Having fresh herbs just beyond your door is a real treat. Not only are they far more flavorful than dried varieties, but they are also visually appealing and highly fragrant. It does not take a lot of space to grow an herb garden, especially in a container. Even those with a balcony can enjoy growing and harvesting herbs. An herb garden is very easy to grow in a container on a balcony, and it adds beauty and life to an otherwise drab outdoor space.
I lived in an apartment for a year when I first ventured out on my own. I had a one bedroom apartment with an ordinary balcony. I was highly impressed by the other apartment dwellers that took great pride in their outdoor decor. They had gorgeous balconies that were embellished with plants, flowers and stylish outdoor furnishings. I wanted a balcony that I could enjoy to the fullest extent, and I also wanted an herb garden.
Select Herbs that Grow Well in Containers
I spent many hours helping my grandmother plant and tend her garden, and I especially enjoyed the herbs. Not only did she have many different varieties in her raised bed garden, but she also had a container garden near her back porch. She planted varieties that were sure to grow well in her container herb garden, and they seemed to always thrive.
When planning a container herb garden on a balcony, select a variety of plants including sage, mint, parsley, oregano, rosemary and basil. I do not recommend growing chives in a container with other herbs. Chives grow and spread incredibly fast. They can easily take over an entire container garden in a single season. My grandmother grew chives in a separate planter, and we always had fresh toppings for potatoes, soups and more.
Consider a Strawberry Jar
Instead of buying a large planter to hold several herb plants, use something far more appealing. Consider a terracotta strawberry jar. A strawberry jar has openings on the sides, and it provides the perfect way to grow several different plants in one container. In addition to harvesting, they will require continual pruning to keep them under control.
Use Rich Organic Soil and Perlite for Drainage
A terracotta strawberry jar typically has a single hole beneath for drainage, but do not rely on it. Place a piece of porous fabric over the drainage hole to keep the contents in, and fill the container with a combination of rich organic soil and perlite. Three-fourths of the mixture should be soil. The perlite will improve the consistency while promoting drainage.
I loved having fresh herbs on my balcony. Even though I did not have a traditional garden, I was still able to grow and enjoy my favorite herb plants. I clipped off fresh oregano while preparing Italian dishes. I used the basil, rosemary and parsley in homemade soups, and I added fresh sage to my favorite meatloaf mixture. The mint was great in iced tea and chocolate beverages, and I used sugar coated mint leaves to top many of my desserts. Read my article entitled Ways to Use Fresh Mint Leaves for more ideas.
Even though I no longer have a balcony, I still grow a container herb garden each year. It is easy to tend and grow on my patio. They herb cuttings add amazing flavor to countless dishes and drinks, and they are far better than anything dried and packaged for retail stores.
Source: Personal Gardening Experience
