Sometimes summer here is wonderfully sunny. Sometimes the rain just won't stop. But many balcony plants don't like it at all. In the worst case, they begin to rot and collapse completely. Since no one can control the weather, the plants must at least be protected as best as possible.
How do you protect balcony flowers with a canopy?
A balcony flower canopy should be transparent, sturdy, well secured and have open sides to allow sunlight and air circulation. There are ready-made models available in stores or you can build them yourself, using materials such as UV-resistant film.
Not every roof protects
There are other balconies above many balconies. This means that most of the balcony area stays dry when it rains. However, this does not apply to its peripheral areas, as rain often falls at an angle or is blown away by the wind. But this is where most of the flowers have their place. An extra roof must be built for you or bought ready-made from the store.
Note:Whether a roof is worth it for you also depends on how sensitive your plants are to moisture. The popular petunias and geraniums, for example, do not like rain.
The requirements
The plant's growth must not be disturbed by attaching a roof. That's why a plant roof must have the following features:
- be transparent to let the sun's rays through
- with open sides to allow air to circulate
- be stable to withstand wind
- easy to attach
- have enough distance from the plant so that it grows undisturbed
- the flowers must remain easily accessible, e.g. B. for fertilization
Buy a finished roofing
Bauhaus and internet shops offer various roofing options (€401.00 on Amazon). They differ in size, appearance and material. Of course, the selling price varies accordingly. Small, inexpensive models are available for under 20 euros.
Note:Even with a roof, there is no need to create a drainage layer or use containers with drainage holes when planting balcony flowers.
Build your own roof
A Bauhaus has all the materials needed to build a roof. Of course, craftsmanship is a prerequisite so that the finished work does not look like a piece of handicraft. However, detailed instructions are not absolutely necessary because it is a simple construction.
Be inspired by the models available for sale or develop your own ideas. The following points are important:
- Use weather-resistant material
- build at a slight angle so that rain can drain away
- make sure there is enough stability
- Consider the growth of the plant, leave enough distance
Tip
If you use a transparent film as a roof, make sure that it is UV-resistant.
