1. Colourful Petunia

Petunias are a great choice for a flowering plant that offers a range of colours, like purple, orange, pink, yellow, and white. You can opt for a range of colours to be placed along your balcony railing. 

Make sure that your petunias receive six hours of sunlight and regular watering for healthy blooming. The ideal soil for petunias is rich and porous, with a soil pH between 6.0 and 6.5. Choose a soil mixture of fully decomposed compost and soil mixtures that are thriving with organic mutter. 

Plant Benefits 

• Petunias can help with cross-pollination and biodiversity as these plants attract pollinators such as bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies.
• You’ll also benefit from eco-friendly pest control, as petunias can ward off pests like aphids, tomato worms, leafhoppers, etc., by attracting helpful insects. 
• These vibrant plants are also versatile in landscaping placements since you can place them on hanging baskets, garden beds, borders, or even as ground cover. 

Also Read: 5 SUMMER-INSPIRED HOME DÉCOR TIPS

2. Glowing Marigold

One of the most common flowers in India is the marigold. Also known as “genda phool,” these flowers are used on auspicious occasions and as offerings to deities, as it is believed that they ward off evil. Marigolds come in yellow, orange, and red shades and can be easily grown in your choice of container. 

These glowing plants require a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0 and need to bask under the full sun. Marigolds also prefer organically rich soil and adequate watering to flourish.  

Plant Benefits 

• There are many health benefits to marigold petals. Traditional medicine uses these petals as infusions or ointments to treat stomach ulcers, burns and wounds, fever, jaundice, pink eye, and more.
• Marigolds attract beneficial insects such as hoverflies, ladybirds, and parasitic wasps, helping plants to protect from pests like aphids and others. 
• The fragrance of this golden flower can also chase away cabbage worms, mosquitoes, and other critters. 

Did you know? According to Vastu, marigolds must be placed in the north or east directions. Also, among the three colours, marigolds in yellow are considered to symbolise optimism and good luck. 

3. Intoxicating Gardenia

Named after a Scottish naturalist, Alexander Garden, these gorgeous white blooms emit an intoxicating fragrance. But remember, gardenias can be toxic to cats and dogs, so make sure your furry friend stays away from this plant. 

These beauties require four to six hours of sunlight and prefer a soil pH of 5.0 to 6.5. Make sure the soil you use is organically rich, well-draining and loamy. Gardenias cannot go long without watering, so make them happy by giving them an inch of water per week.

Plant Benefits 

• Gardenia extracts may reduce insulin resistance and help reduce anxiety and fatigue.
• This flower can also help improve digestion and boost immunity.
• They are versatile plants and can be used in container gardens, as hedges, and even as small evergreen trees. 

4. Vibrant Begonia

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance garden classic, then begonias would be your perfect solution and one of the best summer plants. While some begonias resemble roses, some have a display of colourful leaves. With over 2000 varieties, you’ll be spoiled with options for your balcony garden. 

Begonias require bright and indirect light and cannot tolerate severe weather. So make sure that your balcony has partial sunlight and organically rich but light soil for your plant to thrive. Water your begonias regularly, and if you’re hands-on, you can use high-potash fertiliser every week. 

Plant Benefits 

• These vibrant flowers are used as edible decor in mocktails and cocktails.
• It also has therapeutic properties that help relieve digestive issues, works as a laxative, and is anti-inflammatory. 

5. Sweetly-Fragrant Arabian Jasmine

The Arabian jasmine is a common-favourite of everyone and is also known as mogra. It’s fragrance is much-loved especially by women who prefer to use it as a natural perfume. Other than being a great addition to balcony gardens, these radiant flowers are also used in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. 

For your mogra plant to flourish, make sure that the soil is well-drained, has a humid atmosphere, and that you water it regularly. You can expect your Arabian jasmine to bloom through the summer and monsoon, although some of the Mogra varieties can bloom throughout the year. 

Plant Benefits 

• Jasmine tea has properties that can help improve cardiovascular health and act as an antioxidant. 
• The sweet fragrance of the mogra has calming effects and helps remove stress. 
• Soak fresh mogra flowers for 30 minutes in warm water and use the water on your skin to achieve flawlessness. 

Read More: BEST COLOUR THEMES FOR YOUR HOME THIS SUMMER

A note to remember if you’re planning to keep flowering plants on your balcony, make sure they can flourish under direct sunlight and don’t require much maintenance. Simply put, the ideal plants that would transform your garden into a magical space are those that fall into the following categories:

• Can survive high heat (occasionally)
• Can survive a drought of a few days
• Don’t require much fertiliser
• Can grow in limited space

Another important point is to always opt for weather-resistant and durable pots, such as those made of fibreglass or plastic. 

So go ahead and pick a few of your favourites that can be the best summer plants for you and start building your little piece of heaven on your balcony. 

*Disclaimer

The information provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from a physician or other health care professional. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog.

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Tips for Home Gardening

If you live in a flat in Delhi NCR or an urban location, your options are more limited than those who have access to land, but you still have possibilities. These are excellent practises for getting started with a garden on a balcony or other tiny space.

Remove the surplus.

The initial step for preparing any kind ofgarden is to free its space from debris, rocks, and weeds. Eliminating these are necessary as they compete with the plants for nutrients and overpower their growth. For removing them, you might need tools and equipment like spade, garden fork, Grubber and shovel.

Do the fundamentals precisely

Balcony or rooftop gardens require the same attention as ordinary gardens. Ensure your plants get adequate direct sunshine, try mulching the soil in your pots, and water them periodically. You may also make a tiny compost container to collect cooking leftovers. People living in high rise apartments can opt for balcony gardens and those living in independent floors or row houses can utilise their rooftops in case of lack of space at ground.

Be cautious in extreme winters.

Bring your plants inside when the weather changes unless you live in a warm place or another place with a year-round moderate temperature. Extreme cold temperatures can adversely affect few herbs. Overnight rains or heavy dew also causes damage to rooftop and balcony gardens.  

Use window boxes and hanging plants.

Hanging baskets and planters are extremely useful for maximising space in urban gardening. You may even try growing a windowsill garden. Use high-quality, loam-rich potting soil in any container you select. Usage of boxes and hanging plants utilises the optimum space and provides attractive look to the balcony also.

A home garden is an excellent way to use your outside or free area. It will beautify your balcony and supply you with fresh tastes to utilise in your cooking. Make a few considerations before you begin, such as how much sunshine your patio receives and whether to buy seeds or saplings. Pick up the proper tools and learn how to water and harvest your herbs to ensure the success of your balcony and roof herb garden. Moreover, these acts also assist in various movements and campaign across our country which urges us to go green and reduce pollution. As we all know that plantation is the best way to fight pollution and we shouldn’t be waiting for environment day or earth day to invest in plantation. Rather, we make it a habit to follow.

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