Growing potted plants on a balcony or terrace can seem daunting, but with the right guide, it’s easier than you think. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, this ultimate guide will provide you with all the information you need to make your pot gardening a success.
From the selecting the right plants for your space and your climatic conditions, to regular maintenance and tips for stimulating your plants’ growth, we’ll cover all the essential aspects of pot gardening. So get ready to transform your balcony or terrace into a veritable haven of greenery.
Potted gardening: a solution for small spaces
Who said gardening was reserved for large green spaces? Even without a garden, it’s perfectly possible to grow your own plants on a balcony or even indoors with container gardening.
The major advantage of this method is that pots can be moved around, making it possible toeasily adapt crops to climatic and meteorological variations. In fact, during cold spells, you can bring your pots indoors and take them out again when the temperatures warm up.
In this way, you can control the sunlight and temperature of your plants to optimize their growth. What’s more, your choice of pot can add a decorative touch to your living space.
Choosing the right pot and plants
The choice of pot is crucial to the success of your container gardening.
- Visit clay or terracotta potsalthough fragile, allow good air circulation and slow water drainage.
- Visit geotextile pots mimic open-ground conditions, encouraging root development.
- Visit wooden pots are sturdy and attractive, but require regular maintenance.
- As for plastic potsThey are lightweight and economical, but less beneficial for plants.
The choice of plants to grow also depends on the depth of the pot, which must match the plant’s root system. For example, the depth of the pot should match the plant’s root system, lettuces require a shallow root system while carrots and tomatoes require a deeper system.
Maintenance and water management in pot culture
Unlike garden soil, potting soil does not regenerate naturally. It is therefore essential to enrich it regularly with compost or a natural fertilizer to ensure optimal plant growth.
Watering is also crucial in urban gardening. Water evaporates quickly from pots, so it’s a good idea to keep them well watered.water thoroughly every 3 to 4 days rather than daily.
The mulching can also help conserve moisture. To save water, consider using Ollas, these porous clay jars which provide gentle, constant irrigation, reducing water consumption by up to 70%.