NOW IT'S GETTING COLORFUL
Dig your hands in the cool earth, the smell of fresh greenery and onions, from which the first flowers will soon sprout: You can bring nature home even without your own garden, because even the smallest balcony can be filled with colorful flower pots and selected plants get ready for spring!
Here we show what you should pay attention to when planting and which flowers are suitable for the windowsill or outside.
THE RIGHT TIME TO PLANT
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You should repot kitchen herbs from the supermarket immediately after buying them. -
Blue hyacinths and yellow primroses are THE eye-catchers on the balcony.
There are big differences when it comes to planting: some start to plant small flower bulbs underground in autumn, others only think about planting their balconies when the first mild spring temperatures come.
But also the late hobby gardeners among us can enjoy nature, because in the nursery or the garden center there is a large selection of great and already flowering plants that only need to be replanted and potted. In this way, the balcony can be transformed into your own little green paradise without much effort.
STEP BY STEP TO THE BLOOMING BALCONY
The preparation: On some balconies there is not much space to work, but the plants can also be placed in the new flower pots in the apartment. Before you start replanting and planting, line the floor with a sheet, a blanket or simply with newspaper.
Which plants? Classic balcony plants such as primroses or bulbous plants such as hyacinths and daffodils are easy to care for and score with their colorful appearance. Whether in individual pots on the floor, a hanging hanging basket or in an elongated box on the balcony grille; As long as the flowers are not in the blazing sun and get a little shade and a light breeze from time to time, nothing should go wrong.
For sunny balconies, easy-care and delicately scented lavender, evergreen plants such as boxwood, lush hydrangeas or kitchen herbs such as rosemary, basil and thyme are also suitable. If you really don't have a green thumb, you can use artificial flowers here and there.
Which flower pots? Colorful zinc flower pots put you in a good mood and defy moody April weather. The pots also don't rust, so they keep their beautiful color even in wind and rain. With a detachable handle, the pots can be placed or hung up very easily.
STEP 1: LOOSEN THE ROOTS
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Carefully loosen the root balls - this way they can grow better.
Before pulling the plant out of the plastic pot, check whether the roots have already made their way through the ventilation holes. If this is the case, carefully loosen the roots so that they do not break off. Then loosen the roots with your fingers. On the one hand, this gives the onions some fresh air, and on the other hand, the tender roots then spread faster in the new soil.
STEP 2: FILL THE FLOWER POTS WITH SOIL
First some fresh soil is filled into the flower pot, then the flower is inserted. This way, the roots do not hit the ground and have a soft and nourishing subsoil. How much soil is needed depends on the height of the pot. But it should be enough so that the flowers don't sit too deep in the pot and the flowers and leaves can spread out.
Tip: There are already many important nutrients in potting soil so that the plants are completely supplied. Often there is no need for additional fertilization at all.
STEP 3: PRESS THE EARTH DOWN
A little soil is now also filled in above the plant so that it is supplied from all sides and from above. In the case of hyacinths or daffodils, however, the bulbs should not be completely covered by soil, but should rather peek out a little.
The earth is pressed firmly with the fingers so that the plants and flowers have a secure footing and do not sag and buckle even in wind and weather.
STEP 4: DON'T FORGET TO POUR!
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Once the top layer of soil has dried out, watering takes place. -
Then everything will green and bloom beautifully with you.
Whether balcony flowers or kitchen herbs: when all the plants are in their new pots, the watering can is used. With its soft jet, it ensures that all parts of the pot receive an even amount of water and that the flowers do not "drown" in the water jet.
A hole in the bottom of the flower pot allows the water (whether from the rain shower or from the watering can) to drain away so that no waterlogging occurs. In the case of pots without a hole, make sure not to water too much and too often, but only so that the soil is well moistened.
Tip: water the basil from below and give the rosemary fresh water at regular intervals.