If you don't have a garden, you can create a lush green pot garden for a variety of herbs on your balcony. Most herbs thrive in boxes and pots, as long as the substrate, location and care are right.
How do I create a herb garden on the balcony?
To create a herb garden on the balcony, choose a sunny, wind-protected location, use suitable soil and sufficiently large planters. Care for the herbs regularly and pay attention to the needs of each species.
The right location
The majority of herbs prefer a sunny, warm and wind-protected place. If the balcony garden is too drafty, protective railings or low protective hedges (for example made of sub-shrubs such as lavender, sage or rue) can help. It is ideal if the fall protection on the balcony is not made of solid stone, but of translucent glass/plastic or a grid. Some herbs also feel better in a partially shaded place. This applies especially to the species that grow in forests or on the edges of forests - typical examples are wild garlic or woodruff.
The Matching Earth
Herbs sometimes have very different requirements for the soil in which they grow. You should definitely use sowing soil for cultivation and propagation; in most cases, sufficiently fertilized potting soil is recommended for further cultivation. Mediterranean herbs such as rosemary, thyme or sage love dry conditions and require lean, well-drained soil. In this case, sand is added to the potting soil. Herbs such as lemon balm or peppermint, on the other hand, prefer moisture; For these plants you need a structurally stable soil that doesn't get moldy.
Selection of planters
Sufficiently large planters are also a very important prerequisite for the he althy growth of plants. These are available in different sizes, shapes and materials, and the size of the pots required can be easily determined from the expected size of the plant. As a rule of thumb, the root volume of a plant is hardly less than the corresponding above-ground parts of the plant. This means that for a plant that grows 40 to 60 centimeters high, you need a container with a diameter of approx. 20 centimeters.
Which is better: natural materials or plastic?
Clay pots, wooden or ceramic vessels, baskets and balcony boxes are particularly suitable. When using plastic containers, you should ensure that the roots of the plants can be sufficiently ventilated. In order to avoid waterlogging, which is harmful to the herbs, the containers in the bottom must have sufficiently large drainage holes.
Ideas for designing the potted garden
A potted herb garden on the balcony can be designed in a variety of ways. What is particularly interesting is a colorful mix of herbs, for example planted together in a balcony box or in pocket pots or arranged on weatherproof wall shelves. The herb pots are also well presented if you place them on different levels instead of on one level. On the other hand, a potted herb garden with green, silver or red-leaved species looks somewhat more formal. Sorting according to possible use can also make sense - for example according to tea and herbs, edible leaves and flowers for decoration.
How to plant
The holes in the bottom of the pots are covered with pebbles or shards of pottery. Then fill the pots halfway with soil and place the young plants in them. Now you can fill the containers with soil up to the edge and press them down well. Also press in a small watering edge, through which the water will later be directed directly to the roots. Don't forget to water the freshly planted herbs thoroughly - this will make it easier for the roots to grow.
Proper care of the potted garden
During the growing season, plants need regular water. It makes sense to let the bale almost dry out and only then water it thoroughly. In this way, the roots are evenly supplied with water and air, and you can also prevent overwatering more easily. From around four weeks after potting, the herbs should be regularly fertilized with liquid fertilizer (€6.00 on Amazon). To do this, use special herbal fertilizer from specialist retailers, which you dose according to the instructions, add to the irrigation water and usually apply once a week. Instead, you can also make a vegetable broth yourself from nettles, field horsetail and/or comfrey. It contains nitrogen, potassium and many trace elements - but it stinks a lot during production. However, you can mitigate the strong smell by adding rock dust, which also provides additional nutrients.
Repotting potted plants
Some herbs - such as basil - are only cultivated as annuals. Of course, repotting is not necessary here; instead, you can sow the offspring every year. However, plants such as lavender, rosemary or lemon bush that remain in the same pot every year need some fresh soil every year. To do this, the top layer of soil is replaced. Is this no longer possible orIf the plant pot has become too small due to growth, you should repot the plant soon. Spring is the best time for this. The new vessel should have a diameter of at least four centimeters larger than the old one.
Overwintering potted herbs properly
Perennial, frost-sensitive herbs spend the winter best indoors. Frost-free, bright rooms such as the stairwell, a winter garden or a suitable basement are suitable for this. However, if pots with sensitive herbs are to be overwintered on the balcony, they must be wrapped up well and placed on the wall of the house that radiates heat and on wooden blocks or a Styrofoam base.
Tip
Only plant herbs together in a planter that have similar sun, water and nutrient requirements.
