Growing Herbs in Containers (2024)

FAQs

Which herbs go well together in pots? ›

If you're all about practicality, then a plastic or fiberglass pot is the perfect vessel for growing herbs in. They won't dry out as fast as clay pots and they're usually inexpensive and hard to break. They're also lightweight—some molded plastics can be made to look like a decorative clay or metal pot.

Generally, herbs need full sun, but some will survive on as little as 2 hours of good sun a day. Mediterranean herbs like lavender, rosemary and thyme require more sun. Softer, green herbs like parsley, lemon balm and mint will take less sun. The flavour and scent of herbs is stronger when they have adequate sun.

A majority of herbs are perennials throughout most of the United States. That means they come back year after year and usually get bigger or spread in territory each year. Some of our most-used cooking herbs are perennials, including sage, oregano and thyme.

Growing Herbs in Containers

The planter, pot, or container you pick to grow your herbs in needs to be at least 6 inches deep, but I recommend going for something that's a foot deep, especially if you're growing herbs in the Apiaceae family like cilantro, dill, and parsley, which grow a large taproot.

Coffee grounds are an excellent soil amendment medium for some potted greenery. They have a decent nitrogen content of 1-2 percent, which they release slowly into the potting soil. But, you can't use coffee grounds on potted plants, like rosemary, lavender and geraniums, as it makes the potting mix too acidic for them.

They grow beautifully together in both large herb gardens and small patio planters. These two herbs are top choices for small-space growers and urban gardeners since basil and cilantro don't take up a lot of space, and they're easy to fit into balcony gardens and windowsill herb gardens.

Basil and rue dislike each other. Perhaps this is because Basil is sweet and rue is very bitter. Fennel is one of the few plants that has mostly bad companions. Most plants dislike Fennel, and it should be planted well away from the vegetable garden.

What is the best layout for an herb garden? ›

Plant short, shade-tolerant plants beneath taller, bushy plants. When you mix sun-loving plants, put tall ones at the north end of the plot and small ones at the south end, so all will get needed sun. Plant herbs throughout the garden, especially basil, mint, sage, and dill. EXCEPTION: Keep dill away from carrots.

Usually, 2-3 times per week is enough. If they need daily watering, it may be a sign that the pot is too small, or the humidity in your house is too low. Letting some, but not all, of the soil dry out in between watering encourages deeper rooting, which is good for the herb.

Morning sun and afternoon shade are perfect for crops like lettuce or cilantro that wilt in the summer afternoon heat. On the other hand, direct afternoon sun is ideal for warm-weather crops like succulents, cacti, and Mediterranean herbs growing in the northern zones of their range.

Be sure to check on your herbs frequently since the soil in a small pot will dry out much faster than the soil in a raised bed or the ground. I like terra cotta pots because they help regulate the moisture level and come with a nice, big drainage hole.

Many trimmed herbs will easily reroot with little effort — and what will that give you? — More plants. Just place your clean-cut herb trimmings into a jar with a little bit of water, and allow them to soak up sunlight from a window. Change the water every few days.

Winter hardy perennial herbs can indeed be overwintered outdoors, but you are correct that they need a bit of preparation–especially potted ones, as the unprotected soil will freeze faster than root balls planted in the ground. The good news is that your attached shed can be an ideal space for the project.

Perennial herbs live for two or more years, often growing and spreading each year. These herbs will die back to the ground in winter and sprout anew in spring. Winter hardiness varies with different types of herbs, so be sure to check your hardiness zone before planting.

Therefore, it is important to choose a container large enough to allow space for roots to grow. Herbs vary in size, but the general rule of thumb is to allow each herb one gallon of potting mix.

What is the best combination of herbs? ›

Other Herbs:

Mint, chives, and parsley are also great companions for basil. They thrive in similar conditions and collectively create a diverse, aromatic, and pest-resistant environment. These would also all work great if grown together in a raised bed.

In summary, basil and rosemary can be planted together as long as their individual needs are considered. Provide well-draining soil, full sun exposure, and appropriate watering and spacing to ensure both herbs thrive.