges from 150 to 2000 rubles, depending on the size and material of the box.

    Home garden

    Perhaps, in addition to beautiful flowers that will delight the eye, you want to have crops that are useful and something else, for example, delicious fruits. Ornamental plants in combination with fruit and vegetable crops can create a special unique composition.

    It is now possible to create a small vegetable garden at home even in areas with a harsh climate thanks to the work of breeders who have created zoned varieties. For a hot indoor space, growing a vegetable garden is best suited, since this is some kind of a year-round greenhouse.

    Planting tomatoes

    Perhaps the most popular and demanded vegetable for planting on loggias among Russians is tomatoes. In an apartment garden, it can be both varieties with large fruits, and with small ones, for example, cherry tomatoes.

    Tomatoes can be grown both by seeds and seedlings, but for conditions with a cold climate, it is still better to stop at the second option.

    It is better to plant tomato seedlings on closed balconies in early May, and on open ones it is better to start growing in early summer.

    It is necessary to arrange the sprouts in such a way that direct sunlight does not fall on the leaves, you also need to take care that there is no stagnation of water in the ground.

    To increase the yield, it is necessary to pinch off all twigs and leaves that are higher than the fifth or sixth flower brush. It is advisable to plant tall tomatoes at a distance of about 40 centimeters from each other and be sure to tie them to supports.

    Planting cucumbers

    It is very important to choose exactly self-pollinated (not requiring pollination by bees) cucumber varieties for your garden. It can be such varieties: Gribovsky, Dubrovsky, Courage, Parus, Cucaracha, Stresa.

    When growing, it is necessary to properly treat the watering of cucumbers - the soil should always be moist. It is necessary to periodically remove the antennae (at least once a week).

    To increase yields, pinch the tops of the cucumbers, form one stem. Also, supports are needed for cucumbers, they can be decorated with a beautiful trellis, from which cucumber lashes will create a beautiful green wall, which can well complement your floral arrangement.

    Strawberry

    Everyone's favorite strawberry is suitable for growing in almost any conditions. But a good harvest can be obtained with correct fit, proper care, watering and pollination.

    On balconies, strawberries are grown in a regular rectangular container, as well as in hanging pots or whatnot.

    When buying strawberry seedlings, you need to find out the resistance of the variety to diseases and the fruiting period (it is better to purchase both early and late varieties, which will ensure continuous collection of berries).

    The Albion strawberry variety is distinguished by its multiple fruiting. If you need a frost-resistant variety, then this is the temptation strawberry.

    What can be planted from greenery?

    In addition to vegetables and berries, of course, you can plant healthy greens. For example, spices that you can use in your kitchen: basil, rosemary, mint, thyme and sage.

    They are sown directly into the ground. You can also grow different types of green lettuce. You can buy seeds in almost any specialized online store.

    Balconies with strong wind

    For the stability of flower plantings and to avoid falling, it is recommended to lay heavy stones on the bottom of the containers / planting boxes, you can also fasten the boxes together and tie them to the balcony railing.

    You also need to take into account that the higher the floor, the stronger wind... Starting somewhere from the 7th floor, it is better not to keep large plants. In this case, it is better to plant begonia, marigolds or ageratum.

    Several interesting ideas so that your flower corner can become a place that truly delights the soul:

    With the onset of cold weather on the balconies it becomes boring and deserted. Summer plants have faded and only empty pots remind of greenery. But this is not a reason to abandon the balcony until spring, you can equip a winter garden and admire its beauty in the harsh cold weather. It is unlikely that it will be possible to equip a winter garden on an open balcony if it is in a cold climatic zone... The maximum that can be done is to decorate it with fir compositions. But on the closed ones, glazed balconies there are much more opportunities. Snow does not cover them. Temperature can fluctuate. If the thermometer drops to minus 10 ° behind the glass, it will be positive on the balcony. When it is severe frost outside up to 25 - 30 °, the temperature on the insulated balcony will be up to minus 5 °. There are plant species that do well in this temperature regime.

