Fresh herbs raise the local menu to star chef level, thanks to their unique, sun-kissed aroma content. Where there is no garden available, this does not mean foregoing culinary enjoyment. A variety of delicious species thrive in the herb garden on the balcony. In order to grow yourself by hand, you don't need to worry about a green thumb as long as you make the right choice. In the following, embark on an exciting journey of discovery to the best herbs for balconies and window sills.
Overview in alphabetical order
basil
The Mediterranean herb plant has long been firmly established among the best herbs for balconies and window sills. This does not only apply to friends of Mediterranean cuisine. Together with tomatoes, basil forms a wonderful dream team. Thanks to a height of 20 to 60 centimeters, no garden is required for the cultivation.
- Location: sunny
- Care tip: keep constantly moist
Savory
The versatile savory is recommended for a herb garden on the west or south side of the house. With the biennial, herbaceous spice plant, hobby cooks taste stews perfectly, such as potato soup or green beans. The pretty white flowers also contribute to the decorative appearance.
- Location: sunny
- Care tip: cut back in spring
Borage
Leaf salads, cucumber and pumpkin owe borage a refreshing taste. Both the flowers and the leaves are suitable for consumption. In addition, the bright blue flowers of
- Location: sunny to partially shaded
- Care tip: fertilize with nettle manure from time to time
Watercress
This herbal plant is rarely found on the market because it loses all taste when dried. In the herb garden on the balcony, on the other hand, watercress unfolds its full potential, which is particularly accompanied by a revitalizing, pungent taste. The evergreen, herbaceous kitchen spice reaches a maximum height of 60 centimeters, which can be easily controlled by regular pruning.
- Location: partially shaded
- Care tip: water frequently
dill
The annual herbaceous herb gives cucumber salad, pickled cucumbers and fish a special note. With its intense aroma, dill transforms balconies and window sills into a scented garden that awakens the anticipation of delicious dishes made with fresh herbs. Dill thrives particularly well in the vicinity of chives and marjoram.
- Location: full sun
- Care tip: water abundantly
chervil
Real chervil is rightly called soup herb, because here it fulfills its function perfectly. The annual plant reaches a height of 20 to 70 centimeters, which makes it ideal for growing in a tub. Harvested shortly before flowering, chervil unfolds its best aroma.
- Location: partially shaded
- Care tip: cut back vigorously repeatedly
Garlic mustard
If you have so far given up the aroma of garlic because you do not want to spread the typical scent that follows, the garlic mustard serves as a sensible alternative. The peppery wild herb is enjoying increasing popularity, although it has actually been known in the kitchen for 5,000 years. The cruciferous plant is often found in the wild and is similar in habit to sorrel. For the herb garden on the balcony, garlic mustard, also called leek herb, with a height of 50 to 60 centimeters is just right.
- Location: partially shaded to shady
- Care tip: fertilize organically with emphasis on nitrogen
Lovage
Ideally suited for the herb garden on the balcony, but not a candidate for the windowsill due to a height of up to 200 centimeters; With this reputation, lovage fits into the list of the best herbs. Since the aroma is reminiscent of the well-known kitchen seasoning Maggi, the plant is often referred to as Maggi herb. Of course, lovage is not included in the original product. Lovage especially refines fish and meat dishes in the domestic kitchen.
- Location: sunny to partially shaded
- Care tip: cultivate in single pots
marjoram
If you like to eat hearty, you can't ignore marjoram. Whether stew, pork, fried potatoes or homemade sausage; without this idiosyncratic herb, an important ingredient would be missing. Since the herb is not hardy, it is cultivated as an annual in the local latitudes.
- Location: sunny and sheltered from the wind
- Care tip: water sparingly
oregano
Oregano is essential for a perfect pizza. The Mediterranean herbal plant can be found in numerous other recipes. Since it grows between 20 and 80 centimeters high and looks extremely ornamental with its pretty pink-violet flowers, the spice plant likes to take place on balconies and window sills.
- Location: sunny to partially shaded
- Care tip: fertilize organically in spring
parsley
A classic among kitchen herbs that deserves a regular place on the balcony. The biennial plant with the beet-shaped root reaches a height of 30 to 90 centimeters. The green leaves of parsley go well with almost all vegetable and meat dishes.
- Location: partially shaded
- Care tip: water abundantly
rosemary
- Location: sunny and warm
- Care tip: winter quarters required
sage
As an essential ingredient in Italian cuisine, sage can now also be found in German herb gardens on the balcony. First and foremost, the herb plant gives pasta and vegetables an inimitable taste. The perennial subshrub rarely grows more than 50 centimeters, so that there is also room for it on the windowsill.
- Location: full sun and sheltered
- Care tip: do not fertilize
chives
With its hot and spicy taste, chives go well with mild foods such as quark and bread. Thanks to a height of 5 to 50 centimeters, the perennial herb plant finds a place everywhere.
- Location: partially shaded
- Care tip: pour cautiously
thyme
The spicy plant has become an indispensable part of Mediterranean cuisine. Located on the balcony or on the windowsill, the woody subshrub also impresses with its enchanting bloom from May to October. Due to its valuable ingredients, thyme is not only one of the best culinary herbs, but was also named Medicinal Plant of the Year in 2006.
- Location: sunny
- Care tip: water only a little in the sandy, dry substrate
Lemon balm
Their presence is announced from afar by an appetizing scent. The delicate leaves with the refreshing lemon aroma refine salads, vegetables and drinks. With a stature height of up to 120 centimeters, it should be kept in check on the windowsill by regular pruning.
- Location: sunny and sheltered from the wind
- Care tip: light winter protection recommended
Conclusion
If you find out about the best herbs for balconies and window sills, you will discover numerous interesting specimens that leave nothing to be desired. From hot and spicy to mildly aromatic and refreshingly lemony, there is something for every taste. Therefore, a missing garden is not an obstacle to creating your own herb garden on the balcony. In addition to the aromatic attributes of the plants, their location requirements should always be kept in mind. In combination with an adequate water and nutrient balance, nothing speaks against an aromatic harvest.
