Best Herbs to Grow on Your Balcony

A balcony is one of the best places to grow herbs, because most of them come from hot, dry Mediterranean hillsides and actually prefer the sharp drainage and full sun of a pot over rich garden soil. The trick is matching each herb to your light and giving the thirsty ones enough water.

Sun-Lovers for a Bright Balcony

If your balcony gets six hours of sun or more, the woody Mediterranean herbs thrive: rosemary, thyme, oregano, sage, and marjoram all want full sun and soil that dries between waterings, so let them get a little dry rather than keeping them soggy. Basil is the exception among the sun-lovers, wanting the same heat but far more water, and it will wilt dramatically the moment its pot dries out.

Herbs for Part Shade

A balcony that gets only a few hours of direct sun still grows the leafy, softer herbs well. Parsley, chives, coriander, and chervil tolerate part shade and actually bolt to seed less quickly out of the harshest sun. Mint is happiest here too, in its own container, staying leafy rather than scorching.

Keeping Them Productive

Harvest little and often by pinching the growing tips, which keeps basil, mint, and oregano bushy rather than letting them flower and turn woody or bitter. Feed lightly, since herbs grown too rich lose their flavour, and repot or refresh the top of the soil each spring. A pot at least 20 cm deep holds enough moisture that you are not watering twice a day in summer.

The Bottom Line

Put rosemary, thyme, and oregano in your sunniest spot and let them dry out between drinks; give basil the same sun but constant water; and keep parsley, chives, and a well-contained mint for the shadier corner. Pinch often, feed lightly, and a balcony keeps a kitchen in herbs all summer.