Urban horticulture and vertical gardening – for a good harvest and biodiversity.
Times are changing – climate change is an undisputed fact. There is evidence that our planet is getting warmer. We need to adapt, stick to our climate targets and reduce each individual’s ecological footprint in our own small ways – despite the current political climate.
So what can be done about overheated city centres? Concrete surfaces are being broken up and opportunities for water retention created – keyword: sponge city. Urban spaces are to become greener. Urban planners are rethinking their approach: green roofs and facades are considered effective measures. Private initiatives are also contributing to greening – green strips are being created between parked cars, trees are being planted, biodiversity is increasing – keyword: guerrilla gardening.
Urbanature has recognised the signs of the times and has been working for years on bringing greenery into everyday life – on roof terraces and balconies. Plants are designed to thrive in the smallest of spaces – low-maintenance and environmentally friendly. In the private sphere, there’s only one way to go: upwards (why not with a plant ladder?). After all, living space is scarce and expensive.
Urbanature’s vertical gardens provide space for herbs, vegetables or flowers – across four storeys. Key growth factors such as light, watering and the shape of the planters were specifically taken into account when developing the planting systems. All the materials used are functional and designed to last – the key word here is sustainability.
This is important for vertical gardening on balconies and terraces.
What we should not forget in all our efforts to green our urban spaces or our balconies at home is that the plants we choose for these locations do not grow there voluntarily. This means that the plants must be suitable for the respective location – whether in shade, partial shade or in full sun. On hot summer days, it can become too warm even for sun-loving plants on balconies or terraces. Evaporation is enormous, and potted plants such as tomatoes or aubergines quickly become stressed. Therefore, make sure to use large planters that provide sufficient substrate and a large water reservoir. Use quality soil with good water retention capacity. And if necessary, simply move the pots to protect the plants from excessive heat.
Urbanature has developed the plant pot on wheels – the PLANT TROLLEY. With a capacity of 24 litres, it is large enough for most balcony plants. Plants that require plenty of water, such as courgettes, aubergines and tomatoes, benefit particularly from an ample water reservoir. The trellis with stainless steel supports provides stability as the plants grow upwards (available in lengths of up to 1.80 m as an option). The 4.5-litre water reservoir is ideal for hot summer days, meaning that daily watering is generally no longer necessary.
The variety of flowering plants attracts insects. Butterflies and bees enjoy nectar in urban areas. Biodiversity is increased, and your balcony becomes a host for beneficial insects.
Urban gardening is the art of vertical gardening.
There are now many vertical planters available. However, most of them have one problem: the planters are too small and are placed too close together. Urbanature has ensured that all its vertical gardens feature optimal planter geometry. This reduces competition for light, and the plants have enough space to grow upwards. The footprint is very small at 0.2 m² – another key selling point. For the balcony raised beds, which have a volume of 8 litres per planter, we offer matching grow covers. This means you can start growing your first seedlings as early as spring. In autumn, the small greenhouses protect against cold nights, thanks to the matching grow covers.
Plant care cannot be discussed in detail here, as this topic is very complex – each plant has its own characteristics and needs. However, one thing can be said in general: if the plant is infested with pests such as aphids or similar, it is not doing well. First, a deficiency caused by various factors becomes apparent. Only then is the plant’s immune system weakened. Its defences dwindle and the aphid infestation begins. Healthy plants develop antibodies to ward off their enemies. (Snails on lettuce are an exception – humans have bred out the natural bitter substances that were previously the plant’s defence against snails).
Keep a close eye on your plants – drooping or yellow leaves do not always indicate a lack of water. The first instinct is often to reach for the watering can, but plants can also ‘drown’. Urbanature wants to make things easier for you and equips its vertical planters with irrigation systems. Water enters a reservoir via watering ports and is drawn upwards through a suction basket. The growing medium and drainage grid are separated by a garden fleece, ensuring that the water remains clean and does not become muddy. This ensures that the high-quality water level indicator with a ball float works reliably.
Check the soil with your finger before watering – it won’t do any harm.
One more little tip: mint, basil, chives and many other herbs can be pruned back just before they flower. Don’t worry – the herbs will sprout again. It’s important that the plants are healthy and a rich green, as this keeps pests at bay. Although the planters are large, the plants use up a lot of nutrients – so regular fertilising is a must.