How to Create a Vertical Herb Garden on Your Balcony This Winter

It’s winter, and growing some greenery and fresh herbs on your balcony is every gardener’s dream. But cold weather and limited space keep many from getting started. The solution? A vertical herb garden! It saves space and keeps your favourite herbs within easy reach. In this guide, I’ll show you step-by-step how to create a vertical herb garden on your balcony this winter, which will provide easy maintenance, fast growth, and fresh, aromatic herbs.

1. What are the best herbs for winter?

Winter herbs are hardy and thrive in cold weather. Choosing the right herbs is important to ensure your vertical garden has both greenery and fresh produce.

Top Winter Herbs for Balcony Vertical Garden

1. Mint (Pudina)

Mint is a fast-growing and very aromatic herb. It’s perfect for tea, salads, or as a garnish. The lush green leaves make a balcony feel fresh and lively.

Key Features / Care Tips:

Sunlight: 4–5 hours of indirect sunlight. Too much direct sun can burn the leaves.
Watering: Keep the soil moist, but not soggy. Use a drip tray if it is in vertical pockets.
Soil: Well-draining, nutrient-rich potting mix + compost.
Seasonal Care: Regular trimming will promote bushy growth and keep the plants healthy.
Actionable Tip: Place near a balcony railing where it receives morning sunlight and is protected from the harsh afternoon sun.

Pro Tip: Mint is a spreading herb; grow it in a separate pocket to avoid overcrowding.

2. Coriander (Dhaniya)

Coriander grows easily in winter and adds flavour to dishes. It grows quickly and can be harvested frequently.

Key Features / Care Tips:

Sunlight: 4–6 hours of bright indirect sunlight.
Watering: Always keep the soil moist; it should not be dry.
Soil: Loose, well-draining soil + organic compost.
Seasonal Care: Protect young plants from frost, apply sheer cloth if necessary.
Actionable Tip: Harvest from the top, so there is continuous growth.

Pro Tip: Sow seeds in 2–3 weeks for a steady supply.

3. Rosemary

Rosemary is a hardy and aromatic herb. Perfect for winter vertical gardens. The woody stems and piney fragrance uplift a balcony.

Key Features / Care Tips:

Sunlight: 6+ hours of full sunlight.
Watering: Deep watering, but don’t overwater.
Soil: Well-draining, sandy or loamy soil.
Seasonal Care: Regular pruning to maintain shape.
Actionable Tip: Grow in hanging planters so branches grow freely.

Pro Tip: Pair rosemary with thyme or sage for a low-maintenance Mediterranean herb tier.

4. Lovage

Lovage is a rare and unique herb that tastes like celery. It is used in cooking and herbal teas. It also looks hardy and decorative in vertical gardens.

Key Features / Care Tips:

Sunlight: 4–6 hours of sunlight.
Watering: Keep the soil moist, but not soggy.
Soil: Fertile, loamy, well-draining soil.
Seasonal Care: Use a light cover if needed to protect from frost.
Actionable Tip: Grow in the mid-level of vertical pockets so the stems and leaves are properly spread.

Pro Tip: Lovage has a strong flavour; using a little enhances the flavour of dishes.

5. Parsley

Parsley adds a fresh and vibrant touch, is a nutrient-packed herb, and grows easily in winter.

Key Features / Care Tips:

Sunlight: 4–5 hours of indirect sunlight.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist; do not let it become waterlogged.
Soil: Rich, loamy, well-draining soil.
Seasonal Care: Protect from frost, cover with a light cover or move indoors if necessary.
Actionable Tip: Grow in mid-level vertical pockets for easy harvest.

Pro Tip: Cut the outer leaves first; you will get regrowth from the centre.

6. Basil (Tulsi/ BItalianasil)

Basil is an aromatic and decorative herb. Winter care is important for cold-sensitive varieties.

Key Features / Care Tips:

Sunlight: 5–6 hours of bright sunlight.
Watering: Water when the topsoil is dry; avoid overwatering.
Soil: Fertile, well-draining soil + compost.
Seasonal Care: Pinch flower buds to promote leaf growth.
Actionable Tip: Keep in a warm spot on a balcony to prevent cold damage.

Pro Tip: Grow in smaller pockets at the top to protect from cold drafts.

7. Chives

Chives are a hardy and fast-growing herb with a mild onion flavour. Perfect for vertical septupas, they offer compact growth.

Key Features / Care Tips:

Sunlight: 4–6 hours of sunlight.
Watering: Keep soil moist, not soggy.
Soil: Rich, well-draining soil with organic matter.
Seasonal Care: Regular trimming ensures bushy growth.
Actionable Tip: Grow on the edge for easy snipping.

Pro Tip: By growing in clumps, you will get a visually tiered effect.

Benefits of a Vertical Herb Garden This Winter

Space-Saving: Perfect for a small balcony.
Fresh Herbs Anytime: Pick fresh leaves for cooking at any time.
Decorative & Aromatic: Adds greenery and fragrance to the balcony.
Fast Growth & Low Maintenance: Winter herbs like mint, coriander, and chives are easy to grow.
Mood-Lifting: Greenery improves mental well-being and reduces winter blues.

Quick Tips for Balcony Vertical Gardening

Use vertical pockets, hanging pots or tiered shelves.
Ensure drainage holes to avoid waterlogging.
Rotate plants for even sunlight exposure.
Use organic fertilisers in 3–4 weeks.
Use a mini greenhouse cover or sheer cloth to protect from frost.