For those of us who garden on balconies and terraces, August presents a unique set of challenges. Potted plants are more vulnerable to the intense summer heat than those in the ground, as their soil can dry out and overheat very quickly. However, with a bit of extra attention, I’ve found it’s easy to keep my container garden thriving through the end of summer.
Table of Contents
The key to success is focusing on the basics: proper watering, timely feeding, and regular maintenance. This guide will walk you through the essential tasks to keep your balcony and terrace plants healthy and beautiful during the hottest month of the year.
💧 Watering Potted Plants in Summer
The most critical task for my container garden in August is watering. The soil in pots heats up and dries out much faster than garden soil, so I have to be vigilant. My routine is to check the soil moisture every morning by inserting a finger about an inch deep. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.
I always water thoroughly until I see excess water draining from the bottom of the pot. This ensures that the entire root ball is saturated. For very dry plants, I sometimes place the pot in a saucer of water for about 30 minutes to allow the soil to rehydrate from the bottom up. It’s best to water in the early morning to reduce evaporation and allow the plants to absorb the moisture before the heat of the day sets in.
🌸 Fertilizing and Deadheading
Flowering plants on my balcony, like geraniums and petunias, are working hard in August and need a steady supply of nutrients to continue blooming. I feed them regularly with a liquid fertilizer that is rich in potassium, which is excellent for promoting flowers. I typically add this to their water every 10-15 days, following the instructions on the product label.
Another simple but vital task is deadheading. I regularly remove any spent or faded flowers. This not only keeps the plants looking tidy but also prevents them from putting energy into producing seeds. Instead, the plant is encouraged to produce new buds and continue its blooming cycle for as long as possible.
✂️ General Maintenance
A little bit of regular upkeep goes a long way. I always remove any yellowed or damaged leaves to improve air circulation and prevent the development of diseases. I also keep an eye out for common pests like aphids, which can thrive in the summer heat.
Finally, I rotate my pots every week or so. This ensures that all sides of the plant receive an equal amount of sunlight, promoting even, balanced growth instead of having the plant lean in one direction toward the light.
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