Growing useful plants on the balcony: 7 important steps

Did you know that you can also grow berry bushes and fruit trees on the balcony? The good aspects of growing on a balcony are that bunnies and deer don’t get to eat the crop.

You can grow any useful plants on the balcony! Herbs and vegetables, of course, but it is also possible to grow berry bushes and even different trees, such as cherry, apricot and peach.

These seven steps will help you get started.

1. Growing useful plants on the balcony requires a large pot

The best way to grow on a balcony is when the plant has a large pot with plenty of soil space. Mulch acts as a kind of pantry for the plant, from which the root system draws nutrients for growth.

The hole in the bottom is important, because excess water comes out of the pot, reducing the risk of overwatering. There should be a saucer under the pot so that the water does not flow onto the bottom materials of the balcony.

2. Fertilization is important

Plants cannot get important nutrients from the soil on the balcony, so you have to give them to the plants yourself.

Fertilizer contains important nutrients that are of great importance for the development of the root system, flowering, ripening of the crop and the strengthening and growth of the plant.

Fertilizing with the irrigation water is the most convenient way to remember to fertilize the plant enough.

“Fertilization and a sufficiently large pot are the secret of a green thumb”, Kekkilä’s garden expert Mari Cards tells.

3. Make sure the plants get sun

It would be good for the plants to receive light for half of the day. In the afternoon, 3–4 hours can be enough.

Place the plants so that they get enough light. Raise the pots to the height of the railing if the lower part of the balcony is closed.

Choose plants according to the conditions. The sun shining on the glazed balcony almost all day makes the balcony like a greenhouse. Chilli, basil and tomato, for example, usually thrive on such balconies.

4. Don’t forget to water even during the holidays

Plants growing on the balcony need a lot of water, especially if the rain does not water them. Various irrigation systems, which are sold in stores or which you can make yourself, are very suitable for the summer holidays.

For example, you can attach a bottle or a canister to the plants, which is filled with water. Small holes are made in the bottom and the cap, from which the water can gradually drain into the soil.

5. Monitor the plants for unwanted guests

Wash the balcony, boxes and pots properly before planting to avoid vegetable mites and aphids.

Also spraying the plants briskly with water can help repel these plant enemies. You can list aphids by hand if you notice them at the tips of the shoots.

6. Cultivation of crops on the balcony: You may have to act as a pollinator yourself

When the plants are blooming, you should remember to pollinate them yourself, if the pollinators cannot find or get to the balcony to do it.

Pollination can be done by shaking the plant gently with your finger or dabbling with, for example, a small brush. This increases the yield.

Read also on Anna.fi: Terrace decoration: Two beautiful styles for the yard or balcony – one is for the brave pioneer

7. Help with wintering

It is important to stop watering perennial plants before the first frosts so that the roots do not freeze.

Put the plants on the floor of the balcony next to the wall to overwinter. Frost blankets are sold in shops, which can be used to cover the entire plant or the trunk of trees, for example. However, this is not necessary.

“Not all bushes and trees may survive the winter, so don’t get discouraged. You can go to the store to pick up a new one next spring and try again.”