Small-Space & Balcony Gardening
The Best Herbs for Complete Beginners
The easiest herbs to grow in pots on a balcony — which ones forgive mistakes, how much sun they need, and how to keep them alive.
Herbs are the easiest way into growing your own food. Most cope with the odd missed watering, take up almost no room, and reward you within weeks — perfect for a first pot on the balcony.
The easiest herbs to start with
| Herb | Light needed | Watering | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mint | Partial shade to full sun | Keep evenly moist | Very easy |
| Chives | Partial shade to full sun | Keep evenly moist | Very easy |
| Parsley | Partial sun (3+ hrs) | Keep evenly moist | Easy |
| Thyme | Full sun (5+ hrs) | Let dry out between waterings | Easy |
| Basil | Full sun (6+ hrs) | Keep evenly moist, never soggy | Medium |
| Rosemary | Full sun (6+ hrs) | Let dry out between waterings | Medium |
Pots and soil
A 15–20 cm pot is enough for one herb; give rosemary and mint a bit more room as they mature. Use a peat-free multipurpose potting mix — for Mediterranean herbs like thyme and rosemary, mix in a handful of grit or perlite so water drains faster and the roots don’t sit wet.
Common mistakes
- Overwatering basil and rosemary — soggy roots rot faster than dry ones kill the plant.
- Letting mint escape — its roots spread sideways through drainage holes into neighbouring pots.
- Picking too little, too rarely — herbs left unpicked get leggy and flower early, which turns the leaves bitter.
- Full shade for sun-lovers — thyme, rosemary and basil planted in a shaded corner will grow thin and pale.
Before you plant
- A 15–20 cm pot per herb, with drainage holes
- Peat-free potting mix (add grit for Mediterranean herbs)
- A spot with at least 3 hours of light for parsley, chives and mint
- A sunnier spot for basil, thyme and rosemary
- A separate pot set aside just for mint
Frequently asked questions
Can I grow herbs indoors on a windowsill instead?
Yes for most — parsley, chives and mint do well on a bright windowsill. Basil, thyme and rosemary need more light than most windowsills provide unless it faces south.
How often should I water herbs?
Check the top 2–3 cm of soil first. For basil and mint water when it starts to feel dry; for thyme and rosemary wait until it's fully dry.
Do herbs need feeding?
Lightly. A diluted liquid feed every 4–6 weeks in the growing season is plenty — too much feed pushes leafy growth with a weaker flavour.
Which herb should a total beginner start with?
Chives. They're nearly impossible to kill, regrow after cutting, and need very little attention beyond regular watering.