Pattling rain causes petunias, geraniums and other balcony beauties to hang sullenly and limply. However, if the balcony box has a protective roof, even long periods of heavy rain will not affect the flowers. You can find out how to build a rain cover for your flower box yourself here.
How do I build a rain cover for my flower box myself?
To build a flower box rain cover yourself, you need 4 wooden posts, 4 wooden slats, 4 angle irons, UV-stable foil, hand stapler, nails and hammer. Attach the posts to the box and build the roof frame with the battens. Stretch the foil over the roof and secure it.
Material and tool list
- 4 wooden posts with pointed ends
- 4 wooden slats for the roof frame
- 4 angle iron
- UV-stable film
- Hand stapler
- Nails
- Hammer
So that the rain roof fulfills its task perfectly, the height of the corner posts must be tailored to the maximum growth height of the plant. Have the 4 wooden posts cut to size at the hardware store according to these dimensions and tapered at the lower ends. The length of the wooden slats for the roof frame are cut according to the length and width of the flower box.
Assembly instructions
Place the wooden posts with the pointed end into the 4 corners of the flower box. Then screw the 2 long and 2 short wooden slats together using the angles to form a rectangular roof frame. While a helping hand stabilizes the roof frame, nail the battens to the wooden posts. To optimize stability, we recommend installing two diagonal battens within the roof structure.
If it is a self-made wooden balcony box, screw the corner posts to the side walls of the plant container.
Construct the roof covering from the weatherproof, UV-resistant tarpaulin (€65.00 on Amazon). Pull the foil over the rectangular roof frame and staple the edges tightly. To prevent the ends from tearing, leave an overhanging edge of 10 to 15 cm at these points.
Rain roof is not a windbreak
When using it, please remember that a rain cover on the flower box increases the area exposed to wind. Strong gusts can get caught under the rain cover and blow it off its hinges. In the worst case scenario, strong winds will take the entire balcony box with it. We therefore recommend putting away a balcony box and its rain cover as a precaution in the event of storms.
Tip
A rain roof on the balcony box does not mean that holes in the ground and drainage to protect against waterlogging are now unnecessary. Only fill a flower box with substrate once you have spread a few pieces of pottery, some grit or clay granules over the openings in the bottom to form a water-conducting layer.