    Winter plants for the balcony

    Winter plants for the balcony should be selected depending on your location, climatic conditions and conditions of detention.

    Citrus fruits can winter at a temperature of + 7 °.
    Cacti are very adaptable plants. They can tolerate not only drought, but most species do well at a temperature of +5, and some of them are not even afraid of frost.
    Plants such as laurel, pelargonium (geranium), fuchsia, hydrangea, chrysanthemums, boxwood are adapted for temperatures of + 5-6 °.
    Camellias can become a decoration of the balcony in winter, they tolerate temperatures up to minus 5 °. Ideal conditions for her it is a balcony, and in which the temperature is from 0 to 15 °.
    Conifers araucaria, thuja, cypress, cryptomeria. The temperature of the content for them in winter is + 6-10 °.

    Each flower or shrub requires individual conditions, so we will consider how to care for the most popular frost-hardy winter plants.

    Heather and Erica

    Heather is a low, unpretentious shrub, does not wither when cold weather sets in, and in frost it simply freezes, but does not change its decorative appearance. Common heather (Caluna vulgaris) and Erica (Erica carnea) are suitable for balconies. You can buy the plant in garden stores or in the market. From August to November, the heather is strewn with flowers, small flowers resemble bells, and on the branches-inflorescences there are double flowers, similar to roses.

    Shrubs are usually planted in pots, heather loves sour soil, you can add peat to the soil or buy a ready-made potting mix. With the onset of frost, the shrub actually dies, but does not lose its magnificent appearance. Therefore, watering is carried out before the onset of severe cold weather.

    Erica and Heather are very similar at first glance. Erica is also a frost-hardy shrub, but blooms from January to April. For autumn bloom, from September to November, it is recommended to plant the species Erika gracilis. Optimum temperature content from 7 to 15 °. During flowering + 8 °. Water Erica 2 times a week. The plant needs good lighting.

    Related article: How to grow a hellebore on the balcony

    Juniper

    Junipers, one of the few coniferous plants, perfectly tolerate wintering in containers - with complete freezing of the earthen coma. Juniper is not picky about the composition of the soil, but it is still better to add peat and sand.
    Very often a bonsai or bonsai tree is formed from the plant. To enhance the effect, they are sometimes planted on stones. The plant does not tolerate stagnant moisture, so intensive watering is not required. In the cold season, watering is rarely done.

    Euonymus

    The euonymus (Euonymus fortunei) can grow up to 60 cm and up to 2 meters near the wall. In winter, the leaves turn purple-red. After frost, the plant acquires its usual color. Preferred temperatures for euonymus in summer are + 18-20 °. In winter + 6 °.
    It can carry more low temperatures, but for this it is necessary to strengthen the roots: put a wooden plank or polystyrene under the pot and wrap the pot with batting. In the summer, the plant is watered abundantly, and in the winter, it is significantly reduced. Euonymus is one of the most popular plants for winter gardening of the balcony.

    Boxwood

    Boxwood is an original green decor element. Without human intervention, the plant can reach impressive sizes, but skillful hands make bonsai out of it, create magnificent green sculptures. The plant can overwinter on the balcony, provided that the temperature does not drop below + 10 °.

    Small conifers

    Dwarf conifers- frequent guests on the balconies. Having planted such plants as araucaria, cypress, yew, thuja, you can enjoy the healing tart smell without leaving the forest. Such plants calmly tolerate the temperature on the balcony up to minus five degrees.
    In autumn, it will not be difficult to buy these plants in pots or tubs. Dwarf plants grow very slowly, add one centimeter per year and do not like a haircut. Therefore, some winter plants for the balcony can be purchased in advance and kept all year round.

    News from partners

    Decorating a balcony or loggia in an apartment with flowers is a great opportunity to make a beautiful green corner for relaxing in the city. Here you can also put a small wooden table with chairs and enjoy evening tea and sunset. Not all garden flowers can grow on the balcony.

    In this article, you will learn what is the best to grow flowers on the balcony in boxes.

