Growing herbs on a terrace
Grow more on your terrace.
Herbs are the ideal terrace crop: high value, compact, and most of them genuinely prefer the warm, well-drained conditions a terrace provides. Mediterranean herbs such as rosemary, thyme, oregano, sage and lavender evolved in hot, dry, rocky environments. A south-facing terrace with free-draining potting mix replicates that environment almost perfectly.
Group by water needs rather than by cuisine. Mediterranean herbs prefer to dry out between waterings and rot in constantly moist soil. Basil, parsley, chives and mint want consistently moist conditions and do best in slightly larger containers with a more moisture-retentive mix. Mixing a drought-tolerant rosemary with a moisture-loving basil in the same container creates a situation where one is always under stress.
Most herbs become woody and produce less leaf if allowed to flower. Pinch out flower heads regularly on basil, mint and parsley to redirect energy into foliage. Rosemary, thyme and lavender can be trimmed lightly after flowering. Terrace herbs in good sun typically outperform windowsill herbs by a significant margin throughout the summer months.