|
Now we have established that there is no need for an
actual 'herb garden' there is no excuse not to grow a wealth of herbs - in pots.
Growing herbs in pots can be a good practical and also ornamental way of growing
herbs! You can even start growing some types of herbs on the kitchen windowsill.
Now you don't get much fresher than that!
A few different herbs can be grown in the same pot, or you can
simply use one herb per pot. Some herbs are a bit invasive anyway, so would be
best grown in their own pots or containers.
The exceptions to the above, are one or two herbs that are
grown for their long roots - such as
horse radish and the
taller growing herbs such as Angelica.
These are best not grown in pots or containers, though there are some shorter
varieties of Angelica available.
Some herbs are particularly
'invasive' and are best grown in a pot by themselves. Such herbs are mints,
thyme, oregano etc. However, even some varieties of these can be grown in with
other types of herbs in pots or other containers.
Thyme, Lemon Mint, Rosemary and Sage - Planted as one single type per pot.
Planting your herbs in pots
Generally, a light open soil/compost mix is preferred. Just an
ordinary potting compost, with perhaps a little grit or garden soil mixed in -
to give it body. There will be no need to feed the pots on a regular basis,
for most herbs are used to growing on weak soils anyway. I always add a little
'long term' fertiliser, such as osmocote. This will feed the herbs in their pots
and keep them growing well for a whole season. Another good idea, would be to incorporate a little
water retentive gel to the compost before you plant up your containers, which will
vastly increase the water holding capacity of the compost.
Do not plant too many herbs per container - use more pots! -
for they do tend to
increase quite rapidly in size. Try to aim for a colourful mix, so that you
also get the benefit of colourful attraction with your planted herb container.
Some good herbs for growing in pots and container will include
-
Sages - there are several good colours to choose from,
- Rosemary - does really well in hot dry conditions. There is
a great low growing type.
- Thymes - especially around the edges of large herb
containers
- Curry Plant (Helichrysum) for that evocative smell when you
brush past it.
- Camomile - needs no introduction
- Golden Feverfew - looks good as well as sorting headaches.
-
Chives - which can be cut as and when requires.
No garden - no problem. Just start growing your herbs in
pots - or any other containers that suit!
Back to A-Z of Herbs |
