Balcony Herb Garden Ideas for Beginners - Skize

Balcony Herb Garden Ideas for Beginners

24 May, 2020

Gardening can be therapeutic. If space, or the lack of it, is what’s stopping you from cultivating your mini garden, then we have some good news for you! You don’t need to have a big balcony to start your herb garden. Herb gardens can be easily cultivated on a tiny balcony or even a windowsill! So if that sounds exciting, read on. We’ll take you through the step-by-step process of growing a herb garden on your balcony along with various balcony herb garden ideas to inspire you.

 

WHAT WILL YOU NEED FOR YOUR BALCONY HERB GARDEN?

The first obvious question is – what will I need to set it up? These are the three main things you will need to get started:

Pots

To grow anything on your balcony, you will need pots. These can be made of terracotta, glazed ceramic, plastic, wood or even concrete. The size can vary based on what you would like to grow in your herb garden. You can always use old jars and plastic bottles to cultivate your herb garden on a budget. The only thing to keep in mind while selecting your containers is that they are deep enough. The roots of these plants require space to develop fully.

Potting Soil

Next, you will require potting soil for your plants. Make sure you buy potting soil, and not just regular garden soil, especially for plants growing in containers. Container potting mix is a soil-less blend, rich in organic fertiliser and bio-blended compost. This has proven to be more nourishing for plants growing in containers. Garden soil, on the other hand, can be extremely dense, harming the growth of such plants.

Seeds or Seedlings

The third thing needed to create your herb garden is figuring out which plants you wish to cultivate. If you’re a beginner, we highly recommend going for seedlings as opposed to seeds. Growing your herbs from seeds requires a lot more time and care. Buying seedlings already cultivated by professionals reduces risk and produces faster results.

Other than these three essentials, you can also buy additional fertilisers, a watering can and a spade. These aren’t essential but can be helpful in the long run.

WHERE CAN YOU BUY THESE BALCONY GARDENING BASICS?

There are multiple places from where you can buy your pots, soil, seedlings and other gardening supplies. You can hit up a local farmer’s market or garden centres in your area. These are great resources to engage with and educate yourself on plants that are best suited to your local weather.

But if you’re short on time, there are various online stores that you can buy your gardening supplies from as well. Just make sure you do your research beforehand and pick the right fit for your needs.

What Kind of Herbs Can You Grow in Containers, as a Beginner?

Here are five easy-to-grow herbs that you may consider cultivating in your balcony herb garden:

 

 

Basil

Basil is one of the easiest herbs to grow in your herb garden. Basil thrives in warm weathers with well-drained soil and enough daily sunshine. Basil can be frequently harvested and will continue to grow, given favourable conditions. It is the perfect container plant and makes the best addition to any herb garden.

Mint

Mint is another easy-to-grow herb for beginners. The only thing to keep in mind is to grow it in a separate pot, away from your other plants. This is because it tends to take over the entire space, thereby hindering the other plants growing alongside it. You can, however, set aside a pot to grow different types of Mints together, like Peppermint, Spearmint and Mojito Mint. To grow your Mint, use soil with ample moisture and potting soil that is rich in compost.

Rosemary

Rosemary is an annual growing herb. If grown in pots, it is easier to bring these plants indoors, once it starts getting colder outside. It requires some direct sun daily, so make sure to leave it at your balcony or windowsill for at least a few hours every day. Gorizia is a kind of rosemary that is easy to cultivate and can survive the cold as well. So you may want to consider growing this variety if you live in a place with a cold climate such as England. Container grown Rosemary needs consistent moisture. Over-watering can be harmful to the plant.

Parsley

Parsley is a great culinary herb that is quite easy to grow. It is better to buy cuttings or an already cultivated Parsley plant. Parsley appreciates full sun but can survive in the shade too. The plant requires regular moisture and feeding, which is why a slow-release organic fertiliser with regular watering is excellent to nourish a parsley plant.

Thyme

Thyme is considered to be one of the best herbs for your container herb garden. It is low maintenance and doesn’t require constant care. Thyme requires full sun and well-drained dry soil as it is drought resistant. It is best to grow Thyme from cuttings or plants as opposed to seeds.

HOW TO CARE FOR HERBS IN POTS?

Now that we know the basics of setting up a herb garden let’s move on to understand what kind of care and maintenance they require. Below are a few things to keep in mind, while caring for your herb garden:

Positioning

Herbs generally need full sun or partial shade to thrive. Without the right amount of daily sunlight, they tend to become less flavourful. Set up your herb garden at a suitable spot, where it can get plenty of direct sunlight. As the season changes, make sure to change the position of your herb garden as well. Many herbs can be salvaged through harsh winters by merely bringing them indoors.

Watering

Out on a balcony, direct sun and wind can often dry out pots quickly. So balcony gardens tend to require watering more frequently. There are some herbs that are drought resistant and may be able to survive temporary shortages of water. The best practice for your balcony herb garden will be regular watering, coupled with the use of well-drained soil. This way, the water can flow out easily without stagnating in the soil.

Fertilising

Fertilising is essential for the health of your herb garden. Container plants usually require more fertilisation as compared to those grown on the ground. But luckily, if you choose a slow-release natural fertiliser, you will need to use them only once or twice a year. Organic compost like manure is recommended for potted plants as it introduces microorganisms and micronutrients into the soil, which are incredibly beneficial for plants.

Harvesting

Trimming and harvesting your herb garden has a positive impact on the plant. It encourages new and dense growth leading to a healthy plant. It is recommended that you trim your plants on sunny days before noon.

Balcony Herb Garden Ideas

Setting up your herb garden can be fun. It is also a great way to decorate your balcony and make it cosy. Hanging planters off balcony railings can also help create additional privacy for your outdoor space. A vertical herb garden is another excellent idea for small balconies. There are many beautiful DIY trellises that you can try your hand at, to set up your balcony herb garden and to decorate your outdoor space.

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