Grass Fed Girl

Planting An Urban Patio Herb Garden In 4 Easy Steps

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Have you considered planting an urban patio herb garden? I have always wanted an herb garden but I live in the middle of the city with only a tiny balcony. I had no idea where to start but fortunately my mom who has a green thumb came out to SF to save this city slicker. I hope one day to have my own garden at my future house. It is important to be connected with growing our food especially as our food freedom seems to be eroding.

Planting An Urban Patio Herb Garden In 4 Easy Steps

Step 1. Get supplies

Buy some organic herbs at a farmers market or nursery. We got ours from the Ferry Building Farmers Market which is one of my favorite places in the city. I bought parsley, thyme, basil and cilantro. It is also important to get some good potting mix from the nursery with an OMRI organic rating. Potting mix will have everything you need to plant your herbs and you will not have to get any fertilizer. I bought this one that was recommended by my local hardware store called:

Get some window boxes or larger pots so your plants will have plenty of room. Make sure there is some sun in the area you are planting the herbs. Basil may have to be moved inside when it gets too hot.

Step 2. Plant your herbs

Fill your pots halfway with dirt then make a hole for the bud. Then remove the small plant from the plastic box gently. You may need to water the herb to get it to come out without breaking apart. Put the small plants into the dirt then fill in the rest of the space with potting soil. Once the plants are in their new permanent pots, water them well and set them into a sunny spot outside.

Step 3. Water

Every two or three days go out and thoroughly water your plants.

Step 4. Wait

Once they grow for a week or two you can pull off a few sprigs for your favorite Basil Pesto recipe.  Just keep checking them or they may dry out.

Repeat Next Year

These herbs will last one season and you will most likely have to plant more next year. If you take them inside over the winter they may last longer, especially the basil. Let me know some of your favorite gardening tips in the comments section.

 


Comments

  1. Cynthia Anderson says

    nice job on the balcony garden. Remember to harvest basil before they start to flower. You can make pesto and freeze in ice cube trays. You will just pop out the amount you need and you will always have fresh pesto in the house. Also your plants can last all winter long in a sunny window. Good luck.