More plants, less effort – science for a green balcony

The path to the Boum idea: A biologist and the challenges of plant care

Cities are becoming increasingly densely built, climate change is exacerbating heat islands, and green spaces are disappearing. However, we urgently need plants for biodiversity and our well-being. The solution is actually quite obvious: more plants. And right where people live, on balconies, windowsills, and terraces.

As a plant scientist and the son of a mountain farmer, Matthias Erb repeatedly wondered why so many people hesitate to green their own balconies and terraces. Theoretically, everyone could contribute to a greener city and, at the same time, benefit enormously from it. At the same time, he had to admit that his balcony wasn't as green as befits a biologist with sufficient plant knowledge.

Many people feel this way. It's incredibly frustrating when you're so motivated to plan a balcony garden, only to find no blooming flowers in sight, and instead of delicious tomatoes, you only harvest dried leaves. The biggest obstacles to plant care:

• Lack of knowledge
• False Earth
• Inefficient irrigation
• Too little time
  
  

The time factor is a major counterargument. Even a balcony garden takes work and requires daily maintenance. How can this be combined with everyday stress and extended vacations? So, something was needed that would allow even beginners, frequent travelers, and those without a green thumb to green their balconies. A smart, time-saving system. The foundation for the Boum vision was laid.

Nature and technology in harmony

In 2021, Matthias Erb and geophysicist Ludwig Auer founded Boum as a spin-off from the University of Bern and have since combined scientific expertise with modern technology. A team of biologists, engineers, product designers, and app developers developed the system. It automatically supplies plants as needed, while simultaneously relieving gardeners of as much work as possible.

At Boum, technology is used to mimic natural processes, enabling resource-efficient, sustainable greening. What works in nature can be replicated on our balconies. Nature and technology aren't in conflict here; rather, they complement each other, providing plants with the nutrients they need. The result: healthier plants, and since almost everything happens automatically, the system allows even people with little time and little expertise to effortlessly green their balconies, terraces, and living rooms.


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