Content
- Planting and cultivating strawberries on the balcony - that's how it works
- The ideal location
- Recommended substrate - suitable planters
- It's that easy to plant strawberries on the balcony
- Uncomplicated care program
- Tips & Tricks
Planting and cultivating strawberries on the balcony - that's how it works
Nibbling refreshing strawberries from the deckchair on the balcony does not have to be a dream. A wealth of delicious varieties thrives easily in the planter. What to look for when planting and cultivating strawberries on the balcony, we explain here.
The ideal location
Strawberries are real sun children. The more sun rays hit the fruits, the more delicious their taste. On a balcony facing south, the herbaceous plants thrive perfectly. In a partially shaded spot, you do not have to forego the strawberry fun, because here you can settle wild strawberries or monthly strawberries.
Recommended substrate - suitable planters
Strawberry plants are one of the typical heavy eaters. This assignment already indicates that they require a nutrient-rich substrate. At the same time, this should be laid-back so that the roots can establish themselves well. The following qualities are recommended:
Window boxes are the perfect planters for almost all strawberry varieties. For the traffic light hanging strawberries are the ideal candidates, while the climbing varieties are preferably grown in the box with integrated trellis.
It's that easy to plant strawberries on the balcony
Preferred young plants will be available from spring on every garden center in a large selection ready. So that you can snack refreshing strawberries throughout the summer, we recommend cultivating mixed varieties with divergent harvest times. The plant is always planted according to the following scheme:
Finally, water the strawberry plants well and spread out a mulch layer. Suitable materials are straw, compost, leaves or pine needles.
Uncomplicated care program
If the location and soil conditions are right, strawberries on the balcony do not require much care. The focus is on adequate water and nutrient supply. The substrate should neither dry out nor be thoroughly soaked. Since strawberries appreciate a slightly acidic environment, preferably collected rainwater comes into consideration.
As fertilizer we recommend natural materials, such as compost, horse manure or ferns. Artificial fertilizers transport substances into the strawberries that nobody would like to eat. Hobby gardeners without their own compost, rely on adequate commercial products that are now available as pellets or liquid fertilizer.
Tips & Tricks
The yield, the taste and the shelf life of strawberries are significantly improved by potassium. A natural source of this nutrient is comfrey, also called hawkweed. Use the comfrey leaves in the bed and in the planter on the balcony as a mulch, consolidate the cell tissue, the fruits ripen better and the plant is more resistant to diseases and pests.