Herb gardens are perfect for small spaces. They thrive on patios, balconies and even on your kitchen counter. Thyme, parsley, chives, oregano, cilantro and basil are common and satisfying herbs to grow. Herbs are among the easiest plants to nurture — all you need are containers to plant them in, potting soil and a green thumb. Many herbs, including basil, can be propagated in water from a stem and transplanted into soil when the roots sprout, so set aside a sprig of your favorite herb in a glass of water and watch it grow. Transplant your cuttings to a clay pot with light, quick-draining soil in a south-facing window, or a plastic pot in an east- or west-facing window. Keep your herbs moist, but not too wet.
If you’re looking to start small, consider making a one-pot herb garden. Basil, thyme and sage work well together as a single pot, as long as you make sure to trim them back when the basil gets leggy. Thyme is a creeper, and will take over if given a chance, so trim it back regularly.
A number of hanging solutions can save valuable space on a balcony. Experiment with canning jars mounted to a wall, a vertical pallet garden or tin cans hung from twine. If you’d like to re-use items, then old yogurt containers, coffee mugs or wine boxes can serve as planters.
Movable herb gardens can help maximize sun exposure. If you plant herbs in a wagon, you can pull it to a different spot to get more sun in the afternoon. Certain moveable options can also be brought indoors.
When you see pictures of expansive gardens it’s easy to forget growing fresh herbs and produce is possible even in small spaces. Creating a patio or balcony herb garden requires more creativity than square footage. Herb gardens are perfect for aspiring gardeners who want to start small.
