Home leave on balconies: 3 healthy plants

Plants and gardening can have a positive effect on the body and mind. Plants not only serve as decoration on the balcony or terrace – herbs, plants and vegetables also provide a lasting and healthy side effect.

These plants should not be missing on the balcony or terrace.

1. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are the colorful all-rounders on the balcony. Depending on the variety, the popular balcony plants can be placed in hot and warm places as well as in shady places. In addition, your own healthy tomatoes usually taste particularly delicious on their own or in a salad.

Tomatoes are very easy to care for, they prefer hot, sunny places on the house wall and places protected from rain and wind. A fruiting tomato should be watered every two to three days. The tomatoes are ready to harvest when they have turned the right color. Tomatoes taste particularly aromatic when they can be crushed very easily and are harvested in the morning or mid-morning.

The red fruit is not only a colorful decoration on the balcony, harvested tomatoes can also have a positive effect on the body:

• Strengthens the immune system:  Thanks to its various vitamins and minerals, the tomato is a real health booster. The  vitamin C  in tomatoes strengthens the immune system and protects against viruses and bacteria, even in summer.
• Secondary plant substances of the tomato reduce various diseases:  The carotenoids of the tomato also have an influence on the immune system. They also act as antioxidants and prevent skin aging and reduce the risk of certain types of cancer. They also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Low- calorie slimming product:  With 34 calories per 200 grams, the tomato is a delicious slimming product that cuts a fine figure on wholemeal bread as well as in a salad.

Various types are suitable for the balcony, including:

• Glacier  is also suitable for shade cultivation.
• Golden Currant  ripens quickly and is golden yellow in colour. If you are in the mood for lots of delicious fruit, this is the right variety for you.
• Red Marble  and  Yellow Tumbler  are also recommended for balconies and patios.

2. Colorful berries

Currants and gooseberries in particular are well suited for the balcony, as both tall stems grow in one pot (from 30 liters). Small cranberries also feel at home in the window boxes.

If you have space and fancy delicious blueberries or blackberries, it is best to grow them on the balcony in a 60-liter bucket.

All berries prefer spring fertilizer and regular watering. Berries are not only the perfect companions in muesli,  smoothies  or as a healthy snack, they can also have a positive effect on our body:

• The antioxidants  in the berries can prevent skin aging and skin problems and protect body cells, which can also reduce the risk of some cancers.
• The  vitamin C  in the berries helps to strengthen the immune system: This can prevent colds and  flu  in summer.
• Berries, especially blueberries, can   prevent gastrointestinal problems . Dried blueberries help with  diarrhea , while fresh blueberries help with  constipation  .

3. Herb mix for tubs and pots

Herbs are not only that little something extra when cooking, various herbs also cut a fine figure on the balcony:

• Peppermint:  Fresh peppermint tea invigorates, and peppermint essential oil can also help with headaches.
• Coriander:  Can help with gastrointestinal problems, abdominal cramps and a feeling of fullness.
• Thyme :  The essential oils of thyme can have an expectorant effect, inhibit inflammation and promote expectoration.
• Sage:  The essential oils of sage have an anti-inflammatory effect and can help with coughs and  sore throats in particular  . Drink or gargle sage tea with  honey  to relieve pain.

Whether tomatoes, berries or herbs – balcony plants are beautiful to look at, bring variety to everyday life and often support health.

Tip:  Garden centers continue to offer garden and balcony plants via “Click & Collect”.