Question
Dear Mr. Wilton,

soon I'll be moving to a new apartment with a little balcony. I'd like to grow some herbs there, but due to limited space I'll most likely only have room for a 800x175x120 (mm) plant trough. How would I (with no gardening experience whatsoever) go about if I wanted to have a basic selection of herbs (like chives, basil, rosemary, parsley, mint, etc.) in that small space?

Answer
Rob:
 I will give you basic info. All herbs needs morning sun from the east or southeast. Mint must be outdoors and in a separate container because it will choke out anyone near it. It must be grown outdoors to return next year.Chives must be outdoors to return  next year also. Before winter sets in, cut the chives back 2" from the ground. If rosemary is not hardy("Arp & hardy hill will stand -10 below 0. The tender ones may not go thru a cold & snowy winter. With extra ground cover sometimes help, always protect from northern exposure. Water once a week. It hates too much water. Make sure you have soil with good drainage.Parsley will take up into the fall & sometimes beyond. Basil is #1 sun lover. Keep pruning it during warm weather to keep it producing new growth. Prune from the top down 1/3 on each branch every 3 weeks.Prune all herbs same way Fertilize all herbs with orgnic fertilizer at the same time. Liquid fish fertilizer is now carried at home depot/lowe's and some organic markets. Give each plant at least 12" or more between each other.

Good luck!

Leroy