Growing Herbs – Pots
Now you do not need to be a purist and put one herb plant in each pot like some people. I like to mix things up a bit and put multiple herbs in the same pot. This adds more interest to the containers, including pops of color and texture.
To try this, you should choose herb plants that have similar dirt and watering needs and then buy those that will look good together or have similar uses—like planting all your cooking herbs together.
These are a few herbs that I have found that will grow well in pots:
- Sage: There are so many kinds of sage that you could plant only sage in your garden and still have an abundant array of colors, textures and sizes. Sage does well from seeds, which can give you a jump on the growing season if you start early indoors. Cultivate your sage in nice, big container that has nice drainage and place it where it can get lots of sunlight. If you’re cultivating sage for the leaves, you will want to snip off any buds that appear on the herb, which will force the plant to focus on growing more leaves rather than flowers.
- Scented geraniums: Just like sage, there are a lot of types of scented geraniums to choose from. I hope you enjoy scented geraniums as much as I do. They grow good in pots, so drop by your nursery or home improvement store to purchase these. Put your plants in a container that has nice drainage and put it in a location that will give your scented geranium a lot of natural light. You can harvest the stems and foliage for cakes and teas. You can even harvest the petals for use in floral pressings.
- Cardamom: Cardamom is a great plant for you if bad breath is an issue for you. This is one of the larger herb plants you can plant in a container; just keep in mind that you’ll need to bring your herb in for the winter. Not only will the seeds add a taste of India to your rice and chicken meals, you can also add it to soups and stews. In addition to taking care of your bad breath, cardamom can help with your flatulence (not that you have flatulence) or least make your clothes smell better.
- Lemon verbena: This is one of those essential herbs to have in your herb garden because you can use it in so many ways. Don’t even think about beginning with seeds. I suggest that you buy your lemon verbena and get it established in a container with a wide brim that will support its stem growth. Lemon verbena can take the full sun and does well if the soil has good drainage. Don’t let your plant get too dry. The leaves are often the first part of the herb to suffer and these are the parts that you will use.
Some other herbs that I’d suggest for you to start with in your container combinations are: thyme, mints, lavender, goldenrod, fennel and carrot.
Good luck with your herb gardening. Be sure to let me know how your herb garden grows.
Here is more information on Growing Herbs in Pots. Here is a website with a free mini-course dedicated to Herb Gardens.