    1. Marigolds

    Heat-loving yellow marigold heads are an integral feature of summer containers, garden flowerpots and balcony boxes. They are easy to grow from seeds or purchase seedlings, they are unpretentious, bloom from early summer until frost. Removal of faded inflorescences prolongs flowering.

    In addition, if you are thinking what flowers to plant on the sunny side, then these are marigolds. They love sunny places. The only thing is that in a drought you need to water it regularly, do not overdry the soil.

    The most popular marigold varieties are rejected hybrids. There are bushy varieties, in this case you will need only a couple or three plants for the balcony box. To make these yellow flowers look beautiful on the balcony, choose the low 15 - 30 cm species. Terry or semi-double inflorescences, up to 5 cm in diameter, are perfect for a balcony box.

    2. Calendula, marigold

    A flower that is undemanding to the soil. These are flowers for the balcony, sunny side or light partial shade. It is completely unpretentious, can be affected by powdery mildew and aphids. Refers to plants that bloom all summer. The flowering time is from June to September. For long-term flowering, you need to remove faded inflorescences.

    The original form is calendula officinalis, for balconies and loggias you need to choose the undersized variety Fiestа Gitana - 30 cm, which have different colors. It is very easy to grow at home from seeds. For early flowering, calendula seedlings can be planted in the second half of February.

    When creating an unusual balcony design, it is better to plant calendula together with other flowers - pansies, bulbs (daffodils, tulips), ampel petunias, ornamental cabbage, ornamental and spicy herbs.

    3. Nasturtium

    Annual nasturtiums are flowers for the southern balcony. Blooms from July to September. Sow with seeds immediately to a permanent place. These are unpretentious flowers for balconies, they grow from seeds almost always. A unique garden plant, flowers of different varieties are completely different from each other:

    There are vines for draping the walls, that is, you can pick up varieties and grow curly flowers for the balcony;

    Ampel flowers for the balcony and window boxes - foreign nasturtium peregrinum, the length of the lianas reaches 3 m;

    Bushy dwarf varieties for flower beds.

    foreign nasturtium

    curly nasturtium

    4. Petunia

    The most popular flowers in boxes for growing on the balcony are petunias. Thanks to their varied colors, long flowering, a variety of varieties and species, they create a unique design on the balcony.

    What flowers to plant on the balcony of petunias:

    Ampel varieties of petunias are planted in large garden pots or hanging pots for balconies, loggias and summer verandas (these varieties need to be sown for seedlings earlier than spray ones - in early - mid-February);

    Multi-flowered bush species.

    Beware of purchasing flower seeds with one stem, they are completely unsuitable for balconies and loggias. In this case, 1 stem will grow with a pot with several flowers at the top.

    The scheme of planting petunias in a balcony box is 15 by 15 cm. One-row and two-row planting of petunias in a box on the balcony is possible.

    How to create flowers on the balcony design:

    For a single row planting, plant 3 pink and 2 purple petunias alternating in color;

    For a two-row planting in a box, place erect flowers in the background, and ampelous varieties in the foreground.

    5. Pelargonium

    Most often, geranium is called pelargonium, which is grown in pots, like a houseplant. Pelargonium is one of the unpretentious plants to care for, it grows quickly, blooms well and abundantly. By the way, with proper care, pelargonium can bloom all year round. It has a pleasant spicy aroma, which is exuded not by flowers, but by leaves. A great plant for a balcony in a warm period.

    In addition, with pelargonium, you can create wonderful flower arrangements complementing them with other colors. Here is one of the schemes of what to plant on the balcony of flowers:

    pelargonium white and red;

    immortelle.

    6. Nemesia

    Flowers of nemesia are one-, two- and tricolor. Blooms early, in hot summer flowering may be short. A second wave of flowering is possible, closer to autumn. To do this, you need to prune the stems after the first wave of flowering. If you want to achieve autumn bloom, then plant nemesia seeds for seedlings in early June, then your balcony will look great in November.

