Condo owners might not have the space to grow this type of garden, especially if they live in a high-rise development, but that doesn’t mean that a green thumb has to go to waste.

 A few tomatoes and some other veggies might make a great salad, but it takes time and space for those plants to mature. For the culinary-minded individual - herbs might be the way to go. Not only does an herb garden require little space, but many varieties grow quickly and can be harvested regularly. In addition, these hardy little plants can be an attractive addition to a smaller living space and many can be pleasantly aromatic. Herb gardening can turn into quite an enjoyable hobby; one that will please the condo gourmet, or just those with discerning tastes when it comes to cuisine.

Getting Started
There are a few things you have to decide before you begin your new herb garden. First, what type of planters do you want to use? Herbs can be planted in simple terra-cotta pots and placed in groupings, or for the beginner you might want to choose an herb gardening kit. Also popular are the window-boxes or planters that save space and maximize the sunlight available.

Terra-cotta pots are available in a variety of shapes and sizes and are excellent for maintaining moisture-balance. Long rectangular pots can hold a variety of herbs, but be sure to keep compatible plants grouped together. Different herbs have different sunlight and watering needs, and groupings keep maintenance easy. A layer of small stones at the bottom of the pots will prevent delicate roots from rotting, while maintaining the moisture needed for your herbs to flourish.

Herb growing kits are a great way to begin, as they include several popular herb varieties, step-by-step instructions and a lidded container to help retain moisture and trap heat. For the true enthusiast there are specialty items that can be purchased, such as mini greenhouses that are designed especially for herbs and provide an attractive place to grow herbs year-round. You will find that once you have begun herb gardening yourself you will soon be making your own modifications and additions based upon what you want to get out of your herb gardening experience. 

The next step is to decide if you want to purchase ready-grown plants or if you want to start them from seed to get the full experience. Ready-grown herbs can be purchased from pretty much any gardening centre. Sunnyside Greenhouses offers a large variety of herb plants to choose from; plants that require only that you take them home and re-pot them. Alternately, the centre offers herb-gardening kits or a large selection of starter seeds to choose from. The choice is up to you and is dependant upon how soon you want to be able to start using your herbs, and whether or not you would like to see your plants grow from seed to maturity. Either can be very rewarding and it’s all a matter of individual choice.
Michael Lopes, a manager with Sunnyside Greenhouses says that he grows his own herb garden and when it comes to growing herbs in a condominium, lighting is everything. “A bright sunny window is vital,” says Lopes. “As well, good drainage is essential.” When it comes to choosing plants for his herb garden, Lopes says he uses the five main herbs that he cooks with. “I pick out the grown plants and plant them all together in a 12-inch bowl with good drainage,” says Lopes. I plant basil, thyme, oregano, parsley and chives all together because they all require similar growth conditions and together they really do quite well.” Lopes says that his herbs do so well that he has enough to share with neighbours.

Planting the Seed
If you do decide to start your herbs from seed and you have decided not to go with an herb starter kit—begin by making sure you have a nice mixture of potting soil, peat moss and vermiculite. If you are unsure how to mix these items they can be purchased pre-mixed and ready to use. Initially soak the soil in your chosen planter and let it drain a bit before beginning. Follow the planting instructions on the seed packet.

After planting the seeds, cover with clear plastic and set somewhere warm. Avoid areas that are susceptible to water-damage; on the top of your refrigerator works great. The clear plastic will keep the seedlings warm while retaining moisture. Once the plant begins poking through the dirt you can move the container to a window or sunny area. You should leave the plastic on for a couple more days, but be sure to remove it before the sprouts grow high enough to touch it.

Lopes says that as a general rule, herb plants require 13 or more hours of sunlight per day, and if you want them to grow during shorter growing seasons you can supplement with artificial light sources. As well, Lopes credits his success with herb gardening in part to his fertilizer. “I use a weak solution of a fertilizer called Plant Prod 20-20-20,” says Lopes. “I use the mixture once a week and I’ve had great results.”

What to plant
Once you have chosen what you want your herbs to grow in, and how you want to grow them, you will want to decide what types of herbs you would like. There is a huge list to choose from and if you aren’t a gourmet cook you might not know what herbs are right for you. You could purchase a book on herb gardening, but here are a few of the more popular choices available.


Chives – This fast-growing herb will grow pretty flowers if left un-harvested. Chives have a delicate onion flavour and aroma and can be added to salads or used in various cooked dishes.

Basil – This leafy herb adds offers a sweet, almost clove-like flavour and is often used in tomato-based dishes such as spaghetti or pizza sauce.
Parsley – Known for its slightly sweet and peppery flavour, this herb comes in several varieties that range in strength of scent and flavour, and is used in many dishes from stews and sauces, meats and salads to an attractive garnish.

Thyme – Used for centuries to flavour cheese, this herb has a bright, spicy flavour and it also comes in different varieties, including a lemon variety that actually has a delicate lemon flavor. Some varieties produce tiny white to lavender flowers.

Dill – This well-known herb is essential in many pickling recipes and can be used in two different ways. If harvested before the flowers open, dill has a slightly sweet flavour and is often a favourite in salads and seafood dishes. Dill seeds can be harvested once the flowers have opened and turned brown, and this slightly bitter product is used in a variety of cooked dishes.

Rosemary – This very attractive herb produces an abundance of pretty blue flowers and very aromatic leaves. With its piney scent and refreshing flavour, this herb is a great addition to recipes that incorporate citrus fruits. Rosemary is used in a variety of meat and vegetable dishes but is used sparingly as it is one of the more potent herbs.