Starting your gardening journey in a city environment can feel daunting, but growing herbs is a wonderfully simple and rewarding entry point. Urban planter boxes, placed on a balcony, patio, or even a sunny windowsill, are perfect for cultivating a fresh supply of cooking ingredients. If you're new to gardening, focus on these resilient and low-maintenance herbs that are almost guaranteed to thrive.
1. Mint: This herb is famously vigorous. It's so easy to grow that it's often recommended to keep it in its own container to prevent it from taking over. Mint prefers partial sun and consistent moisture.
2. Basil: A summer favorite, basil loves warmth and sunlight. Pinch off the top leaves regularly to encourage a bushier plant and prevent it from flowering too early.
3. Chives: These hardy, grass-like herbs are very forgiving. They can handle a bit of neglect and will return year after year. Simply snip what you need with scissors.
4. Rosemary: This woody herb is drought-tolerant and prefers drier soil. It needs plenty of sun and good drainage, making it ideal for a planter box that doesn't stay soggy.
5. Thyme: A great ground-cover herb, thyme is tough and requires very little water once established. It thrives in full sun and well-draining soil.
For success, ensure your planter boxes have drainage holes and use a high-quality potting mix. Water your herbs when the top inch of soil feels dry, and harvest regularly to promote new growth. Happy gardening