Container Herb Gardening

Go Ahead – Hop Aboard the Container Herb Gardening Bandwagon! You’ll Be Glad You Did…

Any of you who have followed my advice over the last several years, knows how committed I am to growing my own herbs – for many, many reasons. But there’s a related topic that I’m just as passionate about, but don’t often address head-on; that is, why I absolutely prefer to grow my herbs in containers or pots, rather than plots of land.

In other words, growing herbs is just plain wonderful, but growing them in containers is stupendous! Here’s why:

1. Location, location, location. Herbs love sunlight, but let’s face it, many of us either don’t have yards with enough sunshine or we live in smaller spaces where even window light is a premium. But if your herbs are planted in pots (especially smaller ones) you can place them on windowsills, sun-lit corners, or even under artificial sun lamps! What’s not to like about that? It’s like having your own portable farm!

2. They’re compact! As I said, you don’t have to be a farmer with acres of land to grow and enjoy herbs. Container herb gardening means that even city dwellers with precious little space can enjoy the benefits of fresh herbs. A 5 foot area – and that can be in one pot or many – is enough to grow lots and lots of herbs!

3. Containers offer more flexibility, portability, and longevity. You can start your herbs indoors if needed, and bring them in and out as desired or the weather demands. Guess what? This also means you can have fresh herbs year round!

4. Use your containers – as well as your plants – to add even more beauty to your surroundings. Attractive containers and ornamental herbs make beautiful additions to any patio. And even the least attractive herbs look stunning when planted in containers along with other flower-producing plants.

5. Herbs love – and some really need – containers. Herbs are perfect for container growing because they’re extremely hardy with smaller root systems, which make them naturals for tighter spaces. What’s more, some herbs like mint are so prolific that they will literally take over your garden. That’s why it’s best to “contain” them in pots! Additionally, herbs love to be cut and pruned! So feel free to cut them back often (and you can transplant your herbs elsewhere in your garden if you have one, or give them as gifts!).

6. Container herb gardening will allow you to use your imagination, have fun, and become part of your overall landscaping theme. Get creative! The types, sizes, and shapes of containers are endless, so let your imagination and personal preferences guide you. I’ve happily grown herbs in just about anything that could hold the plant, soil, and water! Only one caution here: Herbs need well-drained soil, so be sure that all of your pots (even if they’re old coffee cans!) have at least one hole in the bottom – about 1/2 inch in diameter. If not, grab a masonry bit and drill your own!

Hopefully, by now you’re convinced that container herb gardening is an even better idea than you thought. If so, go for it and I promise you, this amazing hobby will grow on you, too!