How to Clean and Prepare a Balcony for Spring?

It's time to take a walk through this neglected balcony after winter:

• Sweep the floor. If small mushrooms appear, mix water + baking soda or black soap and wipe with a brush.
• Wash the railings. Any rust stains can be removed using a fine wire brush.
• If moss appears on the sides of your planters, the same mixture of water + baking soda or black soap will help.
• Check all planter and hanger attachments; sometimes weather weakens them.
• Remove insulation coverings installed at the end of autumn as soon as warm days begin (carefully: in the coldest regions, you may have to wait until May).
• As for planters and trays without plants, replace half the soil to make it easier to plant new ones.
• Finally, check the condition of tools that were left outside all winter.

Preparing a Balcony Garden

Even if the temperature seems warmer, it's better to stay cautious since cold snaps are still possible. Therefore, it’s too early to fully set up a balcony garden.

However, in March you can:

• Prepare containers if needed to clean them and install trays for next plantings.
• Sow seeds of less cold-resistant vegetables directly in pots, such as radish or some aromatic seeds like parsley.
• Sow pepper, eggplant and tomato seeds indoors... until it's time to plant them on the balcony.

Cleaning Balcony Furniture

Balcony furniture needs cleaning before spring, regardless of material. If you have teak furniture, simply mix warm soap and a bit of sea soap. The same applies to PVC furniture, which is easily cleaned by wiping with a damp sponge pre-soaked in a bucket of soapy solution. To restore attractive rattan furniture, mix four tablespoons of baking soda with warm water and then wipe the rattan piece with a sponge. Finally, to effectively clean outdoor mattresses and cushions, soak a brush in a bucket of warm water with a cup of baking soda crystals. Gently wipe, then rinse clean and air dry. To avoid stains like mold, take this opportunity to treat outdoor fabrics with a water-repellent product so you have a clean space for the entire summer season.