Balcony flowers thrive in the smallest of spaces. However, the modest amount of soil around their roots is eventually exhausted. Important nutrients are missing, without which growth is not possible. The flower owner has to fertilize specifically and thus replenish the empty nutrient depot.
How should balcony flowers be fertilized?
Balcony flowers can be fertilized with commercial liquid fertilizer, slow-release fertilizer, or natural home remedies such as coffee grounds and banana peels. Pay attention to the correct dosage, appropriate to the plant species, and fertilize more frequently in the main growing season than in the off-season.
Nutrient-rich potting soil
Flowers newly picked up from the garden center and specimens freshly repotted at home do not suffer from a lack of nutrients. This is because the potting soil used for planting is already enriched with all the important substances. Balcony plants can continue to feed on it for several weeks until fertilization is required again.
Liquid fertilizer from the trade
The easiest way is to supply balcony plants with a commercially available liquid fertilizer (€14.00 on Amazon). However, this must not be applied directly to the roots. Since balcony plants need to be watered regularly during their main growing season, fertilizing can be easily combined with this.
Which of the various flower fertilizers is best depends on which plants you are cultivating. Flowering plants have different requirements than those that only produce abundant greenery. Above all, you need a balanced ratio of nitrogen and phosphorus.
Tip
Before each fertilizer, loosen the soil so that the nutrients are well absorbed.
The dosage
Stick to the manufacturer's instructions regarding dosage. The packaging will also state at what intervals fertilization should be carried out. In general it can be said:
- fertilize more frequently during the main growing season
- reduce fertilization in the off-season
- if applicable. completely set
You should also inquire about the requirements of the types of flowers planted. Some plants are also so-called heavy feeders, while others are content with only a few nutrients.
Note:Most balcony flowers are annuals or have to overwinter indoors. At that point at the latest, they should no longer be fertilized.
Home remedies as fertilizer
Balcony plants do not necessarily have to be supplied with purchased fertilizer. The household also produces some natural waste that is ideal as fertilizer. For example the following:
- Coffee grounds
- uns alted vegetable water
- stale mineral water
- small chopped banana peels
Fertilizing with a slow-release fertilizer
If you want to avoid constant fertilization, you can also use a slow-release fertilizer for balcony flowers. They are available to buy in different dosage forms. The best known is certainly the fertilizer stick.
