Outdoor Container Gardening

I like to raise my herbs in strawberry pots (those adorable terra cotta pots that have a lot of openings in the sides) because I can raise a number of herbs in one container. With the right arrangement, cascading vines, long spikes, spindly and bushy herbs can all thrive together in the strawberry pot. These containers do tend to dry out fast, so try to plant only your drought tolerant herbs in them.

The size of the pot is very important. A pot that is too little can restrict your herb, eventually causing it to die. The nutrients tend to settle in the bottom of the pot, and if it the container is too large the short roots can not be able to reach them.

Terra cotta containers are a lot better than plastic pots because the terra cotta allows the sod to breathe and healthier soil yields healthier herbs. You will find terra cotta pots in lots of fun colors, shapes and sizes which will add interest to your patio or garden.

Regardless of the type of container you use, you should add some compost to the potting soil before you add your herb plants. You can purchase compost at almost any nursery, or you can make your own like I do. Another thing I like to do is add a small bit of sand to each container.

Here are some herbs that grow really well in pots:

• Dill: With dill, you cannot go wrong. It’s without a doubt one of the best choices for an easy herb. Seeds work wonderful for dill too and the best part is that once you get it started, it will self-seed for the rest of the growing season. As long as you use a container with good drainage and put it in full light, your dill will persist. Dill is also gratifying in that you can harvest it soon after you plant it because it grows so quickly. The seed heads, flowers and leaves can be frozen or dried for future use if you are not able to use them immediately.

• Garlic: You can plant garlic in either spring or fall. It is best to start it about two inches deep with the clove pointing up, making sure that the dirt is well drained and the garlic can get direct sun. Add some good compost and water frequently. You will soon notice that the tops of your garlic are bending over which means that it is ready to be harvested. After you dig up the bulbs, you’ll 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 you’re ready to enjoy!

• Lavender: Growing your own lavender herbs is awesome, but do not start with seeds because you will be waiting forever. Better yet buy a little lavender plant at the market and go from there. Use a pot with good drainage that allows for lots of mulching, but also provides plenty of space for the roots. Lavender likes full sun, so locate a nice bright location on your patio or balcony for this cheerful small plant. Dried lavender makes great sachets and potpourris. There’s really no place you can’t put these little treasures.

• Yarrow: Yarrow is one of those fantastic flowers that comes in so many colors and looks simply awesome in dried floral arrangements and wreaths. You can try yarrow to make some wonderful soaps, shampoos and lotions. For this herb, you can start with seeds or young plants. Unlike most herb plants, yarrow is adaptable and therefore able to do well in moist sod as well as well-drained soil. This adaptability also permits it to thrive in either a partially shaded location or in full sun. After it starts to blossom you can snip off the buds to be dried in a cool, dark location.

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.