    Seeds of nemesia are small, so you need to sow on top, without sprinkling with earth. Then spray well with water and cover with glass. As it fogs up, the glass needs to be slightly opened, after the appearance of green sprouts, remove.

    When transplanting into flowerpots and pots, the distance between the flowers of 20 cm is observed. When planting seedlings of flowers, the stems are pinched.

    Decorating the balcony with nemesia flowers turns out to be very delicate, due to the fact that the flowers are small, low, about 20 cm and bushy.

    7. Low-growing varieties of snapdragons

    Snapdragon is usually grown in the garden, but if you use the shortest variety, Rainbow, you can grow flowers in a variety of colors and shades. On the plus side, it is worth noting the smell of snapdragon, it exudes such a fragrance! And for this you need only 5 - 6 bushes.

    In autumn, when frost comes, this plant freezes, the flowers do not change color and it looks great. Flowers, as if alive, stand all winter. Therefore, if you are choosing which flowers you can plant on the balcony, be sure to add your list of dwarf snapdragons. They bloom in the second half of summer, from July to October.

    8. Ever-flowering begonia and tuberous begonia.

    Both types of begonias can be grown in containers and are flowers for the balcony north side, they grow well in partial shade. They have rounded fleshy leaves with a color ranging from pale green to chocolate brown. Blooms from June to September. It is considered a perennial, but most often this plant is grown as an annual. It grows well in humus-rich soil and in partial shade. Therefore, when planting, you need to make compost.

    9. Fuchsia ampelous

    There are 3 main groups of fuchsias. What flowers are best to plant on the balcony? So these are delicate thermophilic ampelous fuchsias with weak flowing stems in hanging baskets. The name of the ampelous fuchsia variety is Swingtime. Stems grow up to 50 cm with red and white flowers.

    Fuchsias are great blooming flowers for the north balcony. A small amount of light is enough for them to bloom and grow. Be sure to water regularly and abundantly. Make sure that the earthy ball does not dry out. After a drought, the fuchsia will die and will not recover.

    10. Pansies or Vitrock Violet

    There are many hybrids of Vitrok violets with a height of 15 - 25 cm.These flowers on the loggia are of two types:

    Winter flowering (November - May) varieties that are grown as biennial, the Universal series prevails;

    Summer flowering (June - October), which are grown as annuals.

    Viola can be grown on the balcony, but must be planted in a place with the right lighting... The sunny side is most optimal with shading at noon hours. On the southern balcony, it will quickly lose its decorative effect. It will burn out in July and will look dry and unattractive.

    Viola must be watered regularly so that the ground is moist, but without moisture stagnation. Also, if you want to grow flowers on the balcony, then you need to feed them.

    A source:

    Not everyone has the opportunity to have their own flower garden in the country, but for the owners of balconies and loggias it will not be difficult to organize a mini-garden. It's easy to get lost in the variety of indoor and garden plants. Your attention - the best flowers for the balcony.

    When planning to plant a flower on the balcony, take into account its features: thermophilicity, shade tolerance, frost resistance. We suggest starting with the selection of plants depending on the degree of illumination of the balcony.

    Flowers for a sunny balcony

    If you are going to grow flowers on the balcony, then the sunny side is a great option for plants that tolerate direct sunlight and do not suffer from drought.

    Succulents

    When it comes to "unkillable" plants that are not afraid of rare watering and direct sunlight, growers first of all remember about succulents. These plants are renowned for their ability to retain moisture over time. The most popular are aloe, haworthia, zamioculcas, echeveria, etc.

    Geranium (pelargonium)

    If you are looking for balcony flowers blooming all summer long, then geranium is just what you need. Pelargonium loves sunlight, so a well-lit balcony is a great place for this plant. Geranium does not get sunburn, but rather enhances flowering under the rays of the sun. Zonal and ampelous geranium varieties are best suited for growing on the southern balcony.

    Purslane

    This flower does not need frequent watering, it tolerates exposure to direct sunlight well. The moisture accumulating in the dense leaves of the purslane allows the plant to remain "in good shape" for a long time. The flowering period is from July to August.

