Urban horticulture and vertical gardening – for a good harvest and biodiversity.
Times are changing—climate change is undisputed. Our planet is demonstrably warming up. It is important to adapt, stick to climate targets, and reduce each individual’s ecological footprint on a small scale—despite the current political climate.
So what can be done about overheated city centers? 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 recognized the signs of the times and has been working for years to bring greenery into everyday life—on rooftop terraces and balconies. Plants should thrive in confined spaces—easy to care for and environmentally friendly. In the private sphere, there is only one direction: upward (why not with a plant ladder?). Because living space is expensive.
Urbanature’s vertical gardens offer space for herbs, vegetables, or flowers—on four levels. Key growth factors such as light, irrigation, and the shape of the plant boxes were specifically taken into account when developing the planting systems. All materials used are functional and designed for a long service life—keyword: 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 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 eggplants quickly become stressed. Therefore, be sure to use large planters that provide sufficient substrate and a large water reservoir. Use quality soil with good water retention. And if necessary, simply move the pots to protect the plants from excessive heat.
Urbanature has developed a plant pot on wheels—the PLANT TROLLEY. With a volume of 24 liters, it is large enough for most balcony plants. Hungry potted plants such as pumpkins, eggplants, and tomatoes benefit particularly from sufficient water storage. The climbing pole with stainless steel trellis provides support as the plants grow (optionally up to 1.80 m in length). The 4.5-liter water reservoir is ideal for hot summer days, so that daily watering is usually 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 a problem: the plant boxes are too small and are placed too close together. Urbanature has ensured that all its vertical gardens have an optimal box geometry. This reduces competition for light. The plants have enough space to grow upwards. The base areas are very small at 0.4 m²—another important unique selling point. We offer matching grow covers for the foldable raised beds with a volume of 8 L per box. This means that the first seedlings can be grown as early as spring. In autumn, the small greenhouses protect against cold nights thanks to matching grow covers.
Plant care cannot be discussed in detail here, as this topic is very complex—every 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 defenses dwindle and aphids begin to infest it. 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 defense against snails).
Observe your plants closely—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 it easier for you and equips its vertical planters with irrigation systems. Water flows into a reservoir via watering corners and is drawn upwards through a suction basket. The substrate and drainage grid are separated by a garden fleece, so that the watering water remains clean and does not become muddy. The high-quality water level indicator works reliably.
Check the soil with your finger before watering – it won’t do any harm.
A little advice: mint, basil, chives, and many other herbs can be cut back shortly before flowering. Don’t worry, the herbs will sprout again. It’s important that the plants are healthy and thrive in lush green, as this keeps pests away. Although the boxes are large, the plants consume a lot of nutrients, so regular fertilization is a must.