Herbs can be grown very successfully in containers and can be an attractive addition to any garden or patio. Apart from their aesthetic value, they are a practical solution for people who have limited gardening space at their disposal.
Most garden centres and nurseries stock a large selection of containers. They come in many shapes and sizes and are made from various materials like plastic, concrete and real clay. Finding the right container is a matter of personal taste, as almost any container can be used for planting herbs.
Herbs can be planted on their own or in combination with other herbs. When planting more than one variety in a container, care should be taken that there will be ample growing space for all the plants.
Prune the faster growing varieties regularly to ensure they do not overgrow their slower companions. Also, competition for space and nutrients will result in some varieties flourishing while others will suffer and, in most cases, eventually die.
It is never wise to plant any of the mint varieties in the same container as other herbs. In most cases the mint will overgrow the entire pot.
Proven Mixed Herb Containers
An Italian Chef’s Selection
Sweet basil
Italian parsley
Oregano
Marjoram
Thyme
A Perfume Pot
Lavender
Rose scented geranium
Lemon balm
Lemon thyme
Pineapple sage
A Salad Bowl
Garlic chives
Rocket
Salad burnet
Parsley
Celery
A French Chef’s Selection
Tarragon
Chervil
Parsley
Chives
Sage
A First-Aid Medicine Chest
Hyssop
Peppermint (prune regularly to prevent it from overgrowing the other herbs)
Rue
Thyme
Yarrow