    Zinnia

    Zinnia (zinnia) is a fairly heat-tolerant annual plant. With prolonged drought, zinnia must be watered regularly and carefully so that water does not get on the leaves of the plant. Its bright large flowers with velvety petals delight the eye until the first frost.

    Flowers for the north balcony

    Unpretentious flowers for a north-facing balcony, first of all, should be shade-tolerant.

    Balsam

    Balsams love shaded areas, in the garden they grow best under trees, so on the balcony facing north, these plants feel very good. It is important not to overdo it with watering, so as not to provoke the development of diseases.

    Ivy

    The balcony, entwined with ivy shoots, always stands out from others. This plant is also easy to care for: it does not need frequent watering, but it is necessary to spray (and even wash in the shower) ivy regularly.

    Cyclamen

    The popular indoor flower is loved by many for its original appearance: cyclamen has not only flowers, but also patterned heart-shaped leaves. This plant must be protected from direct sunlight and high temperatures (no more than 17 ° C), water it sparingly, avoiding stagnation of moisture or drying out of the soil.

    Calceolaria

    The unusual shape of the flower (it resembles a small clog shoe) and bright color (from bright yellow to red speckled) make calceolaria a very effective houseplant. This flower is another “ideal inhabitant” for the northern balcony: it loves partial shade, low temperatures (14-16 ° C). Water the plant as the soil dries out.

    Flowers for the east or west balcony

    Balconies facing east or west are suitable for most indoor plants due to moderate light conditions.

    Verbena

    Popular names of this plant: pigeon, cast-iron grass, "Juno's tears", etc. Verbena is known not only for its decorative effect, but also for its healing properties: since ancient times it has been used in folk medicine... Verbena is popular as a garden plant grown in flower beds. Nevertheless, on the balcony, she feels no worse than in the open field. The flowering period of verbena is quite long - from June to November.

    Marigolds (tagetes)

    The homeland of marigolds is Mexico, in some countries this plant is used in cooking as a seasoning. Due to the fact that the flowering of marigolds is very abundant and long, these flowers have gained popularity both in gardens and on balconies. Marigolds tolerate both heat and windy weather well. They are comfortable in almost any conditions.

    Daisy

    In the middle lane, daisies bloom in May and continue to delight the eye until the onset of cold weather. An unpretentious compact plant thrives in shaded areas, so a low-light balcony is quite suitable for this garden flower.

    Heather

    Do you want your balcony to remain decorative in winter? Plant heather, a frost-hardy shrub that blooms from January to April. Some plants of the heather family bloom in the fall, such as Erika gracilis. Even when the heather practically dies (freezes), it does not lose its decorative effect.

    Curly flowers for the balcony

    A beautiful floral balcony is hard to imagine without at least one climbing plant. Graceful shoots, entwining the railing of an open balcony or a specially installed lattice, look luxurious.

    Bougainvillea

    Curly shoots of bougainvillea with bright purple flowers can effectively decorate a balcony or terrace. This plant prefers well-lit areas with normal humidity. The optimum temperature is 23-27 ° C.

    Morning glory

    A lush, densely flowering liana with bright flowers looks great on the balcony. Make sure that the morning glory has where to direct the shoots and what to braid: install a net or stretch the ropes. In general, an unpretentious plant should still be protected from direct sunlight.

    Calistegia

    This perennial bindweed is familiar to many gardeners. Why not use it as a "balcony" vine? Calistegia is not capricious in care, blooms with modest, but beautiful flowers of pale pink color. Traditionally, flowers are bell-shaped, but there are species with double petals.

    Clematis

    A balcony facing south or east is great for growing a garden plant loved by many - clematis. Choose frost-resistant varieties for the balcony. Keep in mind that on the northern open balcony, clematis can die from the cold, so if you are the owner of just such a balcony, opt for another plant.

    Ampel flowers for the balcony

    When deciding which flowers to grow on the balcony, think about the plants grown in hanging pots.

