How to Grow Herbs in Pots and Containers

Whether you have a large garden, small garden or no garden at all, you can have the joy of a few pots of herbs. Most herbs are extremely well suited to growing in containers, and there’s nothing better than having fresh herbs to cook with.

Best of all, you can keep the pots right outside your door so you don’t have to get wet if it’s raining and you need a bunch of chives!

Which Herbs to Grow?

Choosing which herbs to grow depends on whether you are growing herbs to cook with, or to create your own herbal teas and remedies, or simply to enjoy them in the garden.

If you want to grow kitchen herbs, then a selection of plants such as chives, basil, coriander, oregano, sage and parsley will serve you well. Mint is an ideal herb to grow in a container, as it can be extremely invasive and take over the garden if given a chance.

If you like to drink herbal teas and tisanes, try growing things like peppermint, lemon verbena, chamomile, and lemon balm.

If you simply want plants to enjoy while you’re outside then lavender is a must, and thyme is another good one – the variegated varieties are pretty, and have sweet little flowers.

Here follows a run down on the most common herbs to grow and their benefits:

Basil

• Uses: Perfect for Italian dishes, salads, and pesto.
• Growing Conditions: Needs full sun (6-8 hours/day) and well-drained soil.
• Care Tips: Water regularly but avoid water-logging. Pinch off flowers to promote leaf growth.

Mint

• Uses: Great for teas, desserts, and savoury dishes.
• Growing Conditions: Thrives in partial shade and moist, rich soil.
• Care Tips: Plant in a container to prevent it from spreading uncontrollably.

Rosemary

• Uses: Ideal for roasts, soups, and bread.
• Growing Conditions: Prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
• Care Tips: Drought-tolerant; avoid overwatering. Trim regularly to encourage bushy growth.

Parsley

• Uses: Garnishes, soups, salads, and sauces.
• Growing Conditions: Needs full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
• Care Tips: Keep soil moist. Harvest regularly to prevent bolting.

Thyme

• Uses: Excellent for seasoning meats, soups, and stews.
• Growing Conditions: Requires full sun and well-drained soil.
• Care Tips: Water sparingly. Prune back after flowering to promote new growth.

Cilantro (Coriander)

• Uses: Essential in Mexican, Indian, and Thai cuisine.
• Growing Conditions: Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
• Care Tips: Water regularly. Harvest frequently to extend its life cycle.

Chives

• Uses: Perfect for garnishing and adding a mild onion flavour.
• Growing Conditions: Needs full sun and rich, well-drained soil.
• Care Tips: Keep soil consistently moist. Trim often to encourage new growth.

Oregano

• Uses: Staple herb for Italian and Greek dishes.
• Growing Conditions: Thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
• Care Tips: Water when the soil is dry. Cut back to promote dense growth.

Dill

• Uses: Excellent for pickling, salads, and fish dishes.
• Growing Conditions: Prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
• Care Tips: Water regularly. Harvest leaves before the plant flowers for best flavour.

Sage

• Uses: Ideal for poultry, stuffing, and teas.
• Growing Conditions: Needs full sun and well-drained soil.
• Care Tips: Water sparingly. Prune after blooming to maintain shape and encourage growth.

Choosing a Container

Select frost-proof containers if you plan to leave your pots outside during winter. Traditional terracotta pots are a great choice and look attractive in various sizes, but you can also opt for fancier designs.

Ensure your containers have drainage holes and are at least 10cm (4″) in diameter, though larger is preferable. Deeper pots provide ample space for herb roots to grow. Large containers can accommodate multiple herbs together.

How to Plant and Grow Herbs

If you are keen to start your own herb garden and grow your own hers, work through the steps below and you’ll be reaping the rewards in no time!

Propagate or Seed From Scratch?

Start growing herbs from seeds using a propagator or greenhouse, or buy small plants from a garden centre. Seeding from scratch will obviously take longer and when buying plants, you can never be too sure how they have been brought up. There are pros and cons for both approaches, it’s up to you.

However, avoid cheap herb plants from supermarkets; they are typically grown under glass and struggle outdoors. Plant herbs outside in late spring when the weather is warmer.

