How to Grow Herbs on a West Facing Balcony

Growing herbs on a balcony can be a challenge, but if you have the time and dedication, it can be very rewarding. A west-facing balcony poses the challenge of scorching heat and intense sunlight, especially during the summer. Provide the herb plants with plenty of water and protection for them to thrive in a balcony setting. Appropriate care will ensure that the herbs grow healthy and strong, producing the seasonings for many favorite dishes.

4-inch pots
Sterile potting soil
Plexiglass
Shade cloth
Stakes

Instructions

- 1
  Fill 4-inch pots with sterile potting soil to within 1 inch of the top of the pot. Plant one herb plant per pot. Make sure that the leaves of each herb plant are above the soil line.
- 2
  Water the herb plants generously, allowing the water to flow through the soil and out the drainage holes in the pots. Keep the soil moist at all times, but not wet. Check the soil for moisture daily.
- 3
  Protect the herb plants from the westerly winds that will most likely hit the balcony. Attach a piece of clear acrylic glass to the west-facing balcony to help shield the wind. Drill a hole into each corner of the acrylic glass and run a piece of wire through each of the holes to attach it to the balcony.
- 4
  Pinch off any dead or damaged leaves and stems. Remove spent leaves and stems to encourage growth. Cover the leaves of herbs that could get scorched from too much sunlight on the west-facing balcony.

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