    Fuchsia

    Charming fuchsia - evergreen with flowers unusual shape... It is precisely because of the peculiarities of the flowers (they seem to "look" downward) that it is customary to grow fuchsia as an ampelous plant. Fuchsia is used to decorate terraces, balconies, rooms. A variety of varieties allows you to choose a plant of this type for any room.

    Lobelia

    One of the most popular ampel plants, lobelia, in a hanging planter resembles a blooming cloud. This flower loves bright, but diffused lighting, so it is better to grow it in partial shade, on the east or west balcony (as a last resort, on a bright open north one).

    Petunia

    Thinking about how to decorate a balcony with flowers, you probably more than once imagined a hanging flowerpot with a spectacular plant thickly covered with bright flowers. This is what petunia looks like - the favorite of gardeners and florists. Choose cold-resistant hybrids for the northern balcony, but most petunias can be grown on the southern or southeastern balcony.

    Spurge

    Various varieties of milkweed are popular for growing in the garden (especially for decorating rock gardens), and are also widely used as houseplants, for example, the euphorbia Milius (Mil) or the euphorbia Tirucalli (finger). This succulent is unpretentious, does not need frequent watering, but you need to be careful with the juice that is released when the milkweed branch is broken, as it is poisonous.

    Indoor flowers on the balcony

    Indoor plants need fresh air and sunlight no less than a person, so when warmth comes, arrange a "vacation" for flowers on the balcony. When deciding when to bring flowers to the balcony, focus on the weather outside the window. Wait until the outdoor temperature in the morning does not drop below 15 ° C, and start accustoming your "green pets" to a new place.

    To begin with, leave flowers on the balcony not for the whole day, but only until noon, so that bright sunlight does not harm the plants. Gradually increase the time the flowers are on the balcony so that they have time to get used to it.

    For the whole day, you should leave flowers on an open balcony (and on a glazed balcony) only after the difference between day and night air temperatures outside becomes minimal.

    Over time, the sun's heat on the balcony will increase, so consider the possibility of shading so that the flowers on the balcony do not get burned in summer.

    Decorating a balcony with flowers is, first of all, a matter of taste. Thinking over the composition, consider the size of your balcony, the color of the walls, as well as the general style in which the room is sustained.

    When placing climbing plants on the balcony, think about how to beautifully arrange the trellis or ropes along which the shoots will trail.

    Place flowers on the balcony in boxes or pots according to the same principles as on flower beds in the garden - combine plants of different heights, play with shades and textures.

    For ampelous plants, make strong attachments to protect yourself and the flowers themselves. If you want to organize a vertical wall arrangement, arrange the flowers in a loose order.

    So, if you already have seedlings of flowers for the balcony (or seeds), then, armed with ideas and connecting your imagination, proceed to the transformation of balconies and loggias, and we are waiting for your photos in the comments!

    What flowers can be planted on the balcony so that you can admire its view in spring, summer and autumn? A similar question is asked by everyone who wants to turn a plot of their home into a small, but very beautiful garden... The article will discuss which plants are suitable for growing from the north side of the building, and which ones from the south. Photos with corresponding names are attached.

    Where to begin

    To get the desired result, be sure to take into account:

    1. On which side of the building the balcony is located - on the south, that is, sunny, or on the north, that is, shaded.
    2. What area does the balcony occupy - whether it is small or large.
    3. Glazed balcony or not.

    Attention! In the case of an open balcony, it is imperative to take into account the strength of the wind. Not all plants tolerate strong gusts.

    Talking about general principles landscaping, then there are two of them:

    • horizontal;
    • vertical.

    Flowers on the balcony

    The first one involves decorating the balcony with long horizontal lines consisting of containers with flowers. The structure is located both from the outside and from the inside of the balcony. The containers can be installed directly on the floor, or they can be attached to the walls one above the other. With vertical gardening, flowerpots are installed on the balcony floor. Supports are attached to them, along which the stems of plants will rise.

