Why didn't it grow? 6 typical mistakes that are made all the time when growing flowers on a balcony
Decorating a balcony with beautiful plants seems like an easy task, because the scale of the “planting work” is quite small. A maximum of a couple of trays and three pots. In addition, according to the conditions, the balcony is not too different from the city flower bed. But then why does not everyone succeed?
Good afternoon dear friends!
Yes, because there is a huge difference between growing flowers in a small tray (albeit outdoors) and in a flower bed. And most of the failures are due to the fact that many forget to take into account either the type of plants, or external natural factors, or the limited resources of a small pot. As a result - all the efforts "down the drain." And this is money, time, effort, and finally an emotional resource.
In general, in order to save you from such an unpleasant outcome, I prepared 6 most common mistakes made when growing flowers and plants on the balcony.
Mistake #1. Plants are not for pots. There are a lot of representatives of the flora, which are categorically not suitable for growing in small pots. For example, those that reach an impressive size in a short time or develop a huge root system. Such specimens will occupy all the free space or wither in a small tray.
Since balconies usually have extremely modest dimensions, there is no place for stinging and prickly plants here either. As well as tall fragile specimens. The first strong wind or thunderstorm will most likely break them.
Mistake #2. Overflow or underflow. Poor health of plants is most often associated with the wrong frequency of watering. Here you can use the usual observation. If the leaves and stem become soft, and mold or midges appear on the soil, then you are watering too much. The plant must be rearranged in the shade, pour out all the water from the pan and let the soil dry out.
But if the leaves and stem curled up, drooped and became dry, then there is not enough moisture for the flowers. Move them to the shade and water well until the tray is full of water.
Mistake #3. Forget about feeding. Alas, in a small pot that is placed on the balcony, substances useful for the plant run out very quickly. Therefore, it is extremely important to regularly feed balcony greens with fertilizer. To do this, you need to try and pick up a top dressing that will best suit your flowers, and then apply it from spring to autumn. At the same time, you do not need to try to fertilize the land “with a margin”. The plant will not be happy about this.
And be sure to follow the requirements of the instructions and the frequency, otherwise you risk being left without your living balcony decoration.
Mistake #4. Use the wrong container. Plastic or ceramic - what do you think is better for a balcony? Let me tell you right now, it's a moot point. Since ceramics look very stylish and allow the roots to breathe, but quickly evaporate moisture and have a lot of weight. And plastic is much lighter, withstands falls from low heights and frosty winter weather, but it does not allow excess water to evaporate, which can cause roots to rot. So the choice is yours!
But the size of the container is selected easier. You just need to know the type and variety of the plant, as well as its maximum dimensions.
Mistake #5. Plant the wrong flowers or plants. Plants are planted on the balcony, taking into account the climate. After all, it is unlikely that a gentle mimosa will feel good in Murmansk or Siberia. It is also important to take into account such nuances as: total air humidity, solar activity and wind strength.
Therefore, in order not to make a mistake when planting certain plants, pay attention to the representatives of the flora that grow in city flower beds or nearby summer cottages. Almost all of them will surely suit you.
Mistake #6. Ignore the location of the balcony. The orientation of the balcony is also of no small importance. So, for example, if it is located on the north side, then it is better to pick up shade-loving flowers (pansies, cyclamen, primrose), for the south you need plants that can easily withstand the scorching rays of the sun and dry soil (petunia, purslane, geranium). But for the western and eastern, those that tolerate both shading and bright intense lighting (begonias, marigolds) are suitable.
In addition, do not forget about the configuration of the balcony. On opposite sides of it, flowers can feel completely different. And all thanks to such "things" as the curve of the building, the neighbor's balcony or a satellite dish. All this is a barrier both from the sun and from the wind. And it would be a mistake not to take into account such nuances!
Previously posted material:
Let's green up big! 6 large indoor plants for your interior
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