How to grow a herb garden on a balcony

Wondering what to do with free space on your terrace or balcony? Why not grow a herb garden? Herbs are resilient plants that grow in limited space.

If you decide to grow a herb garden on your balcony, you need to consider the following:

• What are the best herbs to grow on your balcony?
• When is the best time to grow the herbs?
• How do you care for the herbs?

This article has everything you need to know to make this process a walk in the park for you.

The best herbs for your balcony garden

Depending on the space, weather, and sunlight, you can grow any herb that you want.

The good thing about herbs is that all can grow within a limited amount of space such as a balcony or terrace.

Some of the best herbs to grow are:

1. Parsley
2. Chive
3. Basil
4. Rosemary
5. Fennel
6. Sage
7. Mint
8. Lavender
9. Dill
10. Oregano

Exotic herbs such as curry plants, fenugreek, and betel leaf plants also do great in limited space.

How to choose the best pot

It is important to consider the space that you have when choosing a pot for your balcony herb garden. Crates, chests and large wooden planter boxes are affordable and you can grow different herbs with shared requirements.

If you prefer the smaller pots, the best ones are those made of clay as they look natural. Plastic pots are lightweight and easy to carry – you can even hang them easily. If you want pots that make a statement, get ceramic planters.

All in all, choosing a pot depends on the space and the resources that you have. You can also explore vertical hydroponic gardening if soil and space are a big problem for you.

When and how to plant your herbs

If you want to skip planting the herbs, you can visit the nearest garden centre and buy herbs already planted in pots. You can also buy herbs from the supermarket but these might not adjust to growing outside on the balcony like the ones from the garden centre.

The best thing about growing herbs on a balcony is, you can grow them all year round. During wintertime, herbs demand extra care to keep them from getting too cold. You must also care for your herbs during summer to protect them from excess heat. Remember to rotate your plants every season.

When planting your herbs in pots, it is important to plant smart. Avoid combining tall herbs such as sage, mint, and oregano with low growing herbs like rosemary, basil, and marjoram. The bigger plants can overtake the smaller herbs.

Caring for herbs in pots

Plant them in the right position

Many herbs do well in light, partial shade or in full sun. This means that your herb garden should face south-west, south-east or south. Planting herbs in a shady space is not recommended because they become weak as they try to pull to the sun.

Watering your herbs

Pots dry out quickly so a balcony garden should be regularly watered.

Herbs planted in a garden can go without water temporarily and tolerate excess water in the soil. This cannot be said about the ones planted in pots as they are more sensitive in waterlogged and dry soil. When buying the right pot to grow herbs, choose the ones with large openings from the bottom. These pots drain water freely and easily.

Fertilising

The one benefit that you get with herbs planted in a pot is you do not have to keep fertilising like with regular gardens. The best fertiliser is the slow release type; add it into your soil a few times a year and your plants will stay healthy. Organic matters, manure, and compost are also good for the soil.

Trimming

Prune your herbs regularly to improve the growth of foliage for dense looking plants. Prune the herbs on sunny days just before noon with a sharp knife or scissors. Remember to cut off the blooms to prevent seed formation.

Is growing herbs on a balcony still difficult for you? Visit Airtasker and hire a gardening expert who will help you grow a beautiful herb garden on your terrace or balcony.

You will find plenty of gardeners in your area and any one of them has the potential to keep your terrace or balcony garden looking its best. Read the reviews to hire the best home gardener.