What are the best herbs for container gardening?
Written by
Paul Reynolds
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Growing the best herbs for containers: Bring your kitchen some fresh herbs to use in cooking with these potted plants including basil and mint. These can be grown in pots, and they'll cost you a lot less to produce than store-bought herbs. City dwellers make the most of small spaces every day. And for new gardening novices, container gardening is the easiest place to begin. Start with the most forgiving of herbs: chives.
Select herbs that align with your philosophy. Mediterranean herbs such as rosemary crave sunshine, so make sure to plant them in sunny spots. Herbs from the mint family prefer partial shade. Put those that have similar light requirements together. You should turn them around the pot, rotating it from week to week, so all of them will get their share of the sun. Your herbs will be nicely mature that way. If you don't crowd the containers, you'll have lovely results.
Basil
- Sunlight: 6-8 hours direct sunlight daily
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy
- Container: 12-inch plastic pot with drainage holes
Mint
- Sunlight: 4-6 hours morning sun with afternoon shade
- Water: Water every 2-3 days in warm weather
- Container: Solo pot to contain spreading roots
Rosemary
- Sunlight: Full sun for essential oil development
- Water: Allow soil to dry completely between waterings
- Container: Unglazed clay pot for breathability
Well-drained soil prevents roots from rotting. Mediterranean herbs will not flourish in wet soil. Rosemary likes a gritty mix. Moisture-loving basil needs a richer mix. Test the moisture with your finger. Stick your finger two inches deep into the soil; water only when dry for drought-tolerant types.
To encourage bushier growth, harvest your herbs regularly, especially if they are growing outside. Keep pinching the tips of your basil (this will also prevent flowering), as well as woody herbs like rosemary. Use any fresh cuttings you make right away, and dry the rest for storage. Properly cared for, your container garden will keep you supplied with fresh herbs throughout the winter, so treat yourself to a proper rotation of seasonal crops.
Read the full article: 10 Best Herbs for Container Gardening Success
