Whether you’re giving your garden beds a break or you’re just interested in growing up something delicious and beautiful for your porch or patio, a container herb garden is a fantastic project. Herbs make the ideal plant for even the novice gardener. They’re easy to grow and thrive with the regular trimming they’ll get as you experiment with new herbs and spices. Use them as garnishes for special meals and dry them for use as teas. They make great gifts, too!
Here’s how to get started.
Choose a well-drained pot. You’ll want something that’s large enough to accommodate multiple plants and deep enough to allow them to spread out without getting cramped. I like using trays with casters on the bottom to catch any runoff after watering the herbs, with the added advantage that I can easily move the pot without causing damage to the floor (or my back!).
Select a soil mix specifically made for potted plants. This is very important, as not all dirt is created equal. Potting soil helps keep plants moist without getting overly compacted, and it’s often mixed with fertilizer and ingredients that help aerate the soil.
Decide on a theme. What you’ll want to keep in mind is how you’ll be using the herbs. If, for example, you’d like a pizza herb garden, you’d select basil varieties, oregano and perhaps some mild chili peppers. If you prefer an aromatic mix for teas, you might want to try chamomile, spearmint, and even chocolate or orange mint.
Whatever herbs you choose, make sure you select herbs that play well together. Plants don’t all grow in the same conditions, and since they’ll be sharing a pot, make sure those you choose will be happy in their new home. Just check the tags or ask your favorite garden shop for recommendations if you’re not sure.
Select your plants. This is the fun part! You’ll want to look for plants that are compact with strong stems that aren’t too leggy. Vary the size and texture of varieties to get the most bang for your buck. You’ll want a thriller (a taller plant), a filler (something dense to fill out the middle height of the container), and a spiller (a plant that falls over the edges of the pot and trails down a bit).
Some Tips: It’s always nice to have a colorful herb or edible flower mixed in any container herb garden. They add interest and a pop of color that draws the eye to the arrangement. In drab winter months, work in a bright pansy (or tiny violas, which work great as a spiller); during spring or summer, try lavender for vertical interest. Aromatic herbs, such as mint and rosemary, work well when placed near a doorway; brushing against the leaves releases their aroma, an added bonus!
Now’s the perfect time to start an herb container garden. It’ll encourage you to give your green thumb some exercise and provide you with fresh, beautiful herbs all season long.