Outdoor Container Gardening
I love to cultivate my herbs in strawberry pots (those adorable terra cotta pots that have a lot of openings in the sides) because I can cultivate a variety of herb plants in just one container. From the spindly varieties to the bushy type and from the cascading vines to the tall spikes, the strawberry pot is perfect. These pots do tend to dry out fast, so try to plant only your drought tolerant plants in them.
The size of the pot is crucial. If you get a container that’s too little, your herb can only grow so much and will eventually die. Getting a pot too large will send all the nutrients to the bottom of the pot, beyond the reach of the short roots.
I don’t recommend plastic pots, simply because they do not allow the dirt to breathe the way that a terra cotta container does. You can find terra cotta containers in lots of fun colors, shapes and sizes which can add variety to your patio or garden.
After you have chosen your containers, it is a good idea to add compost to the potting soil before you add your herb plants. Now I make my own compost, but you can purchase compost at a greenhouse or home improvement store. Another thing I like to do is add just a little sand to each pot.
These are some herb plants that grow really well in containers:
- Dill: Dill is always a winner. Honestly, it is one of the easiest herbs to grow. Using seeds is a fantastic 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 place it so that your dill herb can get full natural light. Dill grows very quickly and can soon be ready to harvest. You can cut off the leaves, flowers and seedheads and use them right away, freeze them or dry them for the future.
- Garlic: Garlic can do well if you plant it in the spring or fall. Plant it about 2 inches deep with the clove pointing up in well drained soil and direct sunlight. It loves to be watered frequently and adding some good compost will help it thrive. You will soon notice that the tops of your garlic are bending over which means that it’s 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 will start to resemble that of store-bought garlic. Then dig in!
- Lavender: If you want to grow your own lavender herb—and who wouldn’t—don’t mess with seeds because you’ll be waiting forever. The very best thing to do is begin with a small lavender herb which you can pick up at your local nursery. It is essential that the container you choose for your lavender herb allows for good drainage, is large enough to provide plenty of room for the roots and also allows for mulch. This plant will do well in direct sun, so make sure to plant it in the brightest location on your stoop. Dried lavender makes fantastic sachets and potpourris. I recommend you keep them everywhere (really).
- Yarrow: With all the colors that yarrow comes in the options for beautiful dried floral arrangements and wreaths are endless. You can even add it in your lotions, soaps and shampoos. It really doesn’t matter if you choose to start this herb with a young plant or with seeds. Yarrow is also pretty flexible and will tolerate wet sod better than most herbs, but also does well in well-drained dirt. This adaptability also allows it to grow in either a partially shaded place or in full sun. Once it is in bloom 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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