Outdoor Container Gardening
I like to raise my herbs in strawberry pots (those adorable terra cotta pots that have a number of openings in the sides) because I can cultivate a variety of herbs in one pot. With the right arrangement, cascading vines, long spikes, spindly and bushy herbs can all grow together in the strawberry pot. These pots do tend to dry out fast, so try to plant only your drought tolerant plants in them.
The size of the container is crucial. A container that is too small will restrict your herb, eventually causing it to die. Getting a pot too big will send the nutrients to the bottom of the pot, beyond the reach of the young roots.
Terra cotta pots are much better than plastic containers because the terra cotta allows the dirt to breathe and healthier soil yields healthier herbs. You will find terra cotta containers in lots of fun colors, shapes and sizes which can add interest to your stoop or garden.
Regardless of the type of pot you use, you should add some compost to the potting soil before you add your herb plants. Now I make my own compost, but you can pick-up compost at a greenhouse or home improvement store. Oftentimes I add a little bit of sand to each pot too.
Some good choices for herb plants to cultivate in pots are:
- Dill: With dill, you cannot go wrong. Honestly, it’s one of the simplest herb plants to grow. Using seeds is a fantastic way to begin your dill, and it self-seeds so it will do all the work for the rest of the growing season. As long as you use a container with good drainage and place it in full sunshine, your dill will persist. Dill is also gratifying in that you can harvest it soon after you plant it because it grows so fast. The seed heads, flowers and leaves can be frozen or dried for future use if you are not able to use them immediately.
- Garlic: Garlic can do well if you start it in the spring or fall. Plant your garlic about two inches deep with the clove pointing up in well drained sod and direct sunshine. Add some nice compost and water often. You will soon notice that the tops of your garlic are bending over which means that it’s ready to be harvested. Dig up the bulbs and cure them on a windowsill for about a week, or until the skin dries to the papery feel that you find on store-bought garlic. Then you’re ready to enjoy!
- Lavender: If you would like to grow your own lavender herb—and who wouldn’t—do not mess with seeds because you will be waiting for an eternity. Instead buy a small lavender herb at the market and go from there. Use a pot with good drainage that allows for a lot of mulching, but also provides plenty of room for the roots. Lavender likes full sun, so find a nice bright spot on your patio or balcony for this happy little herb. Use the dried blooms in potpourri and sachets. I suggest you keep them everywhere (really).
- Yarrow: Yarrow is a wonderful flowers that comes in a lot of colors and looks simply fabulous in dried floral arrangements and wreaths. You can even use yarrow in your lotions, soaps and shampoos. It really doesn’t matter if you choose to start this herb with a young plant or with seeds. Yarrow is also pretty flexible and can tolerate wet earth better than most herbs, but also does okay in well-drained dirt. It can survive in full sun or in a semi-shady location. After it begins to bloom you can lop off the buds to be dried in a cool, dark place.
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.