You can bring new life to your balcony by adding a few potted herb plants. Having your herbs in pots 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 inside at the end of the growing season—you don’t want to leave your herbs on the balcony all winter.
Your best bet for your balcony herb garden would be any plant that does well with lots of sun, like a morning glory. Morning glories are awesome because they can handle the bright reflection from your windows and also all the heat that a metal balcony will generate. Check out your balcony at different times of the day to see the quality of sunshine, the heat and the intensity. Check to see which way your balcony faces and whether it gets a lot of morning or afternoon sun.
Use gray or silver-colored herbs as well as those with a velvety texture or thick leaves in your balcony garden. Their unique features prevent the loss of water to evaporation.
Here are some herbs that I suggest for your balcony:
- Aloe vera: Adding an aloe vera herb to your balcony will be a cinch. It doesn’t require much water and it tolerates a lot of sun and heat. It is also very helpful for burns, just clip a small piece off and rub it on the burn. 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: Trailing cucumber vine will add a new texture to the herbs on your balcony. Cucumbers are awesome for facials, ladies. You can also grab a few cucumbers to slice for your salads, straight from the balcony!
- Hens-and-chicks: These are among my very favorite plants. These do not require a lot of watering—they are water-holding succulents—and can tolerate the hot temperature and bright light that you might have on your balcony. Not to mention that they are so cute too!
- Lavender: Because lavender is a fragrant herb, you’ll be able to breathe in the soothing smell of lavender when you plant it on your balcony. It is also a lovely plant that adds a lovely pop of color.
Choose a collection of interesting pots for your balcony or use a hanging basket lined with a coconut husk for good results. I actually made my own balcony basket with chicken wire and moss. It was my first try at something like that. That basket was not the best thing since sliced bread, but it was functional. It will work best if you carefully consider the drainage when you are buying your basket or pot.
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.
