Summer Challenges
Summer brings heat, intense sun, and rapid water evaporation. Your balcony needs extra attention to thrive during hot months.
Watering Strategies
- Water early morning or evening to reduce evaporation
- Check soil moisture daily, possibly twice on very hot days
- Deep water less frequently rather than shallow frequent watering
- Consider self-watering containers or drip irrigation
- Group containers to create humid microclimate
Heat Protection
- Provide afternoon shade with umbrellas or shade cloth
- Move sensitive plants to cooler locations
- Apply mulch to soil surface to retain moisture
- Avoid fertilizing during extreme heat
- Mist plants in morning for humidity
Summer Plant Choices
- Heat-loving vegetables: tomatoes, peppers, eggplant
- Sun-loving flowers: petunias, geraniums, zinnias
- Heat-tolerant herbs: basil, rosemary, thyme
- Succulents and cacti for very hot, sunny spots
Summer is both the most rewarding and challenging season for balcony gardening. With proper care and attention, your space can be productive and beautiful throughout the hot months.