If you don't have a garden, you can also create a lush green potted garden for a wide variety of herbs on the balcony. Most herbs thrive in boxes and tubs, provided the substrate, location and care are right.

Herbs thrive in pots on the balcony

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 (e.g. made of subshrubs such as lavender, sage or rue) can help. It is ideal if the fall protection of the balcony does not consist of solid stone but of translucent glass / plastic or a grid. Some herbs also feel more comfortable in a partially shaded place. This applies above all to the species that grow in forests or on the edges of forests - typical examples are wild garlic or woodruff.

The right soil

Herbs sometimes have very different demands on the soil in which they grow. You should definitely use seed soil for breeding and propagation. In most cases, sufficiently fertilized potting soil is recommended for further cultivation. Mediterranean herbs such as rosemary, thyme or sage love drought and need 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, like it moister; for these plants you need a structurally stable soil that does not mold much.

Selection of planters

Sufficiently large planters are also a very important prerequisite for the healthy growth of plants. These are available in different sizes, shapes and materials, whereby the size of the required pots can easily be derived from the expected size of the plant. As a rule of thumb, the root volume of a plant is hardly less than the corresponding aerial parts of the plant. This means that you need a container with a diameter of about 20 centimeters for a plant that is 40 to 60 centimeters high.

Which is better: natural materials or plastic?

Clay pots, wooden or ceramic containers, baskets and balcony boxes are particularly suitable. (€109.00) When using plastic containers, you should ensure that the roots of the plants can be adequately ventilated. In order to avoid waterlogging, which is harmful to the herbs, the containers must have sufficiently large drainage holes in the bottom.

Pot garden design ideas

A potted herb garden on the balcony can be designed in many ways. A colorful mixture of herbs is particularly interesting, which can be 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 do not place them on one level but on different levels. On the other hand, a potted herb garden with green, silver or red-leaved species looks a bit more formal. Sorting according to possible use can also be useful - for example according to tea and aromatic herbs, edible leaves and flowers for decoration.

This is how it is planted

The holes in the bottom of the pots are covered with pebbles or potsherds. Then fill the pots halfway with soil and place the young plants in there. Now you can fill the pots with soil up to the brim and press down well. Also press in a small watering rim, through which the irrigation water will later be directed directly to the roots. Don't forget to water the freshly planted herbs vigorously - this will make it easier for the roots to grow.

Proper care of the potted garden

During the growing season, the plants need water regularly. It makes sense to let the bale almost dry out and only then water it thoroughly. This way, the roots are evenly supplied with water and air, and it is also easier to prevent overwatering. From about four weeks after potting, the herbs should be regularly fertilized with liquid fertilizer. To do this, use special herb fertilizer from specialist shops, 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 stinging nettles, field horsetail and/or comfrey. It contains nitrogen, potassium and many trace elements - but it stinks quite a bit during production. However, you can mitigate the strong odor by adding rock flour (€14.13), which also provides additional nutrients.

Repot potted plants

Some herbs - such as basil - are only cultivated once a year. Of course, repotting is not necessary here, instead you sow the offspring every year. However, plants such as lavender, rosemary or lemon bushes that remain in the same pot every year need some fresh soil every year. To do this, the top layer of soil is replaced. If this is no longer possible or if 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 be at least four centimeters larger in diameter than the old one.

Overwinter potted herbs properly

Perennial, frost-sensitive herbs best spend the winter indoors. Frost-free, bright rooms such as the stairwell, a conservatory or a suitable basement are suitable for this. If, on the other hand, pots with sensitive herbs are to be overwintered on the balcony, they must be wrapped up well and placed against the heat-emitting wall of the house and on wooden blocks or a polystyrene base.

tips

Only plant herbs together in a planter that have similar sun, water and nutrient requirements.

Category:

Indoor plants