A 4×6 balcony can produce dhania, podina, green chillies and cherry tomatoes for most of the year. Start small, harvest fast, and let success fund expansion.
The beginner four
Mint is nearly indestructible and loves partial shade. Coriander grows from whole dhania seeds split in half. Green chillies fruit for months from one plant. Basil thrives in summer heat that kills European herbs.
Containers and soil
Any container with drainage holes works — buckets, crates, even cut cans. Buy one bag of prepared potting mix instead of garden soil; it prevents the compaction that kills most balcony plants.
The watering schedule
Morning watering, daily in summer, alternate days in winter. Yellow leaves usually mean too much water, not too little.
Cost reality
Initial setup runs around Rs. 2,000–3,000. A family that cooks daily recovers that in fresh herbs within two to three months.
