Hi lilcrowgirl and welcome! I have been able to grow herbs on my NE-facing balcony, mainly because it does get sun in summer (but not in winter). If your balcony is up high enough and/or away from alot of trees, you may be okay (I'm in a hi-rise above all the trees). Since alot of folks grow those types of herbs indoors and they do okay, you might be fine with them outside as long as you stick them in a spot that is the brightest. The plants might be a little leggier than usual, but you might be surprised how they turn out. Often potted plants do quite well with morning sun/afternoon shade as all-day full blazing sun can fry them and watering becomes a several-times-a-day chore. As an example, cilantro is one that prefers cooler, moist, and non-blazing conditions, where basil can take it drier (but not too dry or it will droop). Regarding container size - it depends on how much you want to grow for harvest. I direct seeded basil into 8" and 10" pots and that was plenty for me to make pesto (I still have some left). If you buy plants of the herbs, you could pot a couple into a larger container (maybe 12") and let them fill out that container during the regular season. Potting mixes are often a personal choice item (some people make their own and others will buy a mix). If you buy, don't cheap out - get a decent "soiless container mix". The other thing is that some of your chosen herbs are annuals (basil, cilantro) and some are tender perennials (rosemary, lavender). The latter two will probably need to be brought in for winter if you want to save them for next year.

I'm emailing you! I'm interested in your pumpkin and a few other things.

YOU GOT MAIL

I appreciate the advice. :) My ultimate goal of this garden is just to make it through this growing season. I may or may not be moving this fall, and if I do, I don't want to have a ton invested in this garden. Another reason for doing my garden this way is that I just want to get a feel for how these herbs grow, what does well or doesn't do well here, etc, so that when my husband and I do move to our "forever" home, & I get to have a real in-ground garden, I'll have a head start on my herb growing knowledge. This is completely experimental, so I'm not expecting spectacular results this year. I'm just looking forward to growing something...Anything! Again, I thank you all for your input & advice.