If you’re reading this blog, you’re probably like me and you love gardening. However, the thing we have to consider is that many people don’t have the space for gardening (like a backyard) and often use rooftops and balconies!
But a bigger issue (especially in some countries) is pots that frequently fall over in the wind. If you’ve ever struggled with this problem, you know how irritating it can be.
Plant pots in higher areas can be a real nuisance, and they can also be a safety hazard. If your plant pot falls over it can damage your plants and you might also hurt someone (of course I hope that never happens).
For this reason, it’s super important to take precautions and adopt techniques to prevent this from happening. Let’s see what they are and the ones that (in my opinion) are most effective.
Use Heavy Or Large Pots
The first, and maybe also the simplest thing you can do, is to use heavy or large pots. If you have large pots, they will weigh down your plants, stopping them from falling in the wind.
Large pots usually also make the plant grow better so it might be a good idea to repot your plants if they need it.
Remember to place heavy pots on a sturdy stand or base so they don’t topple over in high winds. In addition, avoid using supports that are too light or not securely anchored, the weight of the pot could cause them to give way.
If you don’t have heavy pots (they’re also quite expensive), you can still opt for shorter ones. They are more stable and usually easily fit any garden layout.
Install A Security Netting
If you want to take it a step further, you can install security netting on your balcony or rooftop garden to stop plant pots from falling over in the wind. This is a great option if you have many pots because it will stop them all from falling at once.
Security netting is also quite an affordable solution and very easy to install. It’s usually made of a strong fabric and can be attached to the railing or your balcony wall.
Simply tie it in place using plant ties or anchors and once installed, it can give you peace of mind.
PRO TIP: Still avoid placing very heavy plants near windowsills, as the mesh could eventually give way too.
use the appropriate pot size and Choose the Right Plants
Remember to select the appropriate pot size for each plant you’re growing. You can’t imagine how many times I’ve seen plants in completely the wrong size pots.
If the pot is too small, the top of the plant will unbalance it and increase the risk of falling.
If you are short on space and cannot use larger pots, opt only for plants that grow small. For example, good choices are Aloe Vera, Bonsai, Orchid, Chinese Money Plant, Cactus and virtually all herbs that remain small and light.
Fill the Pot
Another easy thing you can do is consider filling the pots with river pebbles or other heavy material to stop the pots from falling.
This is a great option if your balcony is in a windy location and you do not want to install security netting. Simply place the pots filled with rocks strategically around the plant to help increase their weight and make them more stable.
Once again, still move them away from any unstable spots. If they fall down from the balcony, they could cause even more damage than before with the pebbles in them.
Prune The Plants
Prune the plants regularly to prevent them from growing too tall and falling over. Unfortunately, many gardeners are lazy and make their plants grow more than they should. Know that if you get a plant, you must also take care of it; it’s still a living thing!
Pruning will also reduce plant overgrowth, leading to messy balconies and a reduction in light and air circulation.
Place the pots against a wall or in a corner
Place your pots in windy areas against a wall or in a corner to help stop them from falling. This will help to distribute wind and weight more evenly in the pot and prevent it from tipping over in windy conditions.
This is because walls act as an obstacle and deflect energy away from your pots. Even better if you put them in a corner, your pots will be covered on two sides, and the risk will be even lower.
use a pot stabilizer
If you don’t have a free wall or your available space is all very windy, you can consider using a pot stabilizer to secure your plants in place.
A pot stabilizer is an adhesive or support that you basically attach to the bottom of the pots and hold them in place. They’re made in different shapes and sizes and come in two or more packs.
Obviously, when you purchase a pot stabilizer, choose one that will fit your specific plant pots. Bigger plants need bigger stabilizers (don’t try to save money because it won’t work).
Move them indoors
I know this is a drastic solution, but if you’re balcony is always windy, consider moving the plants inside.
You can also only move them in at night or during particularly windy days. Just remember to keep an eye on them because plants suffer when we move them. They have to adapt to the new environment and may have different needs based on temperature and humidity.
In addition, remember that moving them may change their water needs. I suggest you take a look at the mistakes you should never make when watering plants.
Center the plant in the pot
One of the most common reasons for plant pots tipping over in the wind is due to improper placement. When placing a plant in a pot, it is important to ensure that it’s perfectly centered within the pot.
This simple step can prevent the plant from becoming unbalanced and toppling over when strong winds occur. By centering the plant, its weight will be well distributed, providing stability and reducing the risk of tipping.
Attach the plant using a wire
If you can’t move the plant to a wind-free area, consider attaching it to a stake using a strong wire. Pick a stake that fits your plant well, they come in every shape and size, and stick it in the soil.
If needed, you can use more than one stake so the plant is stable in windy and non-windy conditions, but don’t overdo it. Too many stakes can make the plant too heavy and hinder growth.
Vertical Hook Hanging Pot
One solution to stop plant pots from tipping over in the wind is to install a vertical hook-hanging pot. They are perfect, keep the plant in place and prevent it from falling over in strong winds.
Vertical pots can easily be installed on a rail or beam near a grill, under overhangs, or at the perimeter of your balcony. Measure the wind speed in your area to ensure that the pot will hold up in windy conditions.
When you install them, it’s important to ensure all your plant pots are securely fastened to an anchoring structure, especially if you live in a very windy area.