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5 herbs you can easily grow in balcony or terrace garden

TOI Lifestyle Desk
| ETimes.in | Last updated on - Sep 13, 2025, 10:19 IST
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Here are 5 herbs you can start with that are super simple and low maintenance

If you’ve been thinking about starting your own little herb garden but feel like you don’t have the space or time, trust me, you totally can! Even if you live in an apartment with just a tiny balcony or terrace, you can grow herbs easily. It doesn’t need to be perfect. All you need is a few pots, some soil, and a bit of love. Plus, having fresh herbs at home makes everything feel a little more special. Here are 5 herbs you can start with that are super simple and low maintenance.

2/6

Basil (Sweet Basil or Tulsi)


Basil is probably one of the easiest and most useful herbs you can grow. It smells awesome, looks pretty, and you can use it in so many recipes.

Why it’s great:
It grows fast and doesn’t need too much fuss. It just wants sunlight—4 or 5 hours a day should do. It doesn’t mind if you’re not perfect with watering either, as long as you don’t forget it for too long.

How to grow it:
Pick a pot with holes at the bottom so water doesn’t sit in the soil. Fill it with potting mix and a bit of compost if you have it. Water it regularly but lightly. If the leaves look droopy, give it some water. Once you see flowers, pinch them off so the plant puts more energy into growing leaves instead of flowers.

How to use it:
Throw it into salads, pastas, soups—anywhere you want that fresh, herby flavor. Tulsi is also known for helping with stress and keeping your immune system strong.

3/6

Mint (Pudina)


Mint is just amazing! Its smell is refreshing, and you’ll find yourself using it everywhere once you start growing it.

Why it’s great:
It’s crazy easy to grow. Even if you forget to water it sometimes, it’ll forgive you. Just keep it contained in a pot because it grows like crazy and can take over if you let it!

How to grow it:
Use a deep pot because its roots spread. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Mint can handle both sunlight and a bit of shade, so you don’t need to stress about the location.

4/6

Coriander (Dhania)


You can’t cook without coriander! It’s everywhere in Indian food and makes everything taste so fresh.

Why it’s great:
It’s fast-growing and doesn’t need too much space or effort. Even if you forget to water it once in a while, it’ll bounce back.

How to grow it:
Take coriander seeds and scatter them in a pot with soil and compost. Keep the soil damp. It likes cooler weather, so it’s great to plant in winter or early spring.

How to use it:
Chop fresh leaves and sprinkle them on curries, soups, or sandwiches. You can also dry the seeds and use them as spices.

5/6

Thyme


Thyme is a quiet but powerful herb. It’s not super flashy, but it adds depth to food and smells lovely.

Why it’s great:
It’s low maintenance. Doesn’t need constant attention and prefers dry soil between watering.

How to grow it:
Get a pot with holes for drainage and use sandy soil. Keep it in sunlight and water only when needed.

How to use it:
Add it to soups, stews, or roasted dishes. You can even infuse it into oils or dressings to give meals a subtle but rich flavor.

6/6

Rosemary


Rosemary might not be as popular in everyday Indian kitchens, but it’s super useful, especially if you like experimenting with flavors.

Why it’s great:
It’s drought-tolerant, so it doesn’t mind if you miss watering once in a while. It’s a tough cookie but looks beautiful and smells amazing!

How to grow it:
Use a pot with good drainage and mix some sand with the soil so water doesn’t stay too long. Place it in a sunny spot and water only when the soil feels dry.

How to use it:
Add it to roasted veggies, soups, and homemade breads. You can even make rosemary tea when you want something warm and comforting.

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