Growing Herbs in Pots Outside
Monday, March 8th, 2010 Subscribe To Our Feed
My total favorite kind of container for growing herb plants is the strawberry pot (those adorable little pots with all the openings on the sides) because I get to grow so many different herb plants in the same pot. With the right arrangement, cascading vines, tall spikes, spindly and bushy plants will all survive together in the strawberry pot. Keep in mind that these pots dry out quickly, so unless you are a diligent waterer you probably will want to stick to herbs that are drought resistant.
The size of the container is very important. A container that is too little will restrict your herb, eventually causing it to die. The nutrients tend to settle in the bottom of the pot, and if it the container is too big the young roots will not be able to reach them.
I don’t suggest plastic containers, simply because they do not allow the sod to breathe the way that a terra cotta pot does. Even though I do not use plastic pots, I do use a lot of different shapes, sizes and colors to add something special to my porch.
After you have selected your pots, it’s a good thought to add compost to the potting soil before you add your herb plants. Now I make my own compost, but you can purchase compost at a greenhouse or home improvement store. Another thing I love to do is add a small bit of sand to each container.
These are some herb plants that grow quite well in pots:
- Dill: With dill, you can’t go wrong. It’s without a doubt one of the best options for an simple herb. Seeds work awesome for dill too and the best part is that once you get it going, it can self-seed for the rest of the growing season. As long as you use a container with good drainage and put it in full sunshine, your dill can survive. Dill is also gratifying in that you can harvest it not long after you plant it because it grows so quickly. The seed heads, flowers and leaves can be frozen or dried for future use if you are not able to use them right away.
- Garlic: You can start garlic in either spring or fall. Plant your garlic about 2 inches deep with the clove pointing up in well drained sod and direct sun. Add some good compost and water often. You will soon notice that the tops of your garlic are bending over which means that it is all set to be harvested. After you dig up the bulbs, you will 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: Growing your own lavender plants is great, but don’t start with seeds because you will be waiting for an eternity. Better yet purchase a small lavender plant at the market and go from there. Use a container with good drainage that allows for a lot of mulching, but also allows plenty of space for the roots. Lavender likes full sun, so locate a lovely bright place on your patio or balcony for this cheerful small herb. Dried lavender makes wonderful sachets and potpourris. There is really nowhere you can’t put these little treasures.
- Yarrow: Yarrow is one of those fabulous herbs that comes in so many colors and looks simply great in dried floral arrangements and wreaths. You can even add it in your lotions, soaps and shampoos. For this herb, you can begin with seeds or young plants. Unlike many herb plants, yarrow is adaptable and therefore able to do well in moist soil as well as well-drained sod. It can survive in full sun or in a semi-shady spot. Once it is in bloom you can harvest the buds and dry them in a cool, dark location.
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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