Your herb garden for the balcony: plant aromatic balcony herbs yourself
With their special flavour, fresh herbs give even the simplest recipes a fine touch. That's why we're particularly happy that you can not only grow them well in the herb garden, but also easily on the balcony at home. Find out why herbs are the ideal balcony plants, which varieties suit your balcony, and how you can conjure up your own herb garden on your balcony within minutes with The Plant Box.
Why are herbs so good for the balcony?
Herb fans can be happy; most of their flavourful favorites can also be planted on the balcony without any problems. Cultivation in space-saving pots or together with other flowers in the balcony box meets the needs of most herbs. Even in a small raised bed, many different varieties can be arranged into a colourful herb garden on the balcony. Since most herbs originally come from the Mediterranean region, they also prefer sunnier locations. That is why sunny south-facing balconies or balconies in semi-shade are best suited for growing herbs. Unfortunately, kitchen herbs do not do well on shady balconies that face north. A sunny window front on the south side of the apartment can serve as a suitable location here.
Easy-care balcony herbs – how cultivation works
What makes herbs particularly attractive for beginners is the uncomplicated cultivation. Once they have been planted in spring, they only need regular watering and occasional pruning in the summer months to feel comfortable on the balcony. Herbs with the same demands for water and sun can usually be planted together without hesitation. Many herbs are usually particularly resistant to pests and other diseases due to the aromatic oils they contain. With a little help, hardy varieties such as chives, sage, or thyme can survive the winter and give you pleasure for several years.
Which herbs can go on the balcony?
basil
Basil is an absolute must in many Italian recipes. All the better if you harvest it fresh from the balcony box. It particularly likes to stand in the sun on the balcony and therefore needs a lot of water and some fertilizer at regular intervals. Overwintering basil is difficult. If you still want to try it, you should choose a perennial variety when choosing plants, and definitely bring them into your home during the cold season.chives
Chives are one of the easiest herbs to grow in balcony boxes. The perennial plant needs a partially shaded or sunny location; however, it shouldn't stand in full sun in order to avoid burning. Chives should be watered at regular intervals so that their soil does not dry out. In order to overwinter it, the stalks should be cut back to about 2 centimeters in autumn, and the pot should be protected from the cold with fir branches or jute. This means that the hardy herb can also spend the cold months on the balcony.sage
Sage originally comes from the Mediterranean region and therefore loves sunny and warm places. The evergreen shrub is very undemanding in terms of care and only needs to be watered regularly but sparingly after planting. On the balcony in the summer months, its violet flowers and fresh aroma create a Mediterranean atmosphere. Cultivation in raised beds is also not a problem. As a hardy, perennial plant, sage can withstand low temperatures down to -15 degrees Celsius if protected. However, in order not to stress it too much and to see it grow again next year, it would be better for it to spend the winter months indoors.lavender
Although lavender is not a classic kitchen herb, its intense aroma and violet flowers bring a piece of Provence to every balcony. Lavender thrives in the wild on nutrient-poor, dry soil and is therefore very easy to care for on the balcony. Depending on which variety you choose, your lavender will last for several years. For the winter, you should pack the herb well and store it in partial shade, sheltered from the wind. If possible, you can also bring your lavender plants indoors when the temperatures are particularly lowthyme
Thyme is also one of the herbs that you can use to bring fresh, Mediterranean flavors into your kitchen. The shrub feels particularly comfortable in warm locations and is therefore particularly suitable for sunny balconies. Due to its small, hard leaves, thyme does not need a lot of water and is thus very easy to care for. As a perennial plant, thyme can overwinter either in the apartment or on the balcony. Since temperatures below -5 degrees Celsius are not good for the plant, you should protect it against the cold with jute or fleece and store the thyme plant sheltered from the wind and close to the house wall.oregano
Oregano is a hardy herb that can also be easily grown on the balcony. A sunny balcony is particularly suitable as a location where the oregano shrub should be watered regularly and fertilized at the beginning of the season. The aromatic green and purple leaves can be harvested in summer and used fresh or dried in cooking. In summer, oregano attracts bees and other insects with its beguiling scent. Oregano shrubs are perennial and relatively cold hardy; that's why they can spend the winter on the balcony without any problems if you protect them against frost and wind with insulating material beforehand.mint
Fresh mint is particularly good in summery desserts, drinks, or salads. The many different varieties can also be planted on the balcony and thrive in a partially-shaded to full-sun environment. The mint should be watered daily, especially on sunny days. A special fertilizer is not necessary; mint is also one of the particularly easy-care balcony herbs. In winter you should cut the perennial plant close to the ground so that it can sprout again next year. The cut branches and leaves can be used fresh or dried for later use.Start your herb garden with The Plant Box
Are you excited about the idea of starting an herb garden on the balcony, but not quite sure where to start? No problem: The Plant Box will send you a perfect starter kit straight to your home. We create the most beautiful balcony flower arrangements for you and conveniently send them to you by post. You can place your balcony flower refill directly in your flower box - without repotting, dirt, or a lot of work. There are also special herbal arrangements with which you can not only make your balcony greener, but also your meals. In addition to seasonal herbs, we also use other regionally grown flowers and develop new flower creations for your balcony box for every season. Of course, we will also provide you with tips for beginners, care instructions, and the right fertilizer.Our advantages for herbal lovers:
- Creatively arranged balcony boxes made of fresh herbs and flowers
- The most convenient solution for a freshly planted balcony: Refills delivered to your home and planted in just a few minutes
- Seasonal arrangements for every balcony and all lighting conditions
- Something new every season: Discover new balcony plants 5 times a year with our Plant Lover Club membership
Don't have a window box to place your plants in yet? We will help you with that, too. The balcony boxes from The Plant Box are made from 100% recycled vegetable oils (Made in Germany) and our brackets fit on any balcony railing. In just one step you can - even as a beginner - have a complete, small herb garden on your balcony.
