How to Container Garden

Want to learn how to grow your very own herb garden, in containers? We have all the necessary materials to help you start yours today. Herbs are such versatile plants, not only being cooking companions but they bring variety to your outdoor space and when in bloom, they attract a number of pollinators.

Sun Requirements

Most herbs require full sun to survive and to produce maximum flavor. Full sun herbs include rosemary, thyme, basil, oregano, lavender, sage, and bay laurel. These plants grow best in a south or west facing garden, but beware of intense afternoon sun, not all plants can withstand that kind of heat and their leaves can become scorched. Herbs that thrive in part sun include cilantro, parsley, mint, chives, and dill. These plants would like to be in an east facing garden or shielded by taller plants.

Watering Requirements

When planted in containers, herbs need constant attention. Most want to stay damp consistently, meaning, when the top 1-2 inches of the soil is dry, it’s time to water. It’s best practice to water deeply and saturate the entire pot until water runs out the bottom. This ensures even moisture throughout the plants and their root system.

Important Notes

Mint is considered invasive and will take over your garden. If you’re considering planting mint, plant it in a container. This container will need to stay on a surface that is not soil, the roots will spread through the container’s drainage holes and take root in the soil below.

Ready to start planting?

1. Choose a pot
   1. Large enough to hold all your herbs. We recommend a 14” pot for 4+ quart sized plants
   2. With drainage holes in the bottom. This ensures no water is pooling in the bottom which can lead to root rot.
   3. That’s plastic or glazed ceramic. A terracotta pot will wick away the moisture that is much needed for your plants
2. Choose your herbs
   1. Plant herbs with similar care together
      1. Mint, chives, parsley, and basil prefer consistently moist soil
      2. Rosemary, lavender, thyme, oregano, and sage prefer to dry out between waterings
   2. Choose your soil
      1. We recommend any organic soil mixture for herbs and veggies
   3. Plant taller herbs at the back and vining plants at the front
      1. Herbs like dill and basil will get quite tall, we recommend putting these towards the back of your planter
      2. Herbs like oregano and thyme will flow over the side of the planter, we recommend putting these at the front or by the rim of the planter.
   4. Water thoroughly
      1. Since the soil you’ve used is dry, water your planter for several minutes to ensure all the soil is evenly moist and let drain out the bottom
   5. Enjoy!