There are many benefits to growing herbs in containers. They're easily accessible if your kitchen has a back door that opens to a porch or deck. Different herbs have different moisture needs, so growing them in pots make it easy to manage the moisture level in the soil. Of course, growing herbs in containers will also keep aggressive spreaders, like mint and lemon balm, under control and away from garden beds. And if you have limited to no yard space, container gardening is a no brainer! Here are seven of the best herbs for container gardening.
1) Basil:
To me, basil is the star of summer. The smell alone means summertime! And there's nothing quite as delicious as sun-warmed tomatoes and basil from your back porch. Yum!
Basil is a warm weather annual herb and thrives when grown in pots and window-boxes. Many gardeners struggle to grow great basil, but give it well-drained soil and plenty of sunshine and it’s usually smooth sailing. Like most herbs, basil responds well to frequent harvesting, and will continue to push out fresh growth when trimmed back. There’s no doubt it’s one of the best herbs for container gardening. Be sure to pinch off any flower buds that appear.
2) Oregano:
Oregano is an enthusiastic grower in the garden and putting it in a pot is an easy and beautiful way to control its growth. The small leaves are packed with flavor, perfect for topping homemade pizza and bruschetta, as well as adding to vinaigrettes and marinades.
3) Rosemary:
Rosemary is a woody shrub with aromatic, needle-like foliage that adds a welcome depth of flavor to roasted potatoes and chicken dishes. The quickest way to kill container-grown rosemary is by watering it too much; it needs consistent moisture, not wet feet.
4) Thyme:
Thyme is one of the best herbs for container gardening; it’s low maintenance, drought-tolerant, and can take a bit of neglect. Plus, it looks fantastic when planted at the front of a container where the tiny leaves can mound over the edge of the pot. Give it full sun and don’t overwater; it’s drought-resistant and prefers its soil on the dry side.
5) Mint:
There are many wonderful types of mint; peppermint, chocolate mint, mojito mint, strawberry mint, and spearmint, for example, and I like to plant several different varieties of mint in a big pot. We add the leaves to summer drinks, fruit salad, and also dry it for winter tea. Mint appreciates ample moisture and rich soil.
6) Parsley
Both curly and flat-leaved parsley make the list of best herbs for container gardening. In fact, the unique leaf texture of curly parsley makes it a nice planting partner for ornamental plants like million bells, geraniums, petunias, and other summer bloomers. Parsley is very easy to grow, but like mint, does want regular moisture and feeding. I incorporate a slow-release organic fertilizer at planting time to keep the plants happy from spring through late autumn. Parsley also appreciates full sun, but can take some light shading.
7) Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is easy to grow, but needs ample moisture for the best flavor. And what flavor! The glossy green leaves both smell and taste like lemons. It’s great in fruit salads, tea, lemonade, and marinades.
