The price of food has increased substantially over the recent years, and so when I buy fresh herbs, I always find myself having that moment of regret that I don’t just grow my own. I won’t pretend as though I always cook with fresh herbs because they’re costly compared to dried herbs, their use by date is time sensitive, and I’m not that sophisticated as a cook. However, when considering how low-maintenance these magnificent shrubs are and the impact they could have on elevating my home cooking, I figured it’s a no-brainer to grow my very own balcony herb garden. I appreciate that they give me some autonomy over the food I consume, and I get to enjoy the aroma they bring into the atmosphere.
1. A balcony herb garden needs little space
A balcony herb garden requires minimal space to successfully grow herbs, meaning it is more than achievable for someone with nothing but a small balcony or even a windowsill. As long as your herbs receive 4+ hours per day of direct sunlight, positioning them is as hard as it gets. This is because of their small root systems; therefore, they don’t require a large pot to flourish. In fact, herbs will thrive in a thin container that will sit nicely on any windowsill, and you can even get away with planting multiple types of herbs in one pot, offering an aesthetically pleasing element to your space while saving on gardening equipment. If you do opt for a medium to large sized pot or even a small raised bed, and you are faced with limited direct sunlight receiving locations, you might consider investing in a pot plant trolley (caddy). These are essentially sturdy bases with wheels that you can place your plant pot onto before filling it with soil and herbs – or plants – and wheel your plants wherever the sunlight may be. Pot plant trolleys come in a range of shapes and sizes, and they allow balcony gardeners to seamlessly maneuver their balcony herb garden around their outdoor space with little effort.
2. Low-maintenance balcony herb garden
Growing a balcony herb garden takes minimal effort and would be considered low-maintenance, which makes them perfect for beginner gardeners. I accidentally grew a bunch of coriander (cilantro) in my large terracotta pot after losing the label and neglecting the herbs; that’s how effortless they are. In fact, they are that easy; you can find small herb kits for sale in supermarkets and department stores, which are often advertised to children as beginner gardens. I think this is because they too, understand that growing herbs is a perfect gateway to finding your green thumb due to their resistance and beginner-friendly nature. If you decide to grow herbs from seed, ensure you are watering them once a day until they are established, then they tend to be quite forgiving if you forget a day or two. If you purchased an established bunch of herbs to plant into a pot at home, there should be no issue, but it is recommended that you water frequently while the transition phase settles, as the roots can go into shock when transplanted from one pot to another. Another thing to keep in mind is the climate. Your herbs will tell you if they need more watering by looking wilted, where they sag a little. This can be fixed by giving them a drink, and they will cheer right up.
3. Elevate your cooking
Whether you are someone who uses dried herbs or nothing but salt and pepper, having your own supply of fresh herbs will definitely encourage you to elevate your recipes and utilise what you have available to you after seamlessly growing herbs. You can expect an enhanced flavour to your cooking, sophisticated aromas, and a little more appreciation for your food.
4. Gourmet savings
In my opinion, the best reason to create your own herb garden is the money saved. Herbs are generally the gift that keeps on giving, especially basil. If you treat your herbs right and harvest them regularly, they will grow and grow, providing more bang for your buck – more than what any supermarket could offer. To put it in context, a 15-gram bunch of herbs from Coles costs between $3-$4 per purchase, while a packet of herb seeds at Bunnings (a department hardware store) costs only $2.00 for a much larger and long-lasting supply.
5. Hearty herbs
Finally, herbs are a hearty variety that’s extremely resistant to harsh conditions and pests. Herbs have aromatic scents from their essential oils, which naturally deter pests. This is beneficial as balcony herb gardens tend to be quite exposed to the creatures that are out to dine. Secondly, as herbs generally have smaller leaves, therefore a smaller surface area that the sun targets, herbs will be able to conserve more water than a typical plant with larger leaves. So, if you forget to water your herbs or remember to water them eventually, chances are they will be more than ok.
There is truly something about going to your balcony during the golden hours of the afternoon and clipping a few strands of herbs for your evening meal. Eating food from your garden will give a genuine appreciation for growing food. The new trend of the twenty-first century is a green thumb. A herb garden is the perfect gateway project. Growing a herb garden is beginner friendly with very high chances of success. It is affordable, effortless, requires minimal outdoor space and can be managed by the most forgetful.
