Herbs on High: Growing a Successful Balcony Herb Garden

April 2023

If you're a herb lover with limited outdoor space, a balcony herb garden is a perfect solution for you! Herbs are easy to grow, require minimal maintenance, and are excellent for seasoning your food. Whether you're growing herbs for their culinary or medicinal value, a balcony herb garden can be a great way to connect with nature and improve your well-being, even with limited space.

In this blog post, we will discuss how to grow a successful balcony herb garden with a focus on the following topics:

Choosing the Right Herbs
Preparing the Soil and Containers
Watering and Fertilizing
Pruning
Pests and Diseases
Harvesting and Preserving

1. Choosing the Right Herbs:

The first step to growing a successful balcony herb garden is selecting the right herbs. There are a variety of herbs that you can choose from. Some herbs grow better in pots than others, and some require direct sunlight than others. Here are a few of our favorite herbs for balcony gardens:

Basil: A culinary herb that can be used in many dishes, basil requires a lot of sunlight and fertile, moist soil. Basil plants can be grown in a container or directly in the ground.
Rosemary: Rosemary is a perennial herb that is great for seasoning vegetables, Rosemary requires a lot of sunlight and well-draining potting soil. It can be grown in a container or directly in the ground. They are hardy and can tolerate dry soil.
Thyme: Thyme is a Mediterranean herb that is great for seasoning soups and stews. Thyme requires well-draining soil and can be grown in a container or directly in the ground.
Mint: A popular herb that is great for making tea and cocktails, mint grows well in a sunny spot and well-drained potting soil. It can also do well in partial shade. It is best grown in a container as it can easily take over a garden.
Chives: A mild herb that is great for seasoning eggs and salads, chives require well-draining soil and can be grown in a container or directly in the ground.

2. Preparing the Soil:

Choosing the right soil for your balcony herb garden is crucial for the success of your plants. Herbs require organic matter-rich soil. It is essential to choose a well drained potting mix. A good potting mix should contain a blend of peat moss, vermiculite or perlite, and compost. Avoid using garden soil or topsoil, as they can become compacted and may contain pests or diseases. By choosing the right soil, you can provide your herbs with the nutrients they need to thrive and produce an abundance of flavorful leaves and stems.

3. Choosing the containers:

Choose a container that is at least 6 inches deep and has drainage holes at the bottom. Proper drainage is essential to prevent diseases like root rot.

When it comes to growing herbs on a balcony or small outdoor space, the choice of containers can be just as important as the herbs themselves. Here are some of the best containers for growing herbs:

Terracotta Pots: Terracotta pots are a classic choice for herb gardening. They are porous and allow for good airflow, which helps to prevent root rot. They are also heavy, which makes them less likely to tip over on a windy day. However, they do dry out quickly, so they may require more frequent watering.
Hanging Baskets: Hanging baskets are a great way to add vertical interest to your balcony garden. They are perfect for trailing herbs like thyme or oregano. Make sure to choose a basket with good drainage and line it with sphagnum moss to help retain moisture.
Window Boxes: Window planter boxes are another great way to add vertical interest to your balcony garden. They can be hung on railings or attached to the side of your balcony. Make sure to choose a box with good drainage and fill it with a well-draining potting mix.
Fabric Grow Bags: Fabric grow bags are a great option for those who want to save space on their balcony. They are lightweight and can be easily moved around to find the best spot for your herbs. They are also breathable, which helps to prevent root rot.

4. Watering:

Watering your balcony herb garden is essential to keep your plants healthy and thriving. However, it's important to find a balance between overwatering and underwatering. When watering your herbs, make sure to water deeply so the roots receive enough moisture, but avoid soaking the soil. A good rule of thumb is to water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. In hot weather, plants may need regular watering, and in cooler weather, you may need to water less often. You can also consider using self-watering containers or adding a layer of mulch to help retain moisture. With proper watering techniques, your herbs will grow healthy and strong, providing you with a constant supply of fresh herbs for cooking and other uses.

5. Fertilizing:

Fertilizing your balcony herb garden can help to promote healthy growth and improve the flavor and aroma of your herbs. When choosing a fertilizer, look for one that is specifically designed for herbs or vegetable gardens. Organic fertilizers, such as compost, are a great option as they provide nutrients to the soil without the use of harsh chemicals. A general rule of thumb is to fertilize every four to six weeks during the growing season. However, some herbs, such as basil or chives, may benefit from more frequent fertilization. You can also use balanced liquid fertilizers or slow-release fertilizers. By providing your herbs with the right nutrients, you can ensure a bountiful harvest of delicious and flavorful herbs all season long.

6. Pruning

Pruning is an essential task for maintaining healthy herb plants on your balcony. Regular pruning helps to promote bushy growth, prevent legginess, and encourage the production of new leaves and stems. Most herbs can be pruned as soon as they have several sets of leaves. When pruning, use a sharp pair of scissors or garden shears and cut just above a leaf node, which is where the leaf meets the stem. Make sure to prune only a small amount of growth at a time, as too much pruning can stress the plant. Deadheading or removing flowers can also help to promote new growth and prevent the plant from going to seed. By pruning your herbs regularly, you can ensure that they remain healthy and productive throughout the growing season.

7. Pests and Diseases:

Even though herbs are relatively easy to grow, they can still be susceptible to pests and diseases. Here are a few common pests and diseases to watch out for:

Aphids: These small, green insects can suck the sap out of your plants, causing them to wilt and die. To get rid of aphids, spray your plants with a mixture of water and dish soap.
Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white powder on the leaves of your plants. To prevent powdery mildew, make sure your plants are not overcrowded and are getting enough sunlight and air circulation.
Spider Mites: These tiny pests can spin webs on your plants and suck the sap out of them. To get rid of spider mites, spray your plants with a mixture of water.

In conclusion, growing an herb garden on your balcony is a wonderful way to incorporate fresh and flavorful herbs into your daily life. There are a variety of herb species to choose from, each with its unique flavor and aroma. With proper care, herbs grown in containers can thrive and produce an abundance of healthy plants, even in limited garden space. As an herb gardener, it's important to choose the right containers, soil, and watering techniques to promote healthy growth. Regular pruning and fertilization can also help to ensure a bountiful harvest of edible plants. A balcony herb garden can also serve as a kitchen garden, providing you with fresh herbs right at your fingertips. By following these tips, you can create a successful balcony herb garden and enjoy the many benefits of growing your own herbs.