    Advice. It is better to use annual vines as vertical gardeners. They grow quickly and can be directed easily.

    Before planting plants, appropriate preparation of containers is required:

    1. The flower containers are securely attached to the balcony railing or placed on the floor.
    2. To prevent water from flowing from the balcony during irrigation, pallets are installed under each container.
    3. The bottom of the tanks is covered with drainage material.
    4. Nutrient soil is poured into containers.

    Only after completing the listed work, you can start the selection and planting of flowers.

    What plants are suitable for landscaping a balcony if the side is sunny

    For balconies strongly illuminated by the sun, that is, those located on the south side of the building, flowers are suitable that can tolerate heat and direct sunlight well.

    Examples of some of them:

    • Purslane - the plant blooms well only in strong sunlight. Its fleshy leaves accumulate moisture in reserve, so the flower does not need frequent watering.

    Purslane

    • Calendula also refers to sun lovers. There are many varieties and hybrids of different shades of red and yellow with simple and double flower shapes. You can always pick up suitable option of this plant.
    • Geranium is a common indoor pet that feels great on sunny balconies. Almost all of its varieties can be planted here.

    • Petunia - a huge variety of species allows you to create beautiful compositions. For good growth and flowering, it is advisable to water it twice a day.
    • Verbena - the flower is not afraid of frost, so plant it on open air it is possible at the beginning of May. For balcony landscaping, it is recommended to use Canadian and hybrid verbena. The shoots of these varieties reach 30 cm and hang down from the pot in a beautiful cascade.
    • Alyssum honey - the aroma of small, very delicate flowers resembles the smell of honey. Growing strongly in a pot, the plant is capable of forming ball-shaped bushes. When the flowering fades, the stems are cut in half. After a while, the overgrown shoots are again densely covered with flowers.

    Alyssum honey

    • Lobelia - although this delicate flower loves light, it is better to place it in the back of the balcony. Ampelous varieties of hanging lobelia are most suitable. It blooms very profusely all summer.

    Advice. On balconies on the sunny side, it is better to select containers with light walls. This will prevent overheating of the soil.

    What plants will do well on the balconies on the north side

    On the north side of the buildings, there is a lack of lighting, which some plants cannot stand. Here, for landscaping balconies, flowers should be selected with great care. The following plants tolerate shading normally:

    • Fuchsia - hope for her profuse flowering not worth it on the northern balconies. However, the plant intensively grows green mass and forms a lush bush. The main thing is to organize regular watering, preventing the soil from drying out.

    • Mimulus - thanks to the extended forward petals, the people call him "lipstick". The plant feels great in the shade and has a fast growing season - it takes about two months from the moment of sowing to flowering.
    • Calceolaria is a very interesting shade-tolerant plant with yellow, brown speckled flowers. Leaves do not tolerate water ingress, so the plant is best grown on glazed balconies and watered very carefully.
    • Waller's balsam is a plant with thick, fleshy stems and flowers of various colors. At the slightest frost, it dies, so it is planted on open balconies as late as possible.

    Waller's balsam

    • Marigolds - these flowers are striking in their variety. There are high, medium and low varieties. It is better to place the former on the floor of the balcony, and the latter on the sides of its fences. Plants bloom from summer to late autumn.
    • Periwinkle is an evergreen perennial. Its creeping stems are covered with delicate blue flowers in May. Dark green glossy leaves can decorate the balcony all year round.
    • Fragrant tobacco - the plant is a close relative of petunia, but it tolerates shading absolutely normal.

    Scented tobacco

    The same flowers can be used for landscaping the balconies that are located on the west side of the house.

    How to properly decorate a balcony with flowers

    Observing simple rules, you can achieve a harmonious combination of various plants.


    Advice. To make the flowers look lush and beautiful in hot periods, you need to add a little hydrogel to the containers with the soil.

    With a competent approach to gardening a balcony, you can enjoy the surroundings of your own grown flowering pets from early spring to late autumn.

    Growing flowers on the balcony: video