Outdoor Container Gardening

My absolute favorite type of pot for growing herbs is the strawberry pot (those adorable small containers with all the openings on the sides) because I get to cultivate so many different herb plants in one pot. With the right arrangement, cascading vines, long spikes, spindly and bushy herbs can all thrive together in the strawberry pot. Be aware that these pots dry out fast, so unless you are a good waterer you probably will want to stay with herbs that are drought tolerant.

In this case size does matter. If you get a pot that’s too little, your plant can only grow so much and will eventually die. The nutrients tend to settle in the bottom of the pot, and if it the pot is too large the short roots can not be able to reach them.

Terra cotta pots are a lot better than plastic pots because the terra cotta allows the sod to breathe and healthier soil yields healthier plants. Even though I do not use plastic containers, I do use a lot of different shapes, sizes and colors to add variety to my patio.

Regardless of the kind 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 get compost at a greenhouse or home improvement store. Another thing I like to do is add just a little sand to each container.

Here are some herbs that grow quite well in containers:

• Dill: Dill is always a winner. Seriously, it is one of the simplest herb plants to grow. Starting with seeds is a great way to start your dill, and it self-seeds so it can do all the work for the rest of the growing season. Use a well-drained pot and put it so that your dill herb can get full sunlight. Dill grows very fast and can soon be ready to harvest. You can cut off the leaves, flowers and seedheads and use them right away, freeze them or dry them for the future.

• Garlic: You can start garlic in either spring or fall. Plant it about 2 inches deep with the clove pointing up in well drained soil and direct sunlight. Add some good compost and water often. You’ll 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’ll want to spread them out on a flat surface to dry and after about a week their skins will start to resemble that of store-bought garlic. Then dig in!

• Lavender: If you would like to cultivate your own lavender plant—and who wouldn’t—don’t bother with seeds because you’ll be waiting forever. The best thing to do is begin with a little lavender plant which you can pick up at the local nursery. Use a container with good drainage that allows for a lot of mulching, but also provides plenty of room for the roots. Lavender likes full sun, so locate a nice bright location on your patio or balcony for this cheerful small plant. Use the dried petals in potpourri and sachets. I suggest you put them everywhere (really).

• Yarrow: With all the colors that yarrow comes in the options for wonderful dried floral arrangements and wreaths are endless. You can use yarrow to make some fantastic soaps, shampoos and lotions. For this plant, you can start with seeds or young plants. Yarrow is also rather flexible and will tolerate wet dirt better than most herb plants, but also does well in well-drained soil. This adaptability also permits it to grow in either a partially shaded place or in full sun. Once it is in blossom 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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