Tips for Growing Herbs in Pots
The undemanding qualities of many herbs make them ideal plants for growing in pots. They can be grown indoors or out in a wide variety of containers. Sometimes a greater degree of success can be obtained by this means than growing in a garden with unsuitable natural conditions. You will be able to provide the right conditions for the plants, the main requirements being adequate light, space for their roots and good drainage. With care, growing herbs in pots can be a more than satisfactory solution for those with limited or unsuitable outdoor space. Very beautiful herb gardens can be achieved using interesting containers such as troughs, sinks and old wheelbarrows as well as the huge variety of pots available from garden centers.
Even large plants such as rosemary, lavender and rue can be included in the design by growing rooted cuttings and either replanting them when they outgrow the scheme or by careful pruning. Taking shoots as required in the kitchen will achieve this automatically. Alternatively you can simply replace the larger plants with young ones. You can plant the pot containing the cutting below soil level in the larger container making it a simple matter to replace both plant and pot as needed. This method is suitable for window boxes, large hanging baskets and outsize tubs, though plants grown directly in the soil will, perhaps, be more successful. When filling the pots you should remember that all herbs need moisture, but good drainage is essential. This should be provided by a layer of rough material – broken pots, brick rubble or gravel will suit – followed by a good moisture retaining compost with a good proportion of soil in its composition. The larger containers can be planted with rooted cuttings or small plants previously cut back and showing new shoots.
Choosing plants when growing Herbs in Pots
Smaller growing cultivars can be selected for pot grown herbs. Varieties of thymes, sage, rosemary and lavender, some mints, marjoram, chives, parsley dill and scented geraniums will all do well in pots. You can even make a tiny herb garden in an urn on a pedestal or a hanging basket. It will need regular attention and occasional plant replacement to maintain the effect.
The indoor herb garden is usually achieved by growing herbs in pots – although I have seen one or two with indoor beds sunk in the floor of a glassed area or conservatory! A great advantage is the freedom to move them. Many perennials will enjoy the Summer outside on a balcony or terrace and will do better as a result. Mint, chives and tarragon can be left outside until they have been subjected to a light frost, bringing them into fresh firm growth as a result.
Some annuals can be kept in all year round, making them handy for the cook The soft leaved plants such as basil can be kept going through the winter with the a little extra light. A South or West facing window is preferable, however the light can be supplemented with ‘grow lamps’ or fluorescent lamps if needed.
Wherever you choose to keep your potted herbs, they can provide you with varied fresh tasty additions to your recipes as well as some dried or frozen harvests all through the year – not to mention the visual pleasure they can give! However, if your potted herb garden will stay outdoors for the winter you will need to consider protection for the roots which would normally be underground. It’s a good idea to wrap the pots in an insulating material such as bubble wrap without covering the top of the plant, so that the earth does not freeze. Give some thought to the careful choice of suitable herb garden plants for the purpose when growing herbs in pots.