Growing Herbs in Planters

If you’re like many would-be herb gardeners, you may still be wondering how difficult it is to grow herbs, what’s involved, and more basically, why on earth it make sense to grow herbs when you can buy them in just about any grocery store these days?

If so, you’re not alone.  But once you learn about the many wonders of herb gardening – especially if you grow herbs in planters – your concerns will be put to rest once and for all.

For example, consider the following…

1. Herb gardens can be completely in planters and therefore, placed anywhere – indoors or outside. Better yet, you don’t need acres of land.  You don’t even need a garden plot.  All you need is herb seeds (or plants), sunshine, water, soil, planters (any size and shape will do) and a bit of care and attention. That’s it!

2. Fresh herbs are expensive and have to be continually replaced (or, worst yet, done without). Let’s face it, fresh organic herbs are pricey! In my neighborhood, a 1 oz. package of fresh organic dill is almost three dollars. Sure, you can buy the canned or bottle kind but as any good cook knows, it just isn’t the same in terms of taste or nutrients. And, if you’re like me, you generally use less than one quarter of the package at any one time, so what happens to the rest?  You guessed right… it goes bad.

However, when you grow you own, all you have to do is snip off exactly what you need and the rest of the plant stays fresh and ready for you next time! Even better, most herbs are perennials – that means, they’re the gifts that keep on giving, and with a little care will continue to flourish year after year.

3. It’s far more convenient to grow your own. I hate to beat this to death, but the truth is that fresh herbs smell and taste much, much better than not-so-fresh (i.e. dried or frozen) herbs (although I’ve been known to dry and freeze my herbs at times). So, having fresh herbs “at the ready,” in your planters also means that you’ll no longer have to make last minute runs to the grocery store to purchase those “forgotten” herbs.  (Have you ever wondered why so many of us assume we have herbs like cilantro, parsley, and oregano – must-haves for various recipes – on hand, when in fact, we do not?) When you grow your own, all you have to do is grab a pair of scissors (or a knife) and cut away. Done. I love it.

4. Herbs are tolerant, prolific, tolerant, and easy to please. Herbs are among the hardest working, most forgiving, and least picky of all plants. In other words, you don’t have to fuss over herbs, because they’re givers, not takers!  Yes, of course, they like to be loved (don’t we all?) but they won’t hold it against you if you’re not the neighborhood green thumb!

5. Herbs even make versatile gifts. No kidding. As you’ll learn, herbs make glorious gifts all by themselves (you’ll be amazed at how appreciative your “giftees” will be) but you can also create many very simple, but elegant, home-made gifts – soaps, seed packs, herb baskets, breads, scrubs, vinegars, and more. Even better, you can throw one together at the last minute and save loads of dough to boot!

6. You can kill two – or four – birds with one stone. Put your herbs to work on more than one job!  Use them alone or with other flowers, plants, fruits or vegetables to spruce up your surrounding (and add wonderful fragrances), make your food taste better, and help you ward off disease all at once!  What’s not to like about that?

7. You’ll feel more serene. Did you know that a recent Rutgers University study found that the simple act of gardening actually reduces stress and anxiety? Therefore, you’ll also benefit from the “journey” – not just the results.

As you can tell, I’m sold on growing my own herbs in planters.  I’ve done so for many years, and each day I gain a renewed appreciation for the process and results.  In my opinion, they are truly one of Mother Nature’s kindest gifts.

So, go ahead try growing your own herbs in planters… I promise, this hobby will grow on you!