Sheryl Geerts
BHG.com
Even though you might have limited space to garden, you still can grow herbs in pots to enjoy fresh basil, thyme, parsley, and other favorites. Herb gardens in containers are among the easiest types of gardens to grow. There’s less weeding, bending over, and tools needed to care for the herbs. And you can move the pots of herbs around so they’re conveniently located. Use these simple tips for growing herbs in pots to get started.
Choose the Right Herbs
Choosing the right herbs for your container garden depends on what you ultimately want to do with your herbs once they are planted and fully grown. Do you want herbs for a fragrant garden or the best herbs to attract pollinators? Or maybe you just want the best herbs to plant together so you can bring beauty to your yard and exciting flavors to your meals. It’s really up to you how you’ll plant your container garden.Pick the Best Containers
Choosing the best container for your herbs depends on your budget, your herb garden’s location, the temperature of your space, the amount of available space available, and the types of herbs you want to grow. More than anything, herbs grown in containers need good drainage because root rot often occurs in potted gardens. Here are the most common types of containers that herbs thrive in.- Terra-cotta pots: Terra-cotta pots allow for water to flow easily through them and evaporate through the porous clay; however, soil in these decorative pots often dries out faster than when in other types of containers.
- Concrete and cast stone: If you’re looking for a container that will stand up to freezing or windy weather, then a concrete or cast stone container will work for your herb garden. Keep in mind that once these easy-to-make containers are filled with soil and plants, they can be heavy and may be difficult to relocate unless you dismantle them.
- Metal: Whether you choose steel, zinc, galvanized, or cast iron, metal containers are usually resistant to breakage and freeze damage. Metal planters can, however, gather heat from the sun and warm the soil enough to harm the plants. Putting plastic pots inside metal pots keeps the soil from coming into contact with the metal.
- Plastic and fiberglass: 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. Just make sure your container drains well and you’re careful not to overwater your herbs.
- Wood: A wood planter softens the space with its natural look. Since wood is a natural insulator, it protects herbs’ roots in hot and cold weather. Choose a naturally decay-resistant container, such as one made out of redwood, teak, or cedar. Lining the inside of the planter with plastic or sheet metal helps to avoid your pot rotting from constant soil and moisture contact with the wood.
