Think your balcony is too small for a herb garden? Think again. With just one container and a little planning, you can grow up to 10 flavorful herbs in the space of a chair — giving you fresh ingredients at arm’s reach without needing a backyard or rooftop.
Whether you live in an apartment, a small home, or simply have limited outdoor space, container gardening makes fresh, homegrown herbs easy and accessible.
In this article, you’ll discover how to choose the right herbs, container, and layout to grow a lush, productive herb garden in just one pot — perfect for balconies, windowsills, or patios.
Why Grow Multiple Herbs in One Container?
When done correctly, combining herbs in a single container offers several advantages:
- Saves valuable space in small areas
- Reduces watering needs (shared moisture retention)
- Easy access to fresh herbs for cooking
- Decorative and fragrant on balconies or ledges
- Promotes companion planting benefits (insect deterrence, shared growth patterns)
The key is selecting herbs with similar needs so they thrive together harmoniously.
The 3 Golden Rules of Mixed Herb Containers
Before planting, remember these three essential rules:
🌞 1. Group Herbs by Sunlight Needs
Most herbs love full sun, but some tolerate partial shade. Don’t mix full-sun herbs with shade-lovers.
💧 2. Match Watering Requirements
Pair drought-tolerant herbs (like rosemary) with other low-water herbs, and moisture-lovers (like parsley) with similar companions.
🪴 3. Control Aggressive Growers
Some herbs, like mint, can dominate a container. Use barriers or grow them in separate pockets to prevent crowding.
The Best Container Setup
Choose a wide, at least 12- to 18-inch diameter container with good drainage. Raised beds, wooden crates, deep window boxes, or large clay pots all work well.
Use high-quality potting mix, enriched with compost or worm castings. Avoid heavy garden soil, which may compact and suffocate roots in containers.
10 Herbs You Can Grow Together in One Container
Below is a list of compatible herbs that thrive in close quarters with similar sun, soil, and watering preferences:
1. Basil
🌱 Needs: Full sun, moist soil
A classic culinary herb that pairs well with tomatoes, salads, and pesto. Pinch often to prevent flowering and keep it bushy.
2. Parsley
🌱 Needs: Full to partial sun, consistent moisture
A biennial herb great for garnish, stocks, and sauces. Flat-leaf and curly varieties both do well in containers.
3. Cilantro
🌱 Needs: Partial sun, cool temperatures, moist soil
Tolerates crowding and adds fresh flavor to global cuisines. Harvest frequently to prevent early bolting.
4. Thyme
🌱 Needs: Full sun, well-drained soil
A low-growing herb with woody stems and tiny leaves. Great for dry zones in your pot — perfect to edge the container.
5. Chives
🌱 Needs: Full to partial sun, moderate moisture
Easy to grow and cut repeatedly. Their vertical growth makes them ideal for container borders.
6. Oregano
🌱 Needs: Full sun, well-drained soil
A Mediterranean herb with bold flavor. Goes well with thyme and sage, and tolerates drier soil.
7. Dill
🌱 Needs: Full sun, light moisture
Although it grows tall, dill can fit into the back section of your pot and offers feathery texture and distinct flavor.
8. Mint (Use Caution)
🌱 Needs: Partial sun, moist soil
Mint spreads aggressively, so plant it in its own small pot and sink it inside the larger container to control roots.
9. Sage
🌱 Needs: Full sun, dry soil
This woody perennial grows slowly but loves heat. Position near oregano and thyme.
10. Rosemary
🌱 Needs: Full sun, dry soil
An aromatic shrub-like herb that likes to stay on the dry side. Let the top inch of soil dry out before watering.
How to Arrange Herbs in One Pot
Think of your container as a mini landscape. Use this layout logic for balance and function:
- Center: Tall herbs like dill or rosemary
- Edges: Cascading or spreading herbs like thyme or mint (in pot)
- Middle ring: Bushy herbs like basil, parsley, oregano, chives
This gives each herb enough light, airflow, and space to thrive without competing heavily.
Watering and Feeding Tips
- Water slowly and deeply — Check with your finger before re-watering
- Use mulch (like dry leaves or coconut husk) to retain soil moisture
- Feed monthly with organic liquid fertilizer or compost tea
- Avoid overhead watering on herbs prone to fungus (like basil)
Sunlight and Seasonal Tips
Most herbs in this list prefer 6–8 hours of sunlight per day. If your balcony is partially shaded, stick to shade-tolerant herbs like mint, cilantro, or parsley.
In cooler climates, bring your container indoors before frost or cover it with plastic at night. Many herbs can be overwintered indoors with grow lights or sunny windows.
FAQs
Can I grow herbs together in a plastic pot?
Yes — just ensure it has drainage holes and doesn’t retain excessive heat or water. Terra cotta and ceramic pots are better for temperature regulation.
How often should I harvest herbs in one container?
Harvest regularly to encourage bushier growth. Pinch basil weekly and snip chives or parsley every few days.
Do herbs regrow after cutting?
Most herbs regrow quickly, especially when cut above the node. Avoid cutting more than one-third of the plant at once.
Can I grow herbs indoors year-round?
Yes — with good light. A sunny windowsill or grow light setup allows many herbs to grow all winter long.
Final Thoughts
Even the smallest balcony or patio can become a mini herb oasis with the right container and smart planting. By choosing herbs with similar needs and using smart spacing, you can grow 10 fresh, delicious herbs in just one container — saving money, space, and trips to the store.
Whether you’re cooking pasta, brewing tea, or just enjoying the scent of rosemary and mint after watering, this compact garden adds flavor and beauty to your home — no matter how small your space is.