10 Plants Your Summer Balcony Needs

5. Herbs (Basil, Mint, Thyme)

Functional, fragrant, and fresh for foodies

I used to buy fresh herbs every week—only to watch them wilt in the fridge by Tuesday. Sound familiar? That’s when I decided to grow my own balcony herb garden, starting with just a few pots of basil, mint, and thyme. Now, I literally step outside my kitchen window to snip what I need. It’s faster, cheaper, and it makes cooking way more fun.

If you love summer entertaining, DIY cocktails, or just making your meals taste better—this one’s for you.

Why a Mini Herb Garden Is Perfect for Balconies

Let’s face it: not all of us have space for a full garden. But even the tiniest balcony can fit a few herb planters. I started with three basic pots on a narrow railing shelf and now I’ve got a whole edible display going on.

The best part? Most culinary herbs are super easygoing. They don’t need huge containers or fancy soil. Just good drainage, sunlight, and a little love. Plus, they look cute as hell while doing it—functional balcony decor at its finest.

Cooking & Cocktails: How I Use My Herbs All Summer

Fresh herbs totally level up your summer recipes. A handful of basil in homemade pesto or on top of bruschetta? Game-changer. Chopped mint in lemonade or mojitos? Instant refreshment.

I even toss thyme into grilled veg or roasted potatoes—it adds that subtle earthy flavor that makes everything taste like it came from a boutique restaurant. And since they’re right outside, I use them way more often than I ever did buying store-bought bundles.

Container Ideas & Companion Planting Tips (That Actually Work)

You don’t need to spend a fortune on pots. I use recycled mason jars, small terra cotta planters, and even wall-mounted pockets. Labeling them with little chalk tags keeps things organized and Instagram-ready 😄

And here’s a pro tip: some herbs actually like growing together! Basil and oregano? Great combo. Thyme and rosemary? Best friends in a sunny pot. But keep mint separate—it’s a bit of a bully and will take over if you let it.

Harvesting Like a Pro (So They Keep Growing Back!)

Okay, so I made this mistake early on—I yanked off the leaves from the bottom and ended up stunting my basil’s growth. Oops. The right way? Pinch or cut stems just above a leaf node. This encourages bushier growth and prevents legginess.

Harvest in the morning when the oils are strongest for maximum flavor. And don’t be shy—regular picking actually helps your plants thrive.

Now that we’ve covered the edible goodies, ready for something tough-as-nails greenery next? Let’s talk about the snake plant, aka the plant that survives even when you forget it exists. Click “next” to meet your new low-maintenance BFF!