Also your herb choice is important; If just starting out, try to grow fairly beginner-friendly herbs e.g. basil, mint, rosemary, parsley etc.

Choosing the Right Location

If staring your garden/planting area from scratch it’s essential to choose the correct location to give your herbs the best chance possible.

Sunlight is of great importance as most herbs will need at least 6 – 8 hours of sunlight to thrive, so ensure you choose a spot with these features.

Also, soil-type is very important. You should ensure the soil drains well and is rich in organic matter. Herbs prefer slightly acidic to neutral pH levels (6.0-7.0).

Soil Preparation, Selection and Filling Pots

As we have mentioned above, soil is extremely important and of the correct consistency and makeup e.g. contain the correct levels of nutrients and be of the right pH level.

Choose soil-based compost for your herbs as it closely mimics their natural environment and retains water better than peat-based compost.

John Innes No. 3 is ideal, providing long-lasting nutrients. Mix in coarse grit or perlite for improved drainage.

If you are planting in soil, it’s a good idea to mix some compost in with it to enrichen it, however it may be test it before hand to confirm if it is lacking or has too much of a particular nutrient.

Once you have selected your soil-type and prepared it correctly, line the base of your pots with some broken tiles, stones or gravel as this will help with drainage.

Finally, fill your pots about two-thirds full with your chosen soil or compost.

Planting Your Herbs

Whether you’re seeding from scratch or planting purchased young plants, it’s now time to get planting.

If seeding, make a small depression roughly 10 – 15mm in the centre of the pot (or according to instructions on packaging) and pop a seed in and then cover it lightly with some soil. Ensure the soil is nice and moist. Putting some cling film over the top can help to keep the moisture in and also keep it warm.

If planting young plants, dig a small hole roughly to the depth that the plant is in it’s current pot.

Make sure the top of the root ball is about 3cm below the rim of the container. Slot the plant through your fingers and turn it upside down, massaging the pot to loosen it and then pull it away. Pot the roots down into the hole and then cover with soil. The finished level should be around 2-3cm from the top of the pot.

Do not pack lots of plants together in one container – give them plenty of room to grow and mature.

Firm down gently around the plant, making sure it’s securely bedded in, and top up the compost as needed.

Water Throughly

Finally, give your container a nice, long drink of water. This will not only help to establish your plant, but will also help to reduce the shock of it being replanted, which can sometimes damage some species.

Once watered, spread a layer of gravel or woodchip on top of the compost to help keep weeds out and moisture in.

Feeding and Fertilising

If you have used the correct soil in your pots of garden then this should provide a good amount of any nutrients that it needs, but as they are used up you may need to add additional feed.

The best way to know is to perform a quick online search for the type of herb you are growing and what it may need.

If using fertilisers, always use a balanced, organic fertilizer to promote healthy growth. As a rule of thumb, fertilize every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.

However, you should certainly avoid over-fertilising: Too much fertilizer can reduce the flavor intensity of your herbs.

Pruning and Harvesting

Pruning and trimming herbs regularly really helps to encourage bushy growth and prevent flowering (which can make herbs bitter).

When you need to harvest, harvest in the morning when the oils are most concentrated. Use sharp scissors or pruners to avoid damaging the plants.

Pest and Disease Management

As with all plants they are subject to the usual garden pests. Watch out for aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap if needed.

Aside form pests, disease is also another issue to be aware of. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases.

Seasonal Care

Some annual herbs like basil and dill complete their life cycle in one season and die off once they have done so. With herbs such as these, replant as needed.

Perennial herbs such as rosemary and thyme come back year after year. Mulch them in winter to protect from cold.

