Growing Herbs on your Balcony

Does your balcony need new life? Try potted herbs! Having them in containers makes it simple because you can move them around (as you figure out the amount of sun your balcony gets). Their portability also helps for bringing your herbs indoors at the end of the growing season—you do not want to leave your herb plants on the balcony all winter.

Balconies are all about sunlight and you’ll want to go with herb plants like morning glories that grow well with a lot of light. These little plants will tolerate the reflection from the windows and doors and also the heat that a metal balcony captures. Observe the amount and type of light, heat and intensity on your balcony during a regular day. You’ll also want to know which way your balcony is facing—will you get a lot of morning or afternoon sun?

A good rule of thumb for balcony herbs would include any plant with a thick leaf or a velvety texture as well as any plant that is gray or silver. These will do well because they lose less water in evaporation.

These are some herb plants that I recommend for your balcony:

• Aloe vera: Adding an aloe vera herb to your balcony will be a cinch. It does not require much water and it tolerates a lot of sun and heat. It is also very helpful for burns, just cut a small piece off and rub it on the burn. It will cool the location, but it will be sticky!

• Cayenne pepper: With cayenne pepper on your balcony, you can always add a little spice to your meal next time you grill out. With a bright pop of color, cayenne pepper can be wonderful on your balcony.

• Cucumber: Trailing cucumber vine will add a new texture to the herb plants on your balcony. Cucumbers are great for facials, ladies. Being able to add some cucumber to your salad is a nice touch too.

• Hens-and-chicks: These are among my very favorite plants. These do not need a lot of watering—they are water-holding succulents—and will tolerate the hot temperature and bright sun that you might have on your balcony. Not to mention that they are so adorable too!

• Lavender: Just one whiff of the soothing aroma of this fragrant herb and you’ll be more at ease. The beautiful purple buds will make a colorful balcony even better.

Select a collection of interesting pots for your balcony or try a hanging basket lined with a coconut husk for wonderful outcomes. I actually made my own balcony basket with chicken wire and moss. It was my first try at a project like that. It was not fantastic, but it worked. The key is to select a pot or basket that can allow for good drainage.

Good luck with your herb gardening. Be sure to let me know how your herb garden grows.

Here is more information on Windowsill Herb Garden. Here is a website with a free mini-course dedicated to Herb Gardens.