How many herbs fit in a standard window box?

For success with herbs in window boxes, spacing is important. Compact herbs such as thyme and oregano should be planted 4 to 6 inches apart. Herbs like mint that sprawl need their own container. Overcrowding leads to root competition and disease. Proper spacing will allow for circulation and healthy growth.

Standard 24-inch window boxes hold from three to five herbs, depending on their mature size. Four dwarf basil plants fit in the box, two rosemarys, etc. The chef should always be concerned with the final spread of the herb, not its starter size. The roots grow immediately and spread to all possible areas, fighting for necessary nutrients.

Vertical layering optimizes the limited area. Situate a trailing rosemary behind upright thyme plants. Place chives next to a low-growing parsley cultivator. The systematic layering uses airspace invaluably without impacting root zones. Provide horizontal separation, or spread, of the plant's vegetative growth habit both vertically and horizontally.

Companion planting makes the best use of space without overcrowding in the patch. Consider planting basil with small chives. Plant thyme and oregano together as they require the same conditions. These combinations require minimal space in the root zones and provide good microclimates simultaneously. It is preferable not to combine plants with different water needs.

Check plants monthly for spacing problems. When roots circle the surface, crowding is evident. Dividing these plants in spring, before roots choke each other, is then possible. Refreshing the soil at the time of transplanting ensures the nutrient supply necessary for renewed growth. Proper care will produce continuous harvests.

Read the full article: 10 Best Window Box Herbs for Your Kitchen