Is spring almost upon us and is your balcony or windowsill lulled by the warm rays of the sun? Now it’s time to remove the seedlings. If you skipped the fix step, nothing is lost. In his book “ It grows almost alone on my balcony! » (Editor’s note: Larousse), Patrick Vernuccio, behind the Instagram account @thefrenchiegardener, gives you all the keys to making your spaces greener, whatever they are. The proof with these four tips, taken from this bible of urban gardening, to help you carefully analyze the space you have available and choose the plants to grow in your home with full knowledge of the facts.
Check the solidity of the balcony
First of all, make sure that your balcony does not risk collapsing under the weight of pots, water and earth. Especially if you live in an old building!
To measure the orientation and amount of sunshine on the balcony
First element to keep in mind: the orientation of the balcony, and therefore the way in which the sun reaches it. To do this, The Frenchie Gardener recommends using a compass application to determine how much sunlight your plants will benefit from. If the balcony is not exposed to the south-east (optimal for light-hungry plants), don’t panic, says the specialist. Many plant species don’t need as much sun. If a tree grows in front of your balcony, “Think about the foliage in summer and the shade it will cast on your vegetable garden. This is important when choosing the species to grow” adds Patrizio Vernuccio.
Use vertical space
The space you have available is not limited to the surface of your balcony. The French gardener reminds us that you must also study the vertical solutions available to you, “the walls, the railings, maybe a fence that separates you from your neighbor’s balcony”.
Take wind exposure into consideration
The wind is both a godsend when it comes to pollinating plants, and a threat when it blows so hard it destroys your fragile plants. “Try to determine whether your balcony is exposed to drafts and whether the wind can be strong there. If so, take the necessary measures from the beginning to preserve your plants: tie them to trellis or bamboo poles, or protect them with windbreak nets »Patrizio Vernuccio insists.
Examine access to water
Last essential element: access to water. Does your balcony have a tap? Otherwise, do you have a faucet nearby that you can connect a garden hose to, or do you need a watering can? Many questions that will allow you to choose which plants to grow, from the most hydric ones to the most self-sufficient ones. Or think about a sprinkler that is perhaps suitable for you with a rainwater collection system, who knows?
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Source: Madmoizelle
Mary Crossley is an author at “The Fashion Vibes”. She is a seasoned journalist who is dedicated to delivering the latest news to her readers. With a keen sense of what’s important, Mary covers a wide range of topics, from politics to lifestyle and everything in between.
