A couple of years ago, when I moved into a new flat with a small, sunny balcony, I decided to try my hand at growing fresh herbs. I cook a lot at home, and I was getting rather tired of buying expensive plastic packets from the supermarket that would just spoil in the fridge within a few days. So, I bought some small terracotta pots, potting compost, and seeds for basil, mint, and rosemary.
To be honest, I didn't have much gardening experience, but I set everything up along the balcony railing where it got plenty of morning sunlight. Every morning before heading off to work, I'd check the soil moisture with my finger and give them a light watering with a little plastic jug. I also watched a few tutorials on a video-sharing app to learn how to pinch off the tops of the basil properly so the plant would grow bushier rather than leggy.
As for the outcome, I suppose it was a bit of a mixed bag. The mint took off immediately and practically took over its container, it was thriving so much that I had fresh leaves for tea and salads every single week. The basil did reasonably well too, though it struggled whenever the weather turned chilly. Unfortunately, the rosemary never really sprouted properly, probably because I overwatered it in the early stages.
Even though not everything went entirely to plan, I felt genuinely pleased with the experience. There was something remarkably satisfying about harvesting something you've nurtured yourself and throwing it straight into a pasta sauce. It gave me a real appreciation for where our food comes from and definitely encouraged me to keep trying.