There is something deeply rewarding in collecting with your own hands a bunch of freshly caught basil, rubbing it between your fingers and let yourself be invaded by that perfume that knows of summer and home cooking. Great allies in the stove, aromatic plants are small well -being plants, capable of transforming even the most anonymous of the balconies into a green corner to live.
September is the perfect month to take stock of the aromatic: some prepare to resist fresh, others instead need some extra attention to last until late autumn.
Cultivating them in pots is not difficult, in fact some precautions and a pinch of patience is enough, in addition to the inevitable desire to take care of something that grows, smells and repays you day after day. Here are seven secrets, collected between experience, tips of gardeners and tests made on the field, to get the best from your summer aromatic.
Choose the right vases: the container counts
Let’s start from the bases: not all the vases are the same and not, those in economic plastic, thin like a bottle of water, are not the ideal choice, because aromatic plants love a stable environment. Terracotta containers, for example, retain humidity better, avoid thermal changes and allow the roots to breathe. If you have little space, you can opt for long rectangular vessels, perhaps to hang on the railing. The important thing is that there is always a good drainage: the stagnation of water, in the summer, are one of the most frequent causes of death for the aromatic.
Light is life: place your plants well
Basil, rosemary, thyme, oregano, sage … all these plants have an unbridled passion for the sun. An exposure to the south, or at most south-east, is perfect, since they must receive at least six hours of direct light per day. If your balcony is in the shade, it is better to focus on more tolerant varieties, such as mint or lemon balm. And in any case, attention to the extreme heat: on the most sultry days, a shading sheet can save the leaves from unwanted burns.
With the days that are shortened, move the vases to the most sunny points of the balcony, avoiding shaded areas that could still work in the summer.
Water yes, but with criteria
Irrigation is often the critical point of do -it -yourself gardening. Many think that in the summer you have to water every day, often wrong concept, because there is a great “but”, linked to the condition of the ground. For optimal watering, the golden rule is (almost) always the same: it touches the ground. If it is still humid a couple of centimeters of depth, leave it alone, if it is dry, it’s time to act. The best time is early in the morning, when the sun is not yet high and the plant manages to better absorb water. Even in the evening it can be fine, but only if night humidity does not risk promoting the onset of mushrooms and molds. Ah, I forgot: never wet the leaves, especially if it is very hot.
With the drop in temperatures and the first autumn rains, gradually reduce the watering: the soil tends to retain more humidity than in the summer months.
Light soil, rich and well draining
Here it is not just about putting land in a vase and waiting, you need some care. The summer aromatic want a light substrate, with a good percentage of sand or perlite, which avoids composition. If you use universal soil, mix it with sand and compost. To give some examples, basil loves a richer ground, while rosemary and thyme prefer a drier and poor environment. If you prepare a personalized mix for each vase, your plants will thank you with more fragrant and lasting leaves.
Light but regular pruning
In this phase we play an important part of the health of the plant, so maximum attention. Cutting does not mean damaging: on the contrary, good pruning stimulates growth, prevents early aging and maintains the compact form. Basil, for example, must be often scored: when you see that it is to flourish, cut the flowers at the base. The rosemary, on the other hand, appreciates a sprinkling every now and then, to prevent it from lignifying too much. The trick? Use clean and sharp scissors, always cut a pair of leaves on top and never remove more than a third of the plant.
Attention to parasites: preventing is better
Even the aromatic, however rustic, can undergo parasitic attacks with the usual well -known, such as aphids, ladybugs and red spikes … our small enemies in perennial ambush. The best remedy is the prevention, therefore it often controls the leaves, especially below, where they hide more easily and if you notice something strange, you will have to intervene immediately (visit our section dedicated to the parasites of the plants to find some useful advice). And then there are the invisible allies: attracting ladybugs, bees and other useful insects can really make a difference.
September also brings humidity and thermal changes, conditions that favor mushrooms and mold. Check the leaves regularly and evaluate natural preventive treatments (such as nettle macerate or garlic decoction)
Intelligent collection: the perfume is amplified
Last secret, perhaps the most pleasant, concerning the collection of leaves: do it at the right time amplifies their aroma. The best time? In the morning, shortly after the evaporation of the dew, when the essential oils are at the maximum concentration. Use your fingers, or clean scissors, it is gently cuts, without tearing, and recalls a golden rule: collect little and often. In this way you will stimulate the plant to produce new leaves and always have a fresh and fragrant stock at hand.
Not all aromatics have the same life cycle: basil and mint will tend to slow down growth or dry out with the first colds, while rosemary, sage and thyme resist quietly. To prolong the life of the most delicate, you can transfer the vases to repaired areas, close to a wall exposed to the south or even at home, in front of a light window.
The protagonists of summer: aromatic seven not to be missed
If you are a beginner and you don’t know where to start, here are seven aromatic plants that will not be missing on your summer balcony:
You just have to roll up your sleeves and start!
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