Herbs are popular in the kitchen and easy to cultivate when individual needs are considered. While light and water needs differ, soil preparation is similar for all species.
Mediterranean herbs prefer a sunny location
choose location
Herbs thrive both in the herb spiral and in the tub on the windowsill or balcony. Light conditions are crucial for healthy growth. While sage and basil prefer sunny conditions, mint, cress and chives thrive in a partially shaded location.
Tips for the ideal location
Plants give you clues as to where they feel comfortable. If the herbs develop large leaves, water evaporation is high and a location in semi-shady conditions makes sense. These plants thrive in brighter light conditions when the soil is consistently moist. Small-leaved species that develop silver-grey hairs shed less water and prefer a spot in the sun.
tub planting
Planters with a drainage hole are ideal for the balcony herb garden. Cover the ground with potsherds or gravel to prevent waterlogging in the root area. Fill the pot with herbal soil that is loose and has clay granules added to it. Alternatively, you can mix yourself a suitable substrate for herb plants:
- three parts mature compost
- two parts coconut substrate
- part coarse-grained sand
- a handful of bedrock flour
Planting in the bed
While you should enrich light sandy soils in the garden with humus, loosening up with sand is recommended for heavy substrates. Dig up the soil and mix gravel or crushed stone under the substrate. Lime gravel is optimal for many herbs because the material ensures a pH value between 6.0 and 7.0.
planting guide
Dig a planting hole and water the root ball well. Put the plant in the hole and fill it up with soil. The roots come into contact with the ground by pressing on them. Thorough washing closes the remaining cavities.
tips
Plants with different needs find space in the herb spiral. Drought-loving species grow on the upper level, while the middle zone is populated by semi-shade herbs. The lower area is reserved for moisture-loving plants.
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