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I love to grow my herb plants in strawberry pots (those adorable terra cotta pots that have a number of openings in the sides) because I can grow a number of herbs in one pot. With the right arrangement, cascading vines, long spikes, spindly and bushy herbs will all thrive together in the strawberry pot. Be aware that these containers dry out fast, so unless you are a good waterer you probably will want to stick to plants that are drought resistant.

In this situation size does matter. A pot that is too little will restrict your herb, eventually causing it to die. Getting a container too large will send all the nutrients to the bottom of the pot, beyond the reach of the young roots.

Terra cotta containers are much better than plastic containers because the terra cotta allows the soil to breathe and healthier soil yields healthier plants. You will find terra cotta containers in lots of fun colors, shapes and sizes which can add variety to your patio or garden.

Regardless of the type of container you use, you should add some compost to the potting soil before you add your herbs. Now I make my own compost, but you can pick-up compost at a greenhouse or home improvement store. Another thing I like to do is add just a little sand to each container.

Some good choices for herb plants to raise in containers are:

• Dill: Dill is usually a winner. Seriously, it is one of the simplest herbs to grow. Starting with seeds is a wonderful way to start 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 put it in full light, your dill will survive. Dill grows very fast and will 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 plant garlic in either spring or fall. Plant it about two inches deep with the clove pointing up in well drained earth and direct sunshine. It likes to be watered frequently and adding some nice compost will help it survive. Your garlic is all set for harvest when the tops bend over. 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 can start to resemble that of store-bought garlic. Then dig in!

• Lavender: Cultivating your own lavender plants is awesome, but don’t start with seeds because you will be waiting forever. Instead buy a little lavender herb at the market and go from there. It is crucial that the pot you select for your lavender plant allows for good drainage, is large enough to provide plenty of space for the roots and also allows for mulch. This plant can do best in direct sun, so make sure to plant it in the sunniest place on your patio. Use the dried petals in potpourri and sachets. I suggest you put them everywhere (really).

• Yarrow: Yarrow is one of those fabulous flowers that comes in so many colors and looks simply great in dried floral arrangements and wreaths. You can even use it in your lotions, soaps and shampoos. It really does not matter if you choose to start this herb with a young herb or with seeds. Unlike most herb plants, yarrow is adaptable and therefore able to do well in moist sod as well as well-drained dirt. This adaptability also allows it to persist in either a partially shaded place or in full sun. After it starts to blossom you can snip 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.