Balcony Seasonstart 2026

09.03.2026 - 8:30 pm

It was dark, overcast and rainy in Cologne throughout February, but with the beginning of March the weather finally became nice. Good opportunity for me to start the 2026 balcony season.

As my countless readers in German-speaking countries already know, I have been using my balcony and a window front facing the street for a decade to grow vegetables, salads and herbs. This year too, of course, because it's funny to "buy" the essentials for a salad on the balcony on or over six months of the year.

I haven't really done much yet, just got two packages of seedlings at the Bauhaus over the weekend, lettuce and parsley, and put them in self-mixed soil. They are joined by two chive pots, one of them from last year, the second is brand new. And last but not least, a few things sown in seed pots, spicy lettuce, dill and basil.

Actually, it is a bit early at the beginning of March, there is a risk of frosty nights and maybe it will kill the little plants. But as always, I'll just take a chance.

If it doesn't work out, I've wasted 2 hours and 5 euros.
If it works, I can bring in the first harvest from mid-April.

Either way, digging in the dirt is an interesting balance to working on the computer.
A hobby that is fun, costs less than 100 euros a year, and also tastes good.

I'm more careful with large plants like tomatoes, chili and peppers. I buy them at the end of April as small seedlings and let them grow up in the apartment, because they really shouldn't get frost. If the weather is warm enough at the beginning of May, they move out into the fresh air.

Until then, I can clear up on my balcony. Cleaning boxes and pots, mixing new soil - there is always something to do.

I will report on how things are going and when I can harvest.

With best regards to all balcony colleagues and worm friends,

Vegetable-Master Martin

About