This ₹100 balcony setup can grow enough herbs for daily cooking

The trend of urban gardening is getting popular as most people look for simple techniques for growing organic food in their homes without spending much money. Small balconies can be easily converted into kitchen gardens with a few affordable containers, cheap soil, and quick-growing herbs. Most Indian herbs take little space and thrive in pots, bottles, or boxes kept close to the sun. In addition to saving some amount from buying vegetables, growing herbs provides fresh ingredients, aroma, and greenery. It's worth noting that a simple balcony herb garden worth just about ₹100 will provide enough herbs for daily cooking. Here is how such a low-budget herb garden can work effectively.

Novice balcony growers might think that expensive pots and costly gardening tools are necessary for growing herbs. However, herbs will thrive in any simple and low-cost recycled containers with enough drainage holes at the bottom. Such containers can be made of plastic bottles, empty buckets, steel cans, takeaway boxes, or old kitchen tubs. They not only save much money but also help recycle house waste. As most herbs have small root balls, special containers aren't always required for their growth.

Mint is one of the easiest herbs to grow in Indian balcony conditions as it quickly spreads with little effort. Placing a cutting of mint in the ground can result in instant growth within a few days. This herb requires partial sunshine and frequent watering in summertime. As mint leaves are regularly used in making chutney, tea, juice, or curry, even a single container can give enough harvest for cooking. The fragrant smell of mint will help you create a fresher environment on the balcony.

This herb is very popular among Indian chefs, yet it is quite simple to grow in shallow balcony containers. The seeds of coriander germinate fast and grow quickly, requiring only frequent watering and partial sunshine. Harvesting coriander requires careful trimming of leaves. Growing coriander in the home balcony may help save money by reducing the frequency of shopping. Moreover, growing coriander can give you much fresher leaves compared to those purchased from the market.

The curry leaf plant is another useful herb for Indian cooks that surprisingly adapts well to balcony conditions. Widely used in Indian cuisine, such as in dals, curries, chutneys, and South Indian dishes, the curry leaf provides a strong aroma and rich flavor in daily meals. The curry leaf plant prefers warm temperatures and partial sunshine and can be easily grown in medium containers. Curry leaf plants require little care and maintenance, except for occasional watering and pruning.

Holy basil, or tulsi, is another good herb that can be easily grown in the balcony due to its adaptability and simplicity. Apart from the importance of this plant in rituals, tulsi leaves are widely used in preparing tea or homemade remedies. This plant is highly resistant to heat and can be easily grown in small pots close to sunlight. The aromatic smell of basil can help create a more comfortable atmosphere on the balcony.

A successful balcony garden doesn't require expensive gardening equipment but needs persistence. Garden soil combined with compost or manure from kitchen waste is usually sufficient for healthy growth. Herbs require at least four to six hours of sunlight per day, and additional watering during summertime. Overwatering of herbs may kill their root balls and prevent further growth. With a very basic set-up, providing regular sunlight and watering is often key to success.

Though a balcony garden worth about ₹100 won't yield much produce, it will provide enough herbs for daily cooking. Freshly grown mint, basil, coriander, curry leaves, and green chilies can be harvested whenever needed, sparing you from purchasing them in the market. Apart from being practical, balcony gardening can become a relaxing hobby that helps many people reconnect with nature in busy urban life.