Your Balcony Herb Garden
Wednesday, February 24th, 2010 Subscribe To Our Feed
Does your balcony need new life? Try potted herb plants! Using pots is helpful because you can simply change their spot as you experiment with the quality and amount of natural light they get. If you grow your balcony herbs in containers, they are portable—so you can bring them inside at the end of the season.
Your best bet for your balcony herb garden would be any plant that does well with lots of sun, like a morning glory. These little herbs can tolerate the reflection from the windows and doors and also the heat that a metal balcony captures. Check out your balcony at different times of the day to see the quality of sunshine, the heat and the intensity. 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 plants would include any plant with a thick leaf or a velvety texture as well as any herb that is gray or silver. Their unique features prevent the loss of water in evaporation.
Try some of these fabulous herbs on your balcony:
- Aloe vera: Aloe vera is an uncomplicated herb to grow. It does not need much water and it tolerates a lot of sun and heat. You can use aloe vera easily by snipping off the tip and rubbing it on a burn or other skin problem. It will cool the spot, but it can be sticky!
- Cayenne pepper: If you grill out on your balcony, imagine being able to break off a pieces of cayenne pepper to add to your next dinner. This herb should do very well on your balcony and add some color too.
- Cucumber: A trailing vine, like the cucumber, can provide an added touch to your balcony. Cucumbers are wonderful for facials, ladies. You can also grab some cucumbers to slice for your salads, straight from the balcony!
- Hens-and-chicks: These are among my very favorite plants. Because they are succulents, they can hold water very well (less watering for you) and they will handle the bright sun and hot temperatures you may have on your balcony. They are cute to look at too!
- Lavender: Just one whiff of the soothing aroma of this fragrant plant and you’ll be more at ease. The lovely purple buds can make a colorful balcony even more colorful.
Select a collection of interesting containers for your balcony or try a hanging basket lined with a coconut husk for wonderful results. I once made my own balcony basket with chicken wire and moss. I had never attempted anything like that before. That basket was not the best thing since sliced bread, but it worked for me. It will work best if you carefully consider the drainage when you are buying your basket or container.
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.
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