Installing a balcony or patio for your apartment is not a difficult task but it does require some planning. Many people make the mistake of thinking that just because they live in an apartment, they do not have to worry about apartment gardening. In fact, apartment gardening can be one of the most rewarding and fulfilling things you can do – provided you know what you are doing. As long as you follow a few simple guidelines, you will be guaranteed of healthful and attractive apartment plants.
balcony boxes for apartment plants are used to provide privacy from neighbors’ view of the apartment and thus give you a little more peace and quiet. If you choose plants like ferns and boxwood, you will find that they can handle the heat of summer and the cold of winter. Other plants for your box include plants like California Poppies, Ivy and Ivyless Shrub. These help create a beautiful layered look that helps bring color and life to the balcony.
Some plants prefer full sun and do well in southern climates. Some prefer partial shade and do better in northern environments. If you live in a balcony and you want to keep a few plants out of the way, you can place flowering plants on the lower levels of the apartment balcony. This will also keep other flowering plants from taking over the space.
When selecting plants for your boxes, there are a couple of things to remember. First, choose plants that can tolerate humidity and heat. Second, consider using plastic plant boxes instead of wooden ones. Plastic has the advantage of being able to withstand heat and moisture.
If you want your plants to bloom and grow healthy, you need to choose the correct climate for your plantings. For instance, some plants like ferns do better in southern areas and do not do well in north-exposed areas. This is why it is important to check the temperature in your apartment on a daily basis. In most cases, it is recommended that you place your box on the southern exposure and leave it there all winter. As the temperatures start to warm up, move the box to the northern areas.
In addition to climate, you should consider your soil type. Many plants, especially perennials, like well-drained conditions. In order to determine what type of soil would be best for your balcony box, you should first test your soil with your soil tester. You should be able to tell if the soil is too dry or too wet by the size of the weeds that sprout. In general, the smaller the weeds, the drier the soil.
Another important factor is the color of the box. If you are looking for color, you have several options. You can either paint your box, which looks nice and costs relatively little, or, you can purchase pre-colored cushions that are made specifically for balconies. These cushions, while not as attractive as the painted variety, will do just fine for most apartments. In addition to cushions, you can also choose plants and hanging baskets.
Many apartment dwellers purchase metal or acrylic plants to sit on their balcony. These types of plants do not have the tendency to wilt and die and they usually last longer than the wooden varieties. If you are looking for something a little more unusual, try placing flowering plants, such as a gardenia or boxwood, on the box. These plants look beautiful and they make your apartment smell wonderful.
Hanging baskets can provide a way to display your favorite plants without damaging them. A variety of hanging baskets can be found in most hardware stores and they are very affordable. Alternatively, you could place an awning across the top of your box. This will help protect your plants from the weather while also allowing you to display your favorites.
As with any type of gardening, watering is the number one enemy of balcony boxes for plants. Therefore, keep an eye on the plants that you use. They should be watered only once a week. If you live in a particularly arid area, it may be necessary to water your plants more frequently. On the other hand, remember that you are trying to conserve money. If you must water, go ahead and water your plants with a high-watering spray head.
As mentioned earlier, many apartment dwellers mistakenly believe that their balcony boxes are perfectly suited for growing their plants. They are not. Because you are living on your balcony, there is a chance that humidity levels are extremely high. Even if you have a built-in dehumidifier, you should not rely solely on it as this can contribute to mold and mildew. For the most part, balcony plants thrive on air and sunlight, so these are the materials that you should be using.