Container Herb Garden on a Sunny Balcony: Layout, Watering, and Harvest

Planting and Soil

The Right Soil Mix

Never use soil from your garden in containers. It is too dense, compacts when watered, and can introduce pests or diseases. You need to buy a quality potting mix formulated for containers. A good mix will contain peat moss or coco coir to retain moisture. It will also have perlite or vermiculite to create air pockets for healthy root growth. For your Mediterranean herbs, you can improve drainage further. Mix a handful of coarse sand or perlite into the standard potting mix before planting.

The Planting Process

Follow these steps to get your herbs started correctly.

1. Prepare the pot. Cover the drainage holes with a small piece of window screen or a coffee filter. This simple step prevents soil from washing out.
2. Add soil. Fill the container about halfway with your chosen potting mix.
3. Check the plant. Gently slide the herb out of its nursery pot. If the roots are a dense, circling mass, the plant is root-bound.
4. Loosen the roots. Use your fingers to gently untangle the bottom of the root ball. This action encourages the roots to grow into the new soil.
5. Set the plant. Place the herb in the pot. The top of its root ball should be about one inch below the pot’s rim. This space allows for easy watering.
6. Fill with soil. Add more potting mix around the plant, pressing it down lightly to eliminate large air pockets.
7. Water well. Water the plant thoroughly. Continue until you see water run out of the drainage holes. This process settles the soil and moistens the entire root system.