Gloves to the ground and into the ground: From now on, you can plant practically anything (Image: Andrina Schmitz).
Summer temperatures are fast approaching and it is time for hobby gardeners to develop their passion. For anyone still unsure of how to approach a garden project, this article provides gardening tips and tricks.
If you want to go green, you should first ask yourself what the light conditions are like on the balcony or in the garden. Some plants need a lot of sun (for example, oregano or tomatoes), others are satisfied with partial shade (for example, different types of mint or lovage).
What else do I need to consider as a gardening beginner?
“A container with a hole is an absolute must. Otherwise, the water cannot drain and the plants stand in the swamp,” says Diana Voyame, a gardener LBB kindergarten. “Also, using good soil is very important. It’s worth investing in.” Perennial plants in particular should also be nourished, i.e. fertilized. If you’re not familiar, it’s best to ask the nursery what fertilizer should be used.
The space-saving expansion strategy offers «dead end». Planted in felt bags, lettuce, kohlrabi, radishes or herbs can be harvested regularly. It is very easy to use and you have your own garden without owning a piece of land.
No space is an excuse: With “Sackgsund” you can plant without a garden (Image: Andrina Schmitz).
Plant whatever your heart desires
“Native wild perennials are all the rage right now,” says Voyame. The topic of biodiversity has helped wild plants gain unprecedented popularity. However, the old classics also remain.
Nowadays, anyone can start gardening: “You can basically plant anything now, except maybe very sensitive plants,” says Voyame. The summer flower season is also open.
Flowers of all colors and shapes are always a joy on the balcony and in the garden (Image: Andrina Schmitz)
If you want to start gardening slowly, you can also start by planting a few herbs. “They are relatively easy to care for and are versatile.” However, with herbs, you have to remember the light conditions: while rosemary feels great even in full sun, parsley needs partial shade to thrive.
Undemanding herbs are recommended for beginners (Image: Andrina Schmitz).
Winter care for perennials
While some plants only flower for one summer, others survive for several years. However, it also requires proper care, especially during the winter. Diana Voyame showed me the “winter camp” at the LBB Nursery.
It is a place full of olive trees, oleanders and citrus trees of all sizes. “These plants need a certain climate during the winter, which neither the living room nor the balcony can offer. Here we can accommodate these special conditions.”
At LBB, the plants overwinter in special rooms (Image: Andrina Schmitz).
Ice Saints: Myth or Useful Guide?
According to the peasant rule, the ice saints bring the last icy days of winter in mid-May and then move on to warm like summer. The ice saints are also based on empirical values and observations of weather conditions, according to which cold air often advances in May and brings with it frosty nights.
In agriculture, frost saints are of great importance, as sensitive young plants should not be planted too early and exposed to freezing temperatures. Young plants can suffer frost damage, leading to crop failure. All the trouble would be for naught. Diana Voyame says, “It’s an old farm rule. If you want to be on the safe side, you can wait to expose frost-sensitive vegetables (tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers and beans) until after the frost.
If you want to start: go for it Wild plant market at Andreasplatz
Herbs, wild plants and shrubs can be purchased at the Andreas Market (Image: Andrina Schmitz).
Andreasplatz is located until May 14 wild plant market with a variety of native wild perennials, culinary herbs, flower and vegetable seeds and much more from organic farming. If you feel a little lost, you can get inspiration and advice on the spot. The menu is very varied and ranges from fennel to horseradish and pear to spinach and strawberry spinach.
