Last updated on October 23rd, 2023 at 08:53 pm
A balcony is not only a spatial addition to one’s living space, but for most people a small oasis of relaxation right next to the living room or bedroom. This is where people have breakfast, drink coffee, play games or simply relax. To ensure that the feel-good factor is as high as possible, most balcony owners opt for more or less complex planting. In this context, not only the selected plants, but also the balcony boxes used play an important role.
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Flower boxes for the balcony: so important is the right size
How large to choose flower boxes for the balcony depends on how many plants are desired in the outdoor area. Basically, of course, the more plants and herbs are to be present on the balcony, the more and larger containers are also needed. Here, balcony owners should by no means forget that not only the visible parts of the plants such as stems, leaves and flowers, but also the roots require sufficient space.
If the balcony box is chosen too small, it can happen that the plants do not thrive as desired or even die. For this reason, under no circumstances should too many plants be placed in one box. This is especially true when it comes to young plants that are still growing. If in doubt, it is better to put one less plant in the box than one too many. It may also be necessary to transplant into other containers.
What is important in the material of a balcony box?
On the balcony, plants and also their containers are outdoors and thus exposed to the weather without protection. When buying balcony boxes from Pflanzwerk, it therefore makes sense to choose variants that are as robust, durable and weather-resistant as possible. In this context, there are materials that are more suitable for outdoor use than others. Plastic balcony boxes, for example, present themselves as resistant and weatherproof.
The only drawback: in terms of environmental friendliness and sustainability, plastic unfortunately cannot score. On the other hand, plastic boxes are available in many colors and designs, so they can be integrated into any balcony design. Balcony boxes and other plant containers made of ceramic or terracotta, on the other hand, are characterized by a natural look and are also more environmentally friendly. Boxes made of wood are very popular, but they definitely need a varnish that prevents the material from being attacked by moisture and changing temperatures.
The weight of a balcony box should not be underestimated.
Another factor to consider when buying and installing balcony boxes is the weight of the containers. Since the popular boxes are in many cases mounted on the parapet, there must be no risk of falling under any circumstances – this is especially true if the balcony is located, for example, on the street or above a busy garden.
It is therefore advisable to use boxes that are as light as possible, because the total weight increases once again due to filling with potting soil and, of course, the plants themselves. To keep this within limits, balcony boxes made of plastic are again recommended, as they are characterized by a very low dead weight. When mounting, always make sure that the box remains firmly and securely in place at all times, even in strong winds and rain: this significantly increases outdoor safety.