Don't have much space? Most herbs grow beautifully in containers. Here's everything you need to know.
Tips for Growing Herbs in Containers
- Put containers anywhere there is a source of water and plenty of sunshine.
- For anyone in wheelchair or who has trouble bending over, a large pot is the next best thing to a raised bed.
- Most herbs grow best with at least six hours of sun each day, though some herbs (like mint and parsley) do just fine with four hours.
- Use a premium-quality potting mix like Miracle-Gro® Potting Mix. DON'T use garden soil; it can be too dense and infested with disease or nematodes. After a year, empty the old soil, which may begin to lose its original texture, into the compost pile and replace it with fresh potting mix. In cool climates where decomposition is slower, a 2-year rotation is usually okay.
- Before planting, mix a continuous-release fertilizer, such as Miracle-Gro® Shake ‘n Feed® Tomato, Fruit & Vegetable Plant Food, into the soil. Or, fertilize while you water, with Miracle-Gro® LiquaFeed® Tomato, Fruits & Vegetables Plant Food. Either way, be sure to follow label directions.
Choose a Good Container
- Containers must have drainage holes and be large enough to accommodate the roots as they grow.
- Put heavy pots on casters to make it easier to move them around.
- Consider a spaghetti tube drip irrigation system if you have many pots clustered in a single place that is easy to run water to—it will make watering a breeze.
- Get more tips on choosing the right container here.