Any modern living space will be better with a splash of greens with a balcony herb garden around. The idea of planting herbs to add some greens to any spot is a clever one. Fresh greeneries will indeed enhance the space visually. More importantly, the herbs will provide some health benefits when they are among the meals to consume. It is undeniable that herbs promote many good things upon their regular consumption.
There are things to know and understand in the first place before attempting to embark on this particular journey. Planting the herbs is straightforward in the first place. Caring for and maintaining them is another thing that will not be easy at all. Furthermore, making the balcony garden section look nice is another problem to tackle along the way. In short, it is not just about buying the seeds and growing them.
Can you have an herb garden on a balcony?
Setting up a garden on a balcony takes a set of things to do. The setup needs to be perfect so that the herbs will grow the right way. It will include the understanding of fertilizing the plants and watering them accordingly. Knowing the position and direction of the sun will play a pivotal role in this particular thing. One thing for sure, it is worthy of the efforts at the end.
Picking the Herbs to Grow for Balcony Herb Garden
The initial thing to do in creating a beautiful balcony herb garden is finding the herbs to plant and grow. The good thing is that it is possible to incorporate any kind of them. Some popular herbs to grow are easy to find, such as lavender, lemon, oregano, basil, mint, parsley, sage, and some others. It is crucial to understand the behavior of each plant. Knowing the best ways to care for them will guarantee the best results.
An example of the right ways to care for the plant is about growing basil. It requires a pot or planter of at least 6 inches in size. It handles direct sunlight very well, but it is not the best friend of overhead watering. Flowers are not a sign of good quality basil, so do not allow them to bloom. Well, other herbs will require different ways to ensure the best growth.
What herbs grow well on balcony?
- Rosemary
- Lavender
- Basil
- Mint
Another example is to grow lavender. It requires a pot with a lot of drainage holes to prevent the damping issue. Lavender needs at least 8 hours of good direct sunlight to grow the best state of it. Sandy foil with alkaline is the best type of soil for this kind of herb. Furthermore, it works best with the slow-release fertilizer.
The main thing to remember on this one is to know the right ways in dealing with each type of herb. It is better to assess that while checking the daily activity list and schedule. It is not a good idea to plant some herbs in a balcony herb garden without having the time to care for them the right way. Herbs are not just about the look of the plants but also the harvest at the end. So, study them beforehand for the best effects of the herb garden at home.
The Look of the Garden
It is the thing that people love about having a garden on a balcony. The look of the garden section will affect the overall appeal of the living space. Thus, it is pivotal to design the spot in the right way. Some personal preferences will be there to help to create the perfect herb garden. There are many creative ideas on the internet as well to use as considerations.
Consider the use of the garden itself when designing the space. Some people incorporate it as an extension to the living space inside. It is possible to use the balcony as a cozy corner for work with herbs all around it. That will boost the unique appeal of the living space entirely. Pay attention to the needs for some specific types of planters or pots as well.
Beginners’ Guide of Balcony Herb Garden
In terms of the right way of caring for any balcony herb garden, there is a so-called general idea that beginners will need to understand. It means that there are some basic ways to care for herbs of any type. Any form of the plant includes mint, sage, lavender, oregano, lemon, basil, parsley, chamomile, rosemary, thyme, rue, bay leaf, coriander, and many others will always be easy to handle. Just keep in mind the basic needs of plants in the first place.
The placement of the planters and pots will affect the exposure to sunlight. Most herbs will grow well in either full sun or partial shade. It is easy for those who own a balcony facing south. Others who have a balcony facing other directions will need to work harder to get sunlight exposure for the herbs. Well, it remains doable without a doubt.
Watering and fertilizing are both pivotal to the growth of the herbs in a balcony herb garden. The basic idea of herbs is that they are lightly tolerant to water shortage and excess. Unfortunately, it does not work the same when they are in pots and planters. It is better to water them regularly without overdoing it. Pots and containers with a lot of drainage holes are the best for this matter.
On the other hand, there is no need to fertilize too much in any herb garden. It is best to do the fertilizing about 2 or 3 times a year. Pay attention to the best type of fertilizer and the way to feed the herbs as well. Some herbs may need a specific kind of fertilizer to grow in the best state. With the right knowledge, it is certainly easy to do.
Trimming and Harvesting
On the last part of gardening in a balcony herb garden, trimming and harvesting are there. The one thing to remember before cutting or harvesting is the 4 to 6 inches of their height. That is the lowest height that they will remain growing after trimming. A regular trim will promote better growth of the herbs. They will look more beautiful as well.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a balcony herb garden is a simple, cheap and effective way to grow herbs that you can use to season your cooking and salads. It’s easy to create and easy to maintain. The only cost involved is to buy the plants and buy the soil to plant them in. Then all you need to do is water the herbs once or twice a week to keep them growing.