There's nothing quite like picking fresh basil for your pasta or a sprig of mint for your tea, right from your own balcony. An herb balcony is not just a dream for every home cook; it's also a fantastic way to naturally decorate your railed balcony.
Many people think you need a large garden for a vegetable patch, but nothing could be further from the truth. A railed balcony is perfect for vertical gardening. By placing plants in a sturdy planter on the ground, they will beautifully grow up through the railings towards the light. In this blog, you'll discover which five herbs you should plant now to enjoy a fragrant, green oasis soon.
Why herbs on a railed balcony are a golden combination
A railed balcony has a major advantage: light and air. Herbs generally dislike 'wet feet' or stagnant, stuffy air. The open structure of the railings ensures good ventilation.
Furthermore, the railings provide support for taller herb varieties. While Vercony's planter stands safely and stably on the ground, the herbs can find their way through the railings. This not only looks charming from the street but also gives you an immediate sense of shelter and greenery on the balcony.
5 Herbs you can plant now
1. Mint (Mentha)
Mint is a survivor among herbs. It's a fast grower that faithfully returns every year. The great thing about mint on a balcony is that it's a creeping plant that quickly fills the entire planter. Because mint can spread quite aggressively, it's ideal to place it in our specific ground planter; this way, it gets the space to form a lush bush that peeks through the lower railings.
2. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Rosemary is a woody plant that can take a beating. It loves sun and can withstand the wind often found on balconies. The nice thing about rosemary is that it grows upwards. After a while, its branches form a sturdy shrub that leans perfectly against your balcony railings. And the scent? It's unparalleled, especially on a warm summer evening.
3. Thyme (Thymus)
Thyme is a modest but powerful plant. It stays low to the ground and often forms a beautiful carpet of small leaves (and sometimes purple flowers). It's a very hardy plant. In our ground planters, thyme acts as a lovely 'ground cover' under taller herbs, which helps reduce moisture evaporation from the planter.
4. Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)
Chives are a must-have. Their long, spiky stems grow straight up and blend beautifully with your balcony's railings. In spring, chives produce cheerful purple flower bulbs that are also edible. It's an easy plant that has few demands for its care, as long as it gets some water occasionally.
5. Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Sage has beautiful gray-green, velvety leaves that instantly give your balcony a Mediterranean feel. It's a strong plant that lasts for years. Like rosemary, sage eventually grows larger and sturdier, providing a lovely filling between the railings.
Smart tip: Combine your herbs for a full effect
You don't have to choose just one type, of course. On a green balcony, combining different heights works very well. Place taller plants like rosemary and sage at the back against the railings, and lower plants like thyme at the front of the planter.
While our Vercony planters on the ground are best for the heavy lifting and foundation, you can always hang a few smaller hanging pots with annual herbs like basil or parsley on the railing for variety. This way, you create a layered effect of greenery.
The advantages of a ground-level planter
Many people try to grow herbs in small pots that hang on the railing. While this looks nice, these pots dry out extremely quickly due to wind and sun. Moreover, they tug at your balcony railing in strong winds.
Our solution at Vercony is simple but effective: a robust planter that stands on your balcony floor. This offers several advantages:
- Water management: A larger planter on the ground retains moisture much longer than a small hanging pot.
- Root space: Herbs like mint and rosemary need space to grow. In a ground planter, they develop a stronger root system.
- Safety: No more worries about pots falling down during a storm.
- Optimal growth: The plants grow from below through the railings, which creates a much more natural and full appearance.
When should you start?
The best time to start your herb paradise is in early spring, but you can actually start year-round with hardy varieties like rosemary and thyme. By planting now, you give the plants time to root before the real summer heat hits. This way, you'll enjoy a lush, green wall on your railed balcony later this year.
Conclusion
An herb balcony is the perfect way to turn your railed balcony into a useful and beautiful space. With the right plants and a sturdy base on the ground, you can quickly create a green partition from which you can also harvest. Which herb will you plant first?
Are you looking for the ideal planter to start your herb adventure? Then check out our planters specifically designed to fit perfectly behind your balcony's railings!