Discover creative container herb garden ideas to add charm and interest to your garden. Includes unique pots and growing tips.
As you all most likely know by now, container gardening is a passion of mine. I love everything about it from finding the container, to choosing the plants, and finally watching those plants grow. My all-time favorite thing to grow in containers is herbs.
Over the years, I have grown herbs in just about every kind of container imaginable. What follows are ideas and inspiration for growing your own herb container garden. Included are types of pots, how to display the pots, growing herbs indoors, and more. Everything is simple, easy to maintain, and budget-friendly.
Galvanized Washtubs + Buckets
Growing herbs in vintage washtubs, olive buckets, or galvanized pails is easy! Here are my best tips for success:
- Place your containers where they are easily accessible, for watering and harvesting the herbs.
- Start out with fresh, fertilized potting soil.
- Make sure the containers get plenty of sun, at least 6 hours per day.
- Any type of container will work as long as it’s got drainage. If you want to repurpose a container without drainage holes, it’s best to drill holes in the bottom. I know that’s hard to do with a vintage container, but I’ve tried not drilling holes, and my containers overflowed!
- To save on potting soil, and to lighten the weight of the large containers, fill the lower third with plastic water or soda bottles, packing pillows, or plastic milk jugs.
- Regular harvesting or pruning will encourage new growth and prevent your herbs from becoming leggy. Always snip or pinch off what you need, cutting back to just above a leaf pair.
Upcycled Vintage Containers
I believe that any container can add charm and interest to an herb garden. As you can see in the picture above, three pots have been painted a pretty aqua color, and even though they are different sizes and styles, the color makes them appear cohesive. This herb garden was completed with random and mismatched pots and baskets, which allows it to fit in just about anywhere.
Small Matching Containers On A Potting Table
Growing herbs in small containers on a potting table is a space-efficient way to keep fresh flavors within arm’s reach. Start by selecting containers with adequate drainage holes to prevent water from pooling at the roots. (If the containers match, they will look cohesive and present a very pretty display.) Place the potting table in a spot that receives at least six hours of sunlight daily. Because the containers are on the smaller size, fertilize lightly every four to six weeks during the growing season to encourage healthy growth. Regular pruning not only keeps the plants compact, but also promotes lush, bushy growth. With these simple steps, you can maintain a vibrant and productive mini herb garden on your potting table.
Repurposed Baskets
Using old baskets to grow herbs is an easy way to repurpose them, and there’s no need to drill any holes! If your basket has a large weave, it’s best to line it with landscape fabric or burlap, so the potting soil doesn’t seep out when the herbs are watered.
My Favorite Herbs To Grow In Containers
- Lemon Balm ‘Melissa’
- Chamomile
- Rosemary ‘Foxtail’
- Rosemary ‘Tuscan Blue’
- Basil ‘Dolce Fresca’
- Basil ‘Genovese’
- Basil ‘Cinnamon’
- Sweet Basil
- Mint ‘Chocolate’
- Mint ‘Mojito’
- Peppermint
- Thyme
- Flat Leaf Parsley
- Curly Parsley
Indoor Herb Gardens
Many herbs can be successfully grown indoors. Just a few are basil, chives, mint, parsley, cilantro, rosemary, and thyme. Most herbs prefer indoor temperatures between 65°F and 70°F during the day, and slightly cooler at night. Avoid placing your herbs near drafty windows or doors during the colder months. Each type of herb may have its own specific needs and react differently to indoor conditions.
Water your herbs when the top inch of soil feels dry. Make sure not to overwater, as herbs don’t like to sit in soggy soil, especially indoors. The frequency of watering will depend on the humidity and temperature of your home, as well as the type of herb. Monitor your plants closely to understand their unique requirements, and adjust your care routine as needed. When summer rolls around, it’s a good idea to relocate your herbs outside.
Create A Healing Herb Garden
Herbs are used, of course, for culinary purposes, but they offer so much more. Some herbs have actual healing qualities. I’ve put together a short list of herbs that are easy to grow (in the ground or in containers) and that can also help us feel better. You’ll never believe how I use Rosemary to soothe tired muscles!
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Tip: Plant “Like” Herbs Together
If you would like a smaller, more compact herb garden, it’s fine to plant different herbs together in the same pot. Consider the watering needs of your herbs, and place herbs with the same requirements together. The only exception to this is mint…it’s best to plant mint in its own container, because the root system is very invasive.
WAYS TO USE HERBS
Growing herbs is one thing…using them is another. Here are some ideas for using fresh herbs in your everyday life.
It feels really good to be outside, and time spent digging in the dirt can truly sooth your soul. Anyone can plant a container herb garden, but take your time, and don’t rush. A garden is sort of like life…it changes all the time, and the best thing to do is just roll with it. Everything I’ve learned about gardening has been learned gradually, and by doing. If you’re unsure, start out small. Plant one or two herbs, and see what you think. I can pretty much guarantee that you’ll be on your way to becoming a true herb gardener!
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