Herbs are some of the best plants suited for container gardening. Besides requiring minimal maintenance, potted herbs don’t require as much space, too. Set them outside on the patio or place them indoors in the kitchen for 24/7 access to fresh herbs.

Best herbs for container gardening

In starting a small herb garden, it’s important to choose just those herbs that are often used in the kitchen. There’s no point in planting herbs that you don’t need as this might just lead to rotten plants.

Here are some of the best herbs to plant for small spaces:

Mint

Mint does not require as much sunlight as other herbs, so set it in a shaded area and take it out for a little sun as needed. It also takes up a lot of nutrients, so it’s best to plant it in a separate container. Be sure to water it often and re-pot it after each harvest with fresh compost.

Chives

This mild-tasting herb is perfect for adding a hint of garlic or onion to dishes. Leave them out in the sun for at least four hours each day, and make sure the soil doesn’t dry out. Chives also require soil that’s rich in organic matter, so don’t forget to give them fertilizer from time to time.

Sage

Sage plants require full sunlight and rich, well-draining soil. Take care not to over-saturate the soil too much as the plant itself might struggle to grow if the roots are often wet. Sage is also often planted alongside thyme and rosemary due to similar soil preferences.

Bay

The fragrant leaves of the bay laurel tree are often added to soups and sauces to enhance their flavors. Like sage, bay laurel doesn’t like wet roots, and it can also rot if over-watered. Because bay laurel is technically a tree, it’s best planted using cuttings from the tree itself.

Thyme

Thyme prefers full sunlight and moist soil rich in organic matter. It also cannot stand saturated roots, so make sure its container has proper drainage. It can also be challenging to grow thyme from seeds, so it’s best to propagate it from cuttings.

Rosemary

The fresh, sharp taste of this herb is essential to traditional Mediterranean cuisine. The plant itself is best suited to full sunlight conditions and well-draining soil. It also hates wet roots, so take care not to over-water it.

Parsley

This classic seasoning plant takes some time to get going, but once it does, it produces lots of fresh foliage. It likes moist soil more than other herbs, and it can also use a bit of fertilizer from time to time.

Coriander

Coriander is best planted in the fall to keep the plant from producing seeds even before its leaves can be harvested. It also requires soil rich in organic matter. If the soil is rich enough, the plant should be able to get through the cold winter months.

Basil

Basil plants require full sunlight and lots of heat. That said, it’s best to water it in the morning before the sun comes out in full heat so that the plant has time to absorb the water. Basil is also sensitive to colder temperatures, so it’s best to plant it during the summer.

Sorrel

This perennial herb is hailed for its medicinal properties. The plant’s leaves are often used to reduce pain and inflammation, but their tart flavor also makes them a welcome addition to soups and salads. Sorrel prefers moist and fertile soil, and it does best under partial shade.

Herbs are the ultimate container crops. Besides requiring less maintenance than other staple garden plants, herbs also boast a high success rate, making them the perfect starter plants for beginner gardeners.

Read more articles about herbs and container gardening at HomeGardeningNews.com.

Sources:

TheGuardian.com

OrganicFacts.net