Although a balcony is usually a small space, more and more people are choosing to make it their little home oasis. In an age of ubiquitous concreteness, growing your own plants is not only a way to relax, but also a real contribution to improving air quality.

In this guide you will find out why you should have plants on your balcony and which species will work best in an urban setting.

Why have plants on your balcony?

A green balcony brings with it a number of benefits:

• Improving air quality - Plants filter pollutants and produce oxygen. Even a few pots contribute to changing the microclimate around your home.
• Stress and tension reduction - Many scientific studies confirm the positive effects of plants on our wellbeing and psyche.
• Natural sound insulation - Having plants on the balcony can muffle sounds coming from the street.

Where to start?

Check the conditions on your balcony

Each plant has its own individual requirements. Therefore, pay attention to sun exposure (how many hours a day the balcony is lit), shelter from the wind and available space. This information will help you choose the right plant species.

Select plants

Plants should suit the conditions on the balcony, but also your individual needs. Consider whether you care about decorative flowers or whether you want to grow plants suitable for food - such as herbs or vegetables.

What is worth planting?

Flowering plants - ideal for those who appreciate colour and aesthetics. Recommended species include:

• begonias - they flower from spring to autumn and do well in shade and semi-shade,

• geraniums - ideal for sunny balconies and are resistant to urban pollution,
• Lavender - It smells beautiful and attracts bees.

Green plants - have beautiful, lush foliage, making them an excellent decorative feature. Recommended species:

• common ivy,
• ferns,
• ficus benjamina.

They are easy to care for and grow well even in partial shade.

Herbs - simple to grow and very practical as they can be used in the kitchen. Herbs ideal for the balcony are basil, thyme, oregano, marjoram and mint.

Vegetables - require more space than flowers, so it is best to buy special boxes for growing them on the balcony. Vegetables recommended for the balcony are Onions, cherry tomatoes, climbing beans, chives, lettuce, radish, parsley. It is important to choose small varieties and those with short growth times.

How to grow plants organically?

Home composter

Not many people know that you can also compost in your home! All you need is a well-ventilated bin and the right proportions of bio-waste - plant scraps and vegetable peelings, for example. Importantly, a well-prepared compost heap does not emit any unpleasant odours at all, and is a great natural fertiliser!

Rainwater harvesting

A simple and environmentally friendly way to water your plants. Simply set up a water container (e.g. a bucket) in a place where rain reaches. You can save tap water with this method!