Kitchen herbs and spices to grow on your balcony

The balcony, a multi functional part of the apartments

Balcony is very popular in many countries for its various functions. It is even widely used in many theater plays and movies. For instance in the classic Romeo and Juliet, or even in many Fairy Tale movies and stories, you can always see and hear that the characters used the balcony for whatever reason they have.

Technically speaking, the balcony is platform that extends from the wall of a building, which is supported by console brackets or columns and enclosed with a handrail.

There are basically two types of balcony that can be seen: the that is protruding (Maltese balcony) from a wall and the one that is not protruding (Juliet balcony). In addition to these, the balcony has many functions from being used for ceremonial purposes or a simple regular balcony that serve as a patio. Patio nowadays can be converted into a small patio garden or sky rise greenery.

Creating your own home garden in the balcony

Having your own garden at home is as being creative as well as being practical. Let us be honest. There are times that you do not want to go to the market just to buy an herb or spice that you will be using for your dinner menu. Isn’t nice that you just have to go to your own balcony garden and pick the herb or spice you will be using? In that way, you are able to save money and at the same time you are sure about the quality and safety of your own plants.

Many would ask what specific herb or spice would grow in the balcony. Actually, you can grow any herb or spice you want. That also depends on the amount of sunlight the balcony is receiving as well as the space and the weather condition. Good news is, most known herbs and spices can be practically grown in the balcony and are suitable in that area. The following are examples of the plants that can be grown: garlic, onion, basil, dill, cilantro, parsley, chive, rosemary, thyme, mint, chili peppers and lavender.

In order for you to have a wonderful herbs and spice garden in your balcony, you need to invest in some tools and materials. Do not worry about spending a little money. They are not that expensive and it would be rewarding as soon as you are going to harvest the products of your hard work. In fact you can upcycle certain materials that you already have in your home. For instance, empty PET bottles can be used as pots for your plants. With regards to trowels, you can purchase one from the store, or you can improvise by using old kitchen utensils. The idea is, you are not suppose to stress yourself with balcony gardening idea. In fact, you should be enjoying this project of yours.

Some herbs and spices that you can grow in the balcony

Who said that gardening is for houses with wide spaces for gardens only? As a matter of fact, you can grow your own garden inside your apartment or on the balcony. As mentioned above, most herbs and spices can be grown in your balcony. The balcony can receive plenty amounts of sunlight and air. Here are some of the herbs and spices that you can grow in your mini balcony garden:

Basil – an annual plant and prefers warm weather, moist and fertilized soil.

Chives – perennial plant, prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Needs moist soil.

Parsley – the flat leaf variety grow better in hot, sunny environments compared with the curly variety.

Oregano – get the European variety and not the Mexican type because the latter requires hotter climate in order for them to                      flourish.

Dill – popular in pickling. This spice thrives in hot climate such as the climate in Florida.

Mint – a perennial plant and can handle partial shade and moist conditions.

Thyme – an evergreen perennial, prefers full sun and can tolerate partial shade. Can grow in a well drained sandy soil.

Garlic – easy to grow and can be grown year-round in mild climates

onion – can be grown in fertile soils that are well drained.

Care for the Herbs and Spices on the Balcony

One should consider the following requirements in order for you to have a beautiful garden and healthy plants:

Watering – since the balcony is exposed more in sunlight, the plants need frequent watering as compared to the regular                             garden.

Fertilizing – potted plants need more fertilizers compared with those which are planted in the regular garden.

Trimming – herbs and spices must be regularly pinched and pruned to assist in the rate of growth. Should be done while                            there is still sun.