Would you like to enjoy fresh herbs from your own herb garden on the balcony in late summer and autumn? You still have until the end of September to plant your pots and flower boxes with perennial, winter-hardy medicinal plants and herbs. In the article we will tell you which species can be harvested in late summer and autumn and which ones can be replanted.
Creating a herb garden on the balcony in late summer and autumn: Is that still possible?
They contain bitter substances, are rich in minerals and some of them are even real vitamin bombs: the Mediterranean herbs. Most of them are hardy, i.e. perennial, and can withstand frost and wind. After frost sets in, the above-ground parts of the plant die off. The plants will only sprout again next year.
Below we listseveral herbsthat are hardy. They prefer a spot in full sun. A place on the balcony where they are protected from the wind and at the same time receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day is ideal. A north-facing balcony is therefore less suitable. The south or west balcony offers optimal conditions for the rapid growth of herbs, but most species will also feel comfortable on an east balcony protected from the wind. You can still plant the following herbs in late summer and autumn:
Hardy herbs for the balcony garden: These species are perennial!
The following herbs feel comfortable on the balcony all year round.
True Lavender: A perennial crop
1. Real Lavender– Planting in pots and balcony boxes is possible from spring to autumn. However, you should plant the young plants by the end of August at the latest so that they can get used to the new location. Lavender is partially hardy and needs winter protection in the event of severe frosts.
The common sage is also hardy and can be left outside in winter
2. Real Sage:The herb is actually native to the Mediterranean region, but it is also hardy here. You can plant the common sage until the end of September; the leaves are edible and can be harvested until the beginning of October.
Mountain savory in the herb garden on the balcony
3. Mountain savory– Depending on whether you have chosen a summer-flowering or winter-flowering species, the harvest time for mountain savory can vary. The winter savory varieties can be grown all year roundover to be harvested. You should only not cut the branches when there is permanent frost, as the cuts could freeze. The summer-flowering varieties can be harvested until the beginning of October, ideally shortly before or shortly after the flowering period.
Herb garden on the balcony: The thyme needs winter protection
4. Thymian:The thyme leaves are particularly popular for their slightly spicy aroma. The harvest season extends until the end of September, and in warm weather - even until the end of October. It is best to cut them off shortly before the flowering period begins. If you keep the plant in a container, you should also protect the plant from frost - for example with a fleece film. This is necessary because the volume of soil in the bucket is significantly smaller and cannot adequately protect the sensitive roots from frost.
Oregano and Hyssop: Two herbs that can be planted until the end of October
5. Oregano:Oregano is also hardy and can be planted in pots on the balcony until October. When harvesting, which is possible until the end of September, the shoots are shortened to 20 cm. You can then use the shoot tips and the young leaves to flavor various dishes.
6. Hyssop:The herb hyssop can be harvested during the flowering period. In contrast to the other herbs already mentioned, the harvest period lasts from the beginning to the end of October. However, the herb is winter hardy and can still be planted in August.
You should harvest these herbs by the end of August and then leave the young shoots standing in the fall. The leaves and stems will die and dry up, protecting the soil from drying out and freezing. If there is permanent frost, you should also wrap the tub or flower box with winter protection film.
Local wild and medicinal herbs that are suitable for the balcony garden
A sunny balcony is the dream of every amateur gardener from the big city. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to have a sun-drenched outdoor area, especially in densely built-up areas. In this case, local wild and medicinal herbs are ideal. They feel comfortable in partial shade and can easily withstand frost and wind.
1. Nettleis considered a weed in the home garden, but the plant is actually highly valued by alternative practitioners for its healing effects. The herb is sown in May, but you can plant young plants from spring to autumn. What is particularly important is that temperatures are above 10 degrees Celsius. Leave a minimum distance of 35 cm between the plants in the flower box. Stinging nettles thrive best in sunny to partially shaded locations.
Use: To flavor various dishes (nettle pesto), as an infusion for tea
2. Greedshspreads quickly in the garden. On thebalconyThe herb can be sown until the end of September. The harvest season begins in summer and ends in late autumn. This herb also prefers partially shaded areas on the balcony. It is often used in various dishes, using not only the leaves but also theFlowers are edible.
3. Vogelmiereis a native herb whose flowers and leaves can be enjoyed raw or cooked in dishes. It tastes particularly delicious in salads. The herb sows itself, grows quickly and copes with both shady and partially shaded locations.
