Outdoor Container Gardening
My absolute favorite type of container for raising herb plants is the strawberry pot (those adorable little containers with all the openings on the sides) because I get to cultivate a lot of different herb plants in one pot. From the spindly varieties to the bushy type and from the cascading vines to the long spikes, the strawberry pot is perfect. These pots do tend to dry out fast, so try to plant only your drought tolerant herbs in them.
In this case size is important. If you get a pot that’s too little, your herb will only grow so much and will eventually die. Getting a container too big will send the nutrients to the bottom of the pot, beyond the reach of the short roots.
Terra cotta pots are a lot better than plastic containers because the terra cotta allows the sod to breathe and healthier sod yields healthier herbs. Even though I don’t use plastic pots, I do use a variety of shapes, sizes and colors to add something special to my porch.
Regardless of the kind of container you use, you should add some compost to the potting soil before you add your herb plants. You can buy compost at almost any nursery, or you can make your own like I do. Another thing I love to do is add just a little sand to each pot.
These are some herbs that grow really well in containers:
- Dill: Dill is usually a winner. Honestly, it is one of the simplest herb plants to grow. Using seeds is a wonderful 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 container and put it so that your dill plant can get full sunshine. 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 right away.
- Garlic: Garlic can do well if you start it in the spring or fall. Plant it about 2 inches deep with the clove pointing up in well drained dirt and direct sun. It likes to be watered frequently and adding some good compost can help it thrive. Your garlic is all set for harvest when the tops bend over. Unearth the bulbs and cure them on a windowsill for about a week, or until the skin dries to the papery feel that you notice on store-bought garlic. Then you’re ready to enjoy!
- Lavender: If you want to raise your own lavender plant—and who wouldn’t—don’t bother with seeds because you’ll be waiting for an eternity. Better yet buy a little lavender plant at the store and go from there. It is crucial that the pot you select for your lavender plant allows for good drainage, is big enough to provide plenty of room for the roots and also allows for mulch. Lavender loves full sun, so find a lovely bright location on your stoop or balcony for this cheerful small herb. Use the dried blooms in potpourri and sachets. There is really no place you can’t put these small treasures.
- Yarrow: Yarrow is one of those great plants that comes in a lot of colors and looks simply great 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 plant with a young herb or with seeds. Yarrow is also rather flexible and can tolerate wet soil better than most herb plants, but also does well in well-drained earth. This adaptability also allows it to grow in either a partially shaded place or in full sun. After it starts 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.
