Would you like to have herbs always within reach? Discover easy tips for creating a herb corner in your garden, on your balcony, or on your terrace.
Creating a herb corner is one of the most rewarding gardening projects. Not only does it look beautiful and smell wonderful, but it also offers daily benefits and joy when using fresh herbs in the kitchen. Whether you have a large garden or just a small balcony – herbs can be grown successfully almost anywhere.
Herbs are ideal plants for beginners or anyone wanting to try their hand at gardening. They don’t need much space, sunlight, or attention.
Fragrant herbs are not only a delicious way to enhance dishes, but also a treasure trove of medicinal properties. That’s why they deserve a place in your garden, on your balcony, or even on your kitchen windowsill.
Annual herbs like basil, dill, and coriander are great for planting among vegetables in the garden bed, while perennial herbs such as lavender and sage are ideal for flower borders – their scent helps repel pests.
Some herbs are also excellent at attracting pollinators like bees, bumblebees, and butterflies. Even if you don’t have a garden, you can create a small herb corner with just a few pots on a windowsill – the herbs will always be within arm’s reach.
There are at least three reasons why it’s worth growing your own herbs
First, herbs are among the easiest plants to grow.
Herbs:
- are low-maintenance plants that produce generous yields almost immediately after planting,
- don’t require a lot of sunlight or nutrients to thrive,
- will grow well in small spaces, but can also spread beautifully in larger garden beds, such as the corner of a raised bed.
Second, freshly harvested herbs or those you dry yourself have far more flavor and nutrients than store-bought ones.
Third, most herbs can be trimmed and harvested repeatedly, allowing you to get the most out of each plant.
Ready to begin? Check out the steps below and dive into your fragrant adventure!
1. Choose the Right Location
Herbs need sun – at least 5 to 6 hours a day. A south- or west-facing spot is ideal. In the garden, choose a bright, sheltered corner. On a balcony or terrace, make sure pots or containers are placed where they get the most light.
Tip: If you only have shade, choose herbs that also thrive in less sunny locations, such as mint or parsley.
2. Decide on a Planting Style
You can plant herbs in many different ways:
- In raised beds or containers, if you have a garden or terrace.
- In a herb spiral, which is very popular even in small gardens.
- In pots and hanging baskets, if you’re short on space.
- As a vertical herb garden – on a wall or fence, perfect for smaller areas.
Tip: Use pots in different sizes to create visual interest and make it easier to rearrange your plants.
3. Choose Herbs Based on Use
Start with the ones you use most often in the kitchen. Some of the most popular include:
- basil
- rosemary
- thyme
- mint
- lemon balm
- parsley
- dill
- chives
- oregano
- marjoram
- coriander
- sage
Tip: Herbs like lemon balm, oregano, or lemon verbena grow quickly – plant them in separate pots to keep them in check.
4. Prepare Quality Soil
Herbs don’t require special fertilizers, but they thrive in light, well-drained soil. If planting in pots, use a high-quality potting mix with added sand or perlite for better drainage.
Tip: Don’t forget drainage holes at the bottom of pots to prevent water from pooling.
