July 19, 2025, 11:22 am | Read time: 5 minutes
Even on a few square meters of balcony, you can create a true haven for bees, bumblebees, and butterflies. Knowing what matters can make a big impact with little effort.
Follow myHOMEBOOK on WhatsApp now
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
- Field salad
- Mint
- Raspberries
It’s best to combine early, mid, and late bloomers so that insects have food all year round. Since space is limited on the balcony, it’s a good idea to work with heights—such as hanging pots and wall mounts.
Also interesting: 5 Flowers You Shouldn’t Plant on the Balcony
2. No 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 missing, or the dense petals block access to the 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 such as those from blackberry or mullein are particularly suitable. Simply place them vertically among the plants in the flower boxes. It’s also valuable for many insect species if part of the balcony is intentionally left “wild.” This means not immediately removing dead stems or leaves but leaving them as a hiding place or overwintering spot. Even a small wild corner can have a huge impact.
Alternatively, a pot or planter box can be filled with sand and a small amount of soil. 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
Artificial light sources like string lights or lanterns may create a cozy atmosphere but can have significant negative effects on nocturnal insects. Many insect species, especially moths, use natural light sources like the moon for orientation. When distracted by artificial light, they lose their way, circle the light source, or exhaust themselves, often leading to death. Additionally, artificial light can disrupt natural behaviors like foraging, mating, and reproduction, which can threaten entire populations in the long term.
If you don’t want to forgo lighting, you should use it in an insect-friendly manner. It’s advisable to use light only sparingly. Additionally, the lighting should be on for a limited time, ideally equipped with a timer or motion sensor to avoid unnecessary continuous lighting. Warm white or amber-colored bulbs with low UV radiation are also considered less attractive to insects and can help reduce negative effects.
5. Provide Water Sources
For many insects, water sources are vital during increasingly dry summer months. They need water not only for direct consumption but also for temperature regulation. Especially in urban areas where natural water sources like ponds or moist soil are lacking, an artificially created insect waterer on the balcony can be a crucial aid for survival.
With simple means, such a drinking spot can be set up, making your balcony more insect-friendly. A shallow saucer, small bowl, or lid can be filled with fresh water and equipped with stones, pebbles, or some moss. These elements serve as safe landing spots for insects and prevent them from falling into the water and drowning. It’s important that the stones protrude from the water or at least provide a non-slip surface.
It’s also important to change the water regularly to avoid germs. The stones and moss should occasionally be rinsed with clear water. Clean, well-placed water sources not only help individual animals but also promote biodiversity and contribute to the ecological balance in your own environment.
6. Avoid Pesticides and Chemical Fertilizers
An equally central aspect is avoiding pesticides and chemical fertilizers. These substances can severely harm or drive away beneficial insects. Instead, natural alternatives like nettle manure or neem oil are recommended—or simply let nature take its course and tolerate a certain degree of “wildness.”

How to Effectively Prevent a Wasp Nest

These Are the Garden Trends for 2025

How to Prevent a Pigeon Nest on Your Balcony
7. Plant Containers Made of Natural Materials
The choice of plant containers can also make a difference. Pots made of clay, wood, or coconut fiber are not only more environmentally friendly than plastic but also offer a better microclimate and sometimes even additional habitat for small organisms.
With material from dpa