🌿 Sign Up for Your Free 3-Month Gardening Log!
Keep your garden thriving all season long with our 30 Weekly Garden Logs — perfect for tracking plant growth, watering schedules, weather notes, and harvest results.
When you sign up, you’ll also receive a free 3-Month Gardening Log Journal to stay organized and inspired as you grow.
Join below and start logging your garden today!
Best Containers for Balcony Herbs (Top Picks + Buyer’s Guide)
The right containers can make balcony herb gardening easier, healthier, and a lot more beautiful. In this guide, we’ll walk through the best containers for balcony herbs, how to choose the right size, and what to avoid so your plants don’t struggle in cramped or soggy pots.
Use this guide together with the planter planning pages in my balcony gardening journal (ASIN B0FZVM9K3L) to record which containers work best for your herbs and your specific balcony conditions.
Quick Comparison: Types of Containers for Balcony Herbs
Here’s a simple comparison chart to help you choose the best container style for your balcony:
| Container Type | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Pots | Easy to move, widely available, budget-friendly | Small pots dry out quickly in hot weather | Most herbs, flexible layouts |
| Window Boxes | Look tidy, great for railing or ledges, fit multiple herbs | Can be heavy; must be secured safely | Herb mixes, salad greens |
| Hanging Baskets | Save floor space, attractive at eye level | Dry out faster, may sway in wind | Trailing herbs like thyme or oregano |
| Vertical Planters | Maximize tiny spaces, modern look | Extra planning for watering and weight | Small balconies with limited floor space |
| Self-Watering Pots | More forgiving if you forget to water | Can lead to overwatering if misused | Busy gardeners or hot climates |
Choosing the Right Size Container
Size matters more than style. Roots need enough room to grow, and soil volume affects how quickly a pot dries out.
| Herb | Minimum Pot Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basil | 8–10" wide | One plant per pot for best growth |
| Mint | 10–12" wide | Keep mint in its own container—it spreads fast |
| Rosemary | 12"+ wide | Needs a sturdy, heavier pot as it grows woody |
| Thyme / Oregano | 8" wide | Can share a planter with other Mediterranean herbs |
| Parsley / Chives | 8–10" wide | Good in mixed herb window boxes |
Material Matters: Plastic, Terracotta, Ceramic & More
Different materials change how fast your soil dries, how heavy your containers are, and how they handle outdoor weather.
- Plastic: Lightweight, affordable, slow to dry out; can fade in strong sun.
- Terracotta: Classic look, breathes well; dries out faster and can crack in freezing weather.
- Ceramic (glazed): Attractive, holds moisture longer; heavier and more fragile.
- Metal: Modern look; can heat up in direct sun and dry soil quickly.
Don’t Forget Drainage and Saucers
Good drainage is non-negotiable for healthy balcony herbs:
- Choose containers with one or more drainage holes.
- Use saucers if you’re worried about dripping water—but empty them after watering.
- On exposed balconies, make sure runoff doesn’t bother neighbors below.
Next Steps
Once you’ve chosen your containers, you’re ready to fill them with herbs and potting mix:
Track Your Balcony Garden Progress
Turn your balcony herb garden ideas into a living reality with the Balcony Gardening Journal (ASIN B0FZVM9K3L) — your hands-on companion for planning, tracking, and celebrating every season’s growth.
Record sunlight patterns, watering schedules, weekly notes, and harvests all in one easy place. A perfect match for every cluster guide in your balcony gardening journey.
View the Balcony Gardening Journal on Amazon
