July 19, 2025, 11:22 am | Read time: 4 minutes

Even without a garden, nature lovers can contribute to species conservation. The Nature Conservation Union Berlin (NABU) explains how to create an insect-friendly balcony with the right plant selection, nesting sites, and avoiding light. These tips are suitable for small balconies as they don’t require much space.

1. The Right Plants

A diverse mix of flowering herbs, native flowering plants, some vegetables, and climbing plants creates ideal conditions for planting an insect-friendly balcony. It’s important to choose plants suitable for the location—whether the balcony is sunny or shady. NABU provides specific recommendations:

For a Sunny Balcony

• Catnip
• Lavender
• Geranium species
• Wild roses
• Thyme
• Sage
• Strawberries
• Tomatoes

For a Shady Balcony

• Forget-me-not
• Lungwort
• Star moss
• Nettle-leaved bellflower
• Ivy
• Lamb’s lettuce
• Mint
• Raspberries

It’s best to combine early, mid, and late bloomers so insects have food all year round. Since space is limited on a balcony, it’s a good idea to work with heights—such as using hanging pots and wall brackets. 

Also interesting: 5 Flowers You Should Avoid Planting on the Balcony

2. Avoid Double Blooms

Popular garden plants like double dahlias, roses, or chrysanthemums may be visually appealing but offer little help to insects. The reason: Their double blooms provide no food. Either the pollen is completely absent, or the dense petals block access to nectar. Natural wild plants are better as they serve as a true food source.

3. Create Nesting Sites

Even in flower boxes, suitable nesting sites can be integrated. Cut, pithy stems like those from blackberries or mullein are particularly suitable. Simply place them vertically among the plants in the flower boxes. It’s also valuable for many insect species to allow part of the balcony to remain wild, meaning not immediately removing dead stems or leaves, which can serve as hiding or overwintering spots.

A pot or planter filled with sand and a small amount of soil can also be used. It’s important not to plant too densely. This creates a suitable habitat for ground-nesting insects like certain wild bee species.

4. Avoid Light and Protect Nocturnal Insects

While string lights or lanterns create a cozy atmosphere, they can have significant negative effects on nocturnal insects. Many insect species, especially moths, lose their way when distracted by artificial light, circling the light source or becoming exhausted, often leading to death. Additionally, artificial light can disrupt natural behaviors.

If you don’t want to forgo lighting, try to use insect-friendly options. It’s advisable to use light only sparingly and to have it on for a limited time, ideally with a timer or motion sensor, to avoid unnecessary continuous lighting. Warm white or amber lights can help reduce negative effects.

5. Provide Water Sources

Water sources are vital for many insects during increasingly dry summer months. They need water not only for drinking but also for temperature regulation. A small, man-made insect water source on the balcony can be a crucial help for survival.

A simple drinking spot can be set up with a shallow saucer, a small bowl, or a lid filled with fresh water and equipped with stones, pebbles, or some moss. It’s important that the stones protrude from the water or at least provide a non-slip surface.

It’s also important to rinse the stones and moss occasionally with clear water to avoid germs. Clean, well-placed water sources not only help individual animals but also promote biodiversity and make a valuable contribution to conservation.

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6. Avoid Pesticides and Chemical Fertilizers

A central aspect is also avoiding pesticides and chemical fertilizers. These substances can severely harm or drive away beneficial insects. Instead, natural alternatives like neem oil are recommended—or simply let nature take its course and tolerate a certain amount of “wildness.”

7. Plant Containers Made of Natural Materials

Plant containers made of natural materials are more environmentally friendly than plastic and offer a better microclimate and sometimes even additional habitat for small organisms.

Important: Change the water regularly to avoid germs. Also, rinse the stones and moss with clear water occasionally. Clean, well-placed water sources not only help individual animals but also promote biodiversity and make a valuable contribution to species conservation.