Growing Herbs in Pots Outside

I like to raise my herbs in strawberry pots (those adorable terra cotta pots that have a lot of openings in the sides) because I can cultivate a number of herb plants in just one pot. With the right arrangement, cascading vines, long spikes, spindly and bushy plants can all survive together in the strawberry pot. These containers do tend to dry out fast, so try to plant only your drought tolerant herbs in them.

The size of the pot is crucial. If you use a pot that’s too little, your plant can only grow so much and can eventually die. The nutrients often 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 containers are a lot better than plastic pots because the terra cotta allows the sod to breathe and healthier dirt yields healthier plants. You will find terra cotta containers in lots of fun colors, shapes and sizes which can add variety to your stoop or garden.

Regardless of the kind of pot you use, you should add some compost to the potting soil before you add your herb plants. You can get compost at nearly any nursery, or you can make your own like I do. Another thing I love to do is add a small bit of sand to each container.

Some nice choices for herbs to cultivate in containers are:

• Dill: With dill, you cannot go wrong. Seriously, it’s one of the easiest herb plants to raise. Seeds work great for dill too and the nicest part is that once you get it going, it will self-seed for the remainder of the growing season. As long as you use a pot with good drainage and put it in full light, your dill will thrive. Dill grows very quickly and can soon be ready to harvest. The seed heads, flowers and leaves can be frozen or dried for future use if you’re not able to use them immediately.

• Garlic: Garlic will 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 earth and direct sun. Add some nice compost and water frequently. 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 will 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: If you would like to grow your own lavender plant—and who wouldn’t—do not mess with seeds because you will be waiting for an eternity. Instead get a small lavender plant at the store and go from there. It’s important that the container you choose for your lavender herb allows for good drainage, is big enough to provide plenty of room for the roots and also allows for mulch. Lavender likes full sun, so find a lovely bright spot on your patio or balcony for this happy small plant. Use the dried blossoms in potpourri and sachets. I suggest you keep them everywhere (really).

• Yarrow: With all the colors that yarrow comes in the possibilities for wonderful dried floral arrangements and wreaths are endless. You can try yarrow to make some awesome soaps, shampoos and lotions. For this herb, you can start with seeds or young plants. Yarrow is also rather flexible and will tolerate wet sod better than most herbs, but also does okay in well-drained earth. This adaptability also permits it to survive in either a partially shaded place or in full sun. Once it’s in blossom you can harvest the buds and dry them 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.

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