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Home gardening is a beneficial hobby since it allows you to grow healthy crops right in your backyard. But those who live in smaller homes shouldn’t fret; even if you don’t have a lot of space, you can still grow herbs in a container garden!

Growing herbs in containers ensure that you have more control over the plants you grow. A potted plant is also more portable: If you’re growing something that requires a lot of sunlight, you can move the containers towards a warmer, sunnier area and return it indoors once night falls.

Additionally, a container garden is ideal if you want to grow herbs that are aggressive in their growth habits, like mint. Confining these kinds of herbs in pots makes it easier to control their growth so they don’t take over your whole garden

Five herbs you can grow in your container garden

If you’re looking to start your own container garden, consider the five herbs listed below.

Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Basil requires full sun and rich, well-drained soil. The herb suits growing zones 10 to 11 of the Department of Agriculture‘s (USDA) Plant Hardiness Zone Map and it is grown as an annual elsewhere.

Basil is easy to grow in a container and the herb needs plenty of water to keep its fleshy stems and tender leaves plump. Note that basil is susceptible to mildew.

When growing basil in a container, position the plant so it gets plenty of air-flow. Basil needs a richer soil than other herbs so grow basil using a custom-mixed potting soil.

You can use basil in most recipes that also require tomatoes.

Mint (Mentha spp.)

Mint requires full sun to part shade and rich, moist soil. The herb will grow well in USDA growing zones three to 11.

Mint should be grown in a container because it is unruly when planted in a garden. When left unattended, mint can quickly take over your other plants.

The good thing is, you can keep mint under control by planting it in containers.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis)

Rosemary also requires full sun, but it prefers sandy soil. The herb grows well in USDA growing zones nine to 11 and it is grown as an annual elsewhere.

Home gardeners love rosemary because it can be used fresh or dried for later use. Dried rosemary also holds its strong taste throughout winter. A hardy herb, rosemary isn’t bothered by most insects and you can easily grow the plant indoors by keeping it by a sunny window.

Rosemary has woody stems that are perfect for crafting or skewers. The next time you’re planning a barbecue, keep the stems in the freezer and use them as grilling skewers.

When growing rosemary, use sandy soil and don’t let it sit in water. The herb should be allowed to dry out between waterings.

Sage (Salvia Officinalis)

Sage grows well in full sun to part shade and it is best to plant the herb in dry to medium moisture, well-drained soil. Sage suits USDA growing zones four to eight.

Planting sage in a container means you can keep a closer eye on the herb, especially since it requires a lot of pinching and cutting to keep it from becoming woody. The herb should also be replanted every three years or so.

Sage dries very well. Pinch the leaves throughout the growing season, put a rubber band on the leaves and keep them safe after drying.

The term “pinching” refers to when gardeners use their fingers and fingernails to pinch off the tender, new growth at the end of the stem. Alternatively, you can use a sharp pair of pruning shears to pinch the ends. It’s best to pinch the stem as close to above the leaf nodes as possible.

By the end of the season, you’ll have enough bundles to make an herb wreath, which makes for a thoughtful gift no matter the occasion.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Thyme requires exposure to full sun and it should be planted in dry to medium-moisture soil. The herb thrives in USDA growing zones five to 10.

Thyme will thrive in a container environment and it’s best for busy homeowners as it requires only minimal watering. Some thyme varieties grow into small shrub-like plants with beautiful purple flowers that can also beautify your home.

Thyme is a low-maintenance herb, but it becomes woody after a few years. Keep thyme in a container so it’s easier to replace it as needed.

Recipes for herbs in your container garden

Try these recipes to make the most of the herbs in your container garden.

Mediterranean herb mix

In the Mediterranean region, blends of dried local herbs are often used to season dishes that contain pork, poultry, seafood and vegetables. Try making a batch of this herb mix to give savory dishes an earthy flavor boost!

Ingredients for 12 servings: 

• 2 tablespoons of dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons of dried rosemary
• 2 tablespoons of dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon of dried mint
• 1 tablespoon of dried sage

Preparation:

1. Combine the oregano, rosemary, thyme, mint and sage in a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Secure the lid, then shake until the seasonings are mixed well.
2. Store the glass jar in a cool, dry place or the fridge. The herb mix can be stored for up to six months.
3. When you’re ready to cook, crush the herbs between your fingers, use a mortar and pestle, or use a spice mill to release their flavors.

Refreshing herbal summer iced tea 

Did you know that you can also use herbs to make delicious iced tea? This recipe combines several antioxidant-rich herbs that can help boost your overall health.

Note that once hot tea cools, it loses sweetness and taste. If you prefer to drink iced tea, make a batch that’s stronger and sweeter. The tea will also get darker with time, but this is completely natural.

Wash and dry the herbs before preparing the tea and only use organic herbs from your garden.

Ingredients for 4 servings:

• 4 cups of water
• 12 fresh, large lemon balm leaves
• 8 fresh, large sage leaves
• 5 fresh, large peppermint leaves
• 5 chamomile flowers
• 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
• Ice cubes
• Additional herbs and organic sliced lemon for serving

Preparation:

1. Bring the water to a boil.
2. Add all the herbs once the tea water is boiling. Cover the pot with a lid and remove from the heat.
3. Let the mixture steep for 15 minutes, then strain the tea into a pitcher.
4. Add the sugar and stir until dissolved. Set the tea aside and let it cool.
5. Add ice, additional herbs, or a slice of lemon before serving.

Learn how to grow plants like basil and sage in a container garden so you have easy access to nutritious and flavorful herbs throughout the year!

Sources:

TheSpruce.com

GardeningKnowHow.com

EatingWell.com

LilVienna.com