Growing herbs on a balcony is one of the easiest ways to always have fresh, fragrant ingredients to hand. All you need is a few flower pots or planters, a little sun and regular care. A balcony herb garden also fills the space with a lovely scent and can become a stylish decoration for your home.
In this article you will learn how to grow herbs on a balcony, which varieties are most suitable and how to care for them so they thrive all summer long.
How to choose the right spot for growing herbs on a balcony
Most herbs come from Mediterranean regions, so they love sun and warmth. A south- or west-facing balcony is ideal.
If your balcony faces north:
- choose herbs that tolerate partial shade
- grow them closer to the railing
- avoid waterlogging the soil
On sunny balconies, on the other hand, herbs such as basil, thyme and rosemary do extremely well.
Tip: Herbs need at least 4–6 hours of sunlight a day. If your balcony is shaded, choose mint, chives or lemon balm, for example.
Which containers are ideal for balcony herbs
You can grow herbs in flower pots, planters or hanging containers. What matters is that they have sufficient drainage.
Wooden planters are very practical, for example – they look natural and fit well into a balcony space.
| Container type | Advantages |
|---|---|
| Flower pots | Easy to move around according to the light |
| Planters | Suitable for several herbs at once |
| Hanging containers | Save space on a small balcony |
If you want to give your balcony a natural style, wooden decorations are also a great fit and complete the atmosphere of a small herb garden.
The best herbs to grow on a balcony
Not all herbs have the same needs for light and water. Some varieties, however, are ideal for a balcony.
Sunny balcony
- basil
- rosemary
- thyme
- oregano
- sage
Partial shade
- mint
- lemon balm
- chives
- parsley
Wooden flower pots, in which you can combine several herbs together, can be a great source of inspiration too.
How to water herbs in a planter correctly
Proper watering is the key to successful growing.
- Water in the morning or evening.
- The soil should be moist but not waterlogged.
- Mediterranean herbs tolerate drought better than overwatering.
It is also important to use a quality herb compost that drains water well.
Practical tips for a rich harvest of herbs
- Trim your herbs regularly – it encourages growth.
- Leave enough space between plants.
- Remove faded flowers.
- Harvest your herbs continuously.
If you want to turn your balcony into a pleasant place to relax, you can complement your herbs with wooden candle holders or small decorations made from natural materials.
The most common mistakes when growing herbs
- watering too often
- small containers without drainage
- too little light
- an unsuitable combination of herbs in one planter
Mint, for example, grows very quickly and can easily crowd out other herbs.
Create your own balcony herb garden
With a few flower pots and planters you can have fresh herbs all summer long. Browse natural accessories and wooden flower pots that are perfect for a balcony.
Browse the rangeFAQ – frequently asked questions
Which herbs are suitable for a balcony?
Basil, mint, chives, thyme, rosemary and oregano grow best.
How often should I water herbs in a pot?
Usually once a day on hot days and every other day in milder temperatures.
Can herbs be grown on a small balcony?
Yes. Hanging pots or narrow planters attached to the railing are ideal.
Summary
Growing herbs on a balcony is easy and even beginners can manage it. All you need is enough light, a suitable container and regular watering. With the right combination of herbs you can create a beautiful and practical balcony garden that will give you fresh ingredients all summer long.
Author: Martin Portych – specialist in wooden products, gift advice and shop content
Editorial policy: Our content is based on the day-to-day practice of the AMADEA shop, the real needs of our customers and a commitment to clear, useful and trustworthy information.