I like to grow my herbs in strawberry pots (those cute terra cotta pots that have a lot of openings in the sides) because I can grow a number of herb plants in just one container. From the spindly types to the bushy variety and from the cascading vines to the long spikes, the strawberry pot is perfect. Be aware that these containers dry out fast, so unless you are a good waterer you probably will want to stay with plants that are drought resistant.
The size of the pot is crucial. A container that is too small can restrict your herb, eventually causing it to die. The nutrients tend to settle in the bottom of the container, and if it the container is too big the young roots can not be able to reach them.
Terra cotta containers are much better than plastic containers because the terra cotta allows the soil to breathe and healthier dirt yields healthier herbs. Even though I don’t use plastic pots, I do use a lot of different shapes, sizes and colors to add interest to my stoop.
Regardless of the type of pot you use, you should add some compost to the potting soil before you add your herbs. You can pick-up compost at almost any nursery, or you can make your own like I do. Another thing I love to do is add just a little sand to each pot.
Here are some herbs that grow really well in pots:
- Dill: Dill is usually a winner. Honestly, it is one of the easiest herb plants to raise. Using seeds is a fabulous way to begin your dill, and it self-seeds so it can do all the work for the rest of the growing season. As long as you use a pot with good drainage and put it in full sunlight, your dill can persist. Dill is also gratifying in that you can harvest it not long after you plant it because it grows so quickly. You can clip off the leaves, flowers and seedheads and use them right away, freeze them or dry them for the future.
- Garlic: Garlic will do well if you plant it in the spring or fall. It’s best to plant it about 2 inches deep with the clove pointing up, making sure that the sod is well drained and the garlic can get direct sun. Add some nice compost and water often. Your garlic is ready to harvest when its tops bend over. After you unearth the bulbs, you’ll want to spread them out on a flat surface to dry and after about a week their skins can start to resemble that of store-bought garlic. Then you’re ready to enjoy!
- Lavender: Planting your own lavender plants is wonderful, but do not start with seeds because you will be waiting forever. The very best thing to do is start with a little lavender herb which you can grab at your local nursery. Use a container with good drainage that allows for lots of mulching, but also provides plenty of space for the roots. Lavender loves full sun, so find a lovely bright location on your stoop or balcony for this cheerful little plant. Use the dried blooms in potpourri and sachets. There is really no place you can’t put these little treasures.
- Yarrow: Yarrow is a fabulous plants that comes in so many colors and looks simply fantastic in dried floral arrangements and wreaths. You can try yarrow to make some awesome soaps, shampoos and lotions. For this herb, you can begin with seeds or young plants. Unlike most herbs, yarrow is adaptable and therefore able to do well in moist earth as well as well-drained earth. This adaptability also allows it to grow in either a partially shaded spot or in full sun. After it begins to blossom you can lop off the buds to be dried in a cool, dark place.
Good luck with your herb gardening. Be sure to let me know how your herb garden grows.
Here is more information on Herb Garden In Pots. Here is a website with a free mini-course dedicated to Herb Gardens.
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