It’s widely acknowledged that home-grown fruit and vegetables have both taste and economic advantages, but what is not so well known are the considerable improvements to the gardener’s physical and mental wellbeing. Jack, an Australian brand of gardening support products, have some tips on how to utilise your balcony for more than just produce.
Say no to back pain
Gardening, of course, requires a lot of leaning and bending over. For those who seek to minimise this back strain, include a raised planter. This provides an elevated space for your plants, as well as creating a colourful divider between different zones on the balcony or terrace. Hanging baskets also work, to give the plant some height as well as introduce colour.
Protect your privacy
In order to relax and enjoy the fruit of your labour, privacy and protection is required – no one wants to be on show whilst they feast on a dozen mangos. Privacy screens are a great solution, made in a variety of patterns and styles to suit your architecture.
And to protect your precious plants, decorative owls and hawks are effective in deterring both day and night time predators, from birds to rodents.
Smell good, feel good
Keep some perfumed flowers or herbs on your balconies, to ensure a lovely waft permeates your home. Not only does this leave you feeling fresh and ready to conquer the day, some herbs like basil or lemon balm will keep any dreadful mosquitoes away – an instant stress reducer!
Maximise space
Feeling cluttered, claustrophobic, and overstimulated is never a good feeling. So maximise your space – even the balcony railing can be used to produce flowers and food! Rail pots allow you to attach your pot plants to a balcony railing, freeing up ground space.
