Create a mini herb garden on your green roof

Not everyone has the luxury of a sprawling garden, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on homegrown herbs this summer. Whether you’re working with a balcony, a courtyard or a Bluum green roof, there’s room to bring a little greenery and a lot of flavour into your life.

Why herbs love green roofs

Our living-roof storage units are designed with shallow substrate depths, which make them ideal for hardy, low-maintenance plants - and that includes plenty of culinary herbs. Mediterranean varieties in particular thrive in dry, sun-soaked conditions making them a perfect match for your green-roof planter.

The best herbs for shallow-rooted roof gardens

Here are some sun-loving herbs to try:

•         Thyme – aromatic and drought-tolerant, it’s perfect for summer cooking.
•         Oregano – spreads easily and thrives in lean soil.
•         Chives – adds a light onion flavour and produces lovely purple flowers.
•      Creeping rosemary – Hardy and fragrant, great for trailing over the edge of your green roof.

You’ll want to void moisture-loving herbs like basil or mint unless you can give them deeper soil or a separate pot - they need more hydration and containment.

Caring for your roof herb garden in Summer

Water smartly

Water early in the morning or late evening – this helps to avoid evaporation and gives the soil the best chance of absorbing the moisture.

Harvest regularly

Picking and cutting herbs encourages the growth of new leaves, so one of the best things you can do with your herbs is use them to make room for fresh growth!

You can choose whether you’d prefer to snip back flowers if you want stronger leaves, or let them bloom to attract pollinators.

A living-roof herb garden is more than just practical. It’s beautiful, fragrant, and wildlife-friendly. It adds life to your outdoor space and makes your meals taste better too.

And if you’re using one of our green-roof bin or bike stores, you’re already halfway there. Just add a few plug plants, a sunny spot and a little TLC and you’ll be snipping fresh herbs in no time.