Herb Gardening In Pots
Herbs offer lots of amazing benefits – in the kitchen, medically, and ornamentally – so most herbalists prefer to keep theirs close at hand. And one of the best ways to do this is by growing your herbs indoors in containers, planters, or pots.
Even better it’s a terrific hobby for those of you who are not the neighborhood green thumb, because herbs are among the least finicky and most tolerant plants in the world! So, put your disappointing experiences with dainty and/or difficult plants such as fancy orchids, temperamental roses, or tropical ferns behind you and enter into the wonderful world of herb gardening. Better yet, you don’t have to be a farmer with hundreds of acres of land to grow big bounties in small pots!
What’s more you’ll only need a few very basic things to get going – pots, seeds or plants, water, sunshine, soil (aka, dirt) and a little, tiny bit of TLC.
This is especially beneficial if you live in a home or apartment with limited space. Remember, this isn’t going to be a watermelon patch!
Your first step is to decide they types of herbs you’d like to grow. Herbs are extremely versatile plants that are widely used to season and flavor food, provide delightful aromas, beautify surroundings, and help treat and prevent disease.
After you’ve selected your herbs consider the amount of space you have (especially areas exposed to sunlight) and finalize your decision from there.
Next, it’s time to plant your herb garden in pots. Here are five useful tips to get you pointed in the right direction.
1. Choose your pots.
Your herb pots can be as fancy or simple as you’d like. You’ll find a wide selection in grocery, specialty and department stores as well as nurseries.
In addition to your containers’ ascetics, sizes, and materials, you should also consider how well your pots drain water, because for the most part, herbs require excellent drainage (it’s even more important than the quality of the soil). To that end, make sure that your pots have at least one (two is better) 1/2 inch in diameter drainage hole. If not, grab a masonry bit and drill your own. This is probably the most critical must-have, regardless of the type you use!
You’re only limited by your imagination when it comes to selecting containers, so let your imagination be your guide, because nothing is off limits including coffee cans; ceramic, terracotta, and porcelain pots; urns; hanging baskets; strawberry pots; and terrariums.
2. Add soil.
Obviously your herbs are going to need some good ol’ fashion dirt (or as professionals gardeners like to call it “soil”). You can find bags of enriched potting at garden or department supply. Your potting soil should contain additives that help with drainage, as well as ingredients that help keep the soil moist, such as peat or sphagnum moss or cori. But go easy on these if your containers are located in full or partial shade and/or Mother Nature sends lots of rain your way.
3. Buy your plants and seeds from a trusted source. The better the seeds (or plants), the better the “crop.” Although you can buy seeds in many stores these days, you’ll probably do better with ones from companies that specialize in plant, flower, and herb seeds. Make sure you note the date on the packets and avoid buying plants that look unhealthy (i.e. droopy, brown, etc.).
4. Water your herbs.
Every growing thing on the planet needs water to survive and herbs are no exception. Here’s my herb watering philosophy: Make sure you or Mother Nature water your herbs often (i.e. the soil should be moist). Do not, however, over water (i.e. drown) your herbs. If so, they will die. IMPORTANT: Make sure your pots have drainage holes in the bottom to let the excess water flow out. You always want to avoid mini swamps in your herb plants.
5) Let the sunshine in.
Ideally, you’ll want to position your herb pots so they get four to five hours of direct sunlight each day. So, find a windowsill, porch, patio, or fire escape with a nice southern exposure! Your herbs will thank you for it!
I hope you’ve found these tips to be helpful and that you’re excited to find out why so many people worldwide love container herb gardening!
