How to Start a Small Balcony Herb Garden
Choose a sunny spot, start with a few containers, and keep the growing mix moist but not soggy.
A small balcony herb gardenAI-generated illustration with a separate HTML headline.
Set up your containers
The goal is to grow a few herbs on a balcony in containers. Herbs can grow in balcony containers, and Illinois Extension lists basil and rosemary among herbs suited to container growing [1] [2].
Start with one or two pots; Maryland Extension advises new gardeners to begin small [3]. Choose containers with drainage holes and use loose, well-drained potting mix, as Illinois Extension recommends [2].
Steps for planting and care
- Check the light. Choose a balcony spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight; University of New Hampshire Extension says a site with that amount should suit container herbs [1].
- Choose your herbs. Basil and rosemary are options listed by Illinois Extension for container growing [2].
- Plant in containers. Put the herbs in containers with drainage holes and loose, well-drained potting mix [2]. Several herbs can be grown together in one container, according to Illinois Extension [4].
- Water thoughtfully. Keep the compost moist but not soggy, following the Royal Horticultural Society’s guidance for container herbs [5].
Common pitfalls
- Using a pot without drainage: Illinois Extension recommends containers with drainage holes [2].
- Choosing a dim spot: University of New Hampshire Extension says container herbs should suit a site with at least six hours of direct sun [1].
- Letting the compost become soggy: The Royal Horticultural Society recommends keeping it moist but not soggy [5].
- Starting with too many containers: Maryland Extension advises new gardeners to start small [3].