Getty / Tashka2000Is there anything more picturesque and charming than an old-fashioned herb garden? Luckily, you don’t need a large yard to cultivate a variety of flavorful herbs. Many herbs thrive in pots and containers, offering a bountiful supply of parsley, mint, and more. Another advantage is that growing herbs in containers enables you to easily bring sensitive varieties indoors on cold nights. Here, horticulturists share insights on the best herbs to grow in pots and tips for ensuring their health and vigor.
Meet the Experts:
– Cindy Funes, educator, speaker, and container gardening expert
– Susan Betz, master gardener and author of Herbal Houseplants
Mint:
Even if you have ample garden space, it’s recommended to grow mint in a container to prevent its aggressive spread. Cindy Funes advises that mint, lemon balm, and French tarragon can quickly take over a garden if left unchecked. Growing mint in containers not only helps control its growth but also offers flexibility in placement for ideal sunlight exposure.
Zones: 3 to 9
Mature size: Varies; 12 to 24 inches tall x 12 to 24 inches wide
Care requirements: Moist, slightly acidic soil; full sun
Sage:
Sage, with its leathery leaves and shrub-like appearance, is a versatile herb commonly used in Thanksgiving dishes, soups, and with beef. Thriving in full sun, sage can be grown in a container on a patio or in a sunny window.
Zones: Varies, 4 to 9
Mature size: 12 to 24 inches tall x 12 to 24 inches wide
Care requirements: Well-drained soil; full sun
Thyme:
Funes recommends lemon thyme for its vibrant foliage and citrusy scent, perfect for adding color and flavor to dishes. As a trailing plant, lemon thyme softens container edges and serves as a ground cover.
Zones: Perennial to Zone 4
Mature size: Up to 12 inches; suitable ground cover
Care requirements: Full sun; well-drained soil
Basil:
Known for its glossy leaves and delightful scent, basil is more than just ornamental—it offers a burst of flavor to dishes. This herb thrives in rich soil and ample sunshine.
Zones: Annual, can overwinter in Zones 10-11
Mature size: 12 to 24 inches tall x 12 to 24 inches wide
Care requirements: Well-drained soil, full sun, container-friendly
Rosemary:
Rosemary, resembling a tiny pine tree with its green “needles,” is a striking addition to containers. Cindy Funes recommends varieties like Tuscan Blue for upright growth and Irene for trailing over edges, creating a visually appealing arrangement.
Remember, caring for herbs in containers requires attention to their specific needs to ensure their health and productivity.
Rosemary is known for its calming and mind-clearing aromatic scent, making it a fantastic culinary herb. It can be added to grilled vegetables and meats for extra flavor. It thrives in Zones 7 to 8 or can be grown as an annual, reaching a mature size of 36 inches tall by 36 to 48 inches wide. Rosemary requires moist soil and full sun for optimal growth.
Oregano is a key ingredient in pizzas and spaghetti sauces, with the Hilltop cultivar highly recommended for its complex flavor and suitability for containers. Harvest oregano before blooms form for the best flavor. It grows well in Zones 4 to 10, reaching a mature size of 1 to 3 feet tall, and requires full sun and well-drained soil.
Lemon balm, a favorite among pollinators, releases a lemony scent when its leaves are crushed. It can be harvested at any time, with younger leaves providing the best flavor. Lemon balm belongs to the mint family and is ideal for container growing to prevent rapid spreading. It thrives in Zones 4 to 9, reaching a mature size of 2 feet tall by 2 feet wide, and requires full sun to partial shade.
Chives, similar to garlic and onions, are valued for their thin, tube-like leaves rather than their bulbs. They are best stored fresh or grown in containers for year-round harvesting. Chives do well in rich, well-drained soil and full sun, making them a convenient addition to any kitchen. They are perennial in Zone 3 and grow to a mature size of 12 to 18 inches tall and wide.
Parsley is more than just a garnish, adding texture to container plantings and serving as a staple in gardens and kitchens. It thrives in high-quality potting soil with good drainage and at least six hours of sunlight per day. Monthly fertilization during the growing season promotes lush growth. Harvest parsley often for fresh growth and flavor. Parsley does best in Zones 5 to 10, reaching a mature size of about 12 inches tall and wide.
For a unique addition, try growing fennel in a container for its airy and feathery texture. Fennel’s anise-like flavor and intoxicating fragrance make it a versatile herb. It thrives in Zones 4 to 10 and can reach a height of 5 feet.
Care Instructions: Requires full sunlight, loamy soil, and moderate watering. Visit Martha Stewart’s website to read the original article.