Growing Tips for Herbs

In order to keep your herbs in tip-top condition, pay attention to the following tips and pointers:

• Water your herb pots regularly, as container-grown plants need more water than those in the ground. Avoid water-logging; herbs suffer if roots are too soggy. In dry summer periods, water daily in the morning to ensure soil remains damp throughout the day.
• Feed herbs weekly with a seaweed-based fertiliser to promote leaf growth.
• Most herbs thrive in plenty of sunlight. Position them for a few hours of direct sun, except for salad herbs like mustard, sorrel, rocket, and parsley, which prefer partial shade.
• Remove flowers from annuals to prevent seeding. Deadhead perennials or pick flowers for drying. Lavender flowers can be dried for potpourri or sachets.
• In autumn, prune perennials, reduce watering, and move tender plants indoors to protect from frost.
• In spring, re-pot overgrown herbs and plant new annuals.
• Line terracotta pots with a plastic bag to retain moisture, ensuring drainage holes are present.
• Use high-quality potting mix for containers and ensure garden soil is rich and well-draining.
• Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Adjust watering based on weather and soil type.
• Use a balanced, organic fertiliser. Avoid over-fertilising, which can reduce flavour.
• Regularly check for pests. Use natural remedies like neem oil or insecticidal soap if needed.
• Harvest herbs in the morning after dew dries but before it gets too hot. Use sharp scissors or pruners.

If you are growing your herbs indoors as opposed to outside there are some additional points that you will need to be aware of

• Indoor Light: Use grow lights if natural sunlight is insufficient. Herbs need good amounts of light to thrive!
• Humidity: Maintain good humidity levels. Use a humidity tray or mist plants occasionally.
• Container Choice: Ensure pots have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

Troubleshooting Problems When Growing Herbs: A Detailed Guide

Growing herbs can be straightforward, but sometimes issues arise. Here’s a detailed, easy-to-follow guide to troubleshoot common problems when growing herbs. This guide is optimized for high search engine rankings and designed to be clear and helpful for beginners.

• Yellow Leaves: Cause: Overwatering or poor drainage. Solution: Check soil moisture and drainage. Allow soil to dry out between waterings.
• Leggy Growth: Cause: Insufficient light. Solution: Move herbs to a sunnier location or use grow lights. Ensure they get at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily.
• Slow Growth: Cause: Lack of nutrients. Solution: Fertilize with a balanced, organic fertilizer. Ensure soil quality is high and rich in organic matter.
• Wilting Cause: Underwatering or root rot from overwatering. Solution: Check soil moisture levels. Water consistently but avoid waterlogging. Ensure proper drainage.
• Brown Tips Cause: Overfertilization or inconsistent watering. Solution: Reduce fertilizer use and maintain consistent watering schedules. Use a diluted fertilizer if necessary.
• Pest Infestation: Common Pests: Aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Solution: Regularly inspect plants. Use natural remedies like neem oil, insecticidal soap, or introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs.
• Fungal Diseases: Cause: Excess moisture and poor air circulation. Solution: Water at the base of the plant, avoid overhead watering, and ensure good air circulation. Use fungicides if necessary.
• Herbs Going to Seed (Bolting): Cause: Hot temperatures and lack of regular harvesting. Solution: Harvest leaves regularly and provide shade during the hottest part of the day. Choose bolt-resistant herb varieties.
• Herbs Not Thriving Indoors: Cause: Insufficient light, low humidity, or poor soil quality. Solution: Use grow lights, maintain humidity with a humidity tray or misting, and use high-quality potting soil.
• Root Bound Plants: Cause: Herbs outgrowing their containers. Solution: Re-pot into larger containers with fresh soil. Ensure pots have good drainage.
• Discoloured Spots on Leaves: Cause: Nutrient deficiencies or disease. Solution: Test soil and adjust nutrient levels. Treat with appropriate fungicide or pesticide if disease is present.

How to Prevent Issues When Growing Herbs

In order to avoid any and hopefully all of the issues outlined above you should ensure that you pay attention to the following pointers:

• Regular Monitoring: Inspect plants regularly for early signs of issues. Spotting problems quickly and fixing can mean the different between the plant thriving or failing.
• Proper Spacing: Ensure adequate space between plants for air circulation. Packing too many into a tight space can mean that they will all fail.
• Clean Tools: Use clean gardening tools to prevent disease spread if you are unlucky enough to contract any.
• Rotate Plants: Rotate indoor herbs to ensure even light exposure too all of your plants.

Having a plentiful fresh supply of herbs is great and having them conveniently available close to your kitchen is even better so use the tips above to form your very own herb garden and reap all of the benefits.