Creating a vibrant herb garden in the city is a rewarding project. The number of planter boxes you need depends entirely on your goals and space. Start by listing the herbs you love most—common choices like basil, parsley, cilantro, mint, thyme, and rosemary. A standard small to medium rectangular planter box (about 24 inches long) can comfortably host 2-3 herb plants, provided they have similar sunlight and water needs. For example, you could plant basil and parsley together. Mint, however, is invasive and should always have its own dedicated container.
For a beginner's kitchen garden with 6 different herbs, we recommend starting with 3-4 planter boxes. This allows for proper spacing, prevents overcrowding, and lets you group herbs with compatible needs. Consider your available sunlight; most culinary herbs require at least 6 hours of direct sun. On a balcony, you might use railing planters for sun-loving herbs and a larger box on the floor for shade-tolerant ones like mint or chives.
Ultimately, success lies not in the number of boxes but in thoughtful planning. Sketch your space, measure it, and begin with a manageable setup. You can always add more planters later as your green thumb grows.