A Guide to Growing Herbs in Pots

How to Grow Herbs in Pots and Containers

Herbs can be grown quite effectively indoors in pots or containers. Window boxes or hanging baskets are also other places they will thrive. It is not really any more difficult than growing herbs outside in the garden. Indoor herb gardens need the same growing requirements that garden herbs need.

The main ingredients are of course; water, sunlight and fertile soil.  Herbs are no different. Obviously sunlight is crucial to growing any kind of plant including herbs, indoors or outdoors. You should place herbs grown in a kitchen or other room in a south or west facing window to get the best kind of sunlight. Different types of herbs have different light requirements but, for the most part, all need a sunny location. Some home herb growers supplement the light source with “grow lamps” or fluorescent lamps.

Herbs also need a well drained, not too rich soil to grow in. When growing herbs in pots, it is always good to add one part coarse sand and two parts potting soil into the mix. You will also need about an inch of gravel at the bottom of each pot to ensure that the plant has good drainage. To sweeten the soil, and give it a ‘flavor’ herbs like, it is a good idea to add a teaspoon of lime to every five inch pot.

Useful Information on Growing Herbs in Pots

Your potted herbs will also need a good supply of water. You can spray your herbs with water ‘mist’ if they are in humid climes. This will also moisten the pebbles and help the herbs keep. Since they are being grown in containers they do need to have more water than herbs that are grown in a garden but, you should avoid getting the roots of the herbs drenched or soggy. One of the main advantages of growing herbs in a container or pot is the ability to move them.

It is always a good idea to place perennial herbs outside during the warmer months, whereas annuals can quite happily be left inside. Although all herbs should be brought inside before the first frost in order to avoid the loss of foliage. This is a rule can often be missed out when considering tarragon, mint and chives. These types of herbs will go into a rest period then form firmer and fresher growth after it is introduced to a light frost. It is possible to grow all herbs in a container but some will thrive more than others. Mint is an herb that needs to be contained or it will take over the garden.  

Over all it is fairly easy to maintain an indoor herb garden. It keeps the herbs handy and within reach anytime you need them for cooking. And with these tips listed above, you will be able to care for your herbs and ensure a healthy plant. It’s also a good idea to repot your herbs once a year and give a light feed every so often. You will also have to remember to replant annuals each year and move perennials outdoors when needed. Plus, use your herbs as much as you want as well as harvest them occasionally. By regularly pruning plants you will stimulate new growth. Herbs are no exception. So use them in your recipes, store them and give them away to friends!