Growing herbs in pots has wide appeal. It is the perfect option for those who do not have garden space outdoors. However, not all herbs are well suited for container growing. Some herbs grow too large or too fast, making them difficult to grow in pots. Basil, sage, rosemary, them, lemon balm, oregano and parsley are all herbs that do well grown in pots.
Basil
There are several varieties of basil, but the one commonly used in cooking is sweet basil. Often found as a component in Italian cuisine, basil is one of the main ingredients in pesto. It is sensitive to cold and should be placed away from drafts in a warm location. Basil required good drainage. Many gardeners put a layer of coarse gravel in the bottom of the pot to aid in drainage. It needs plenty of sun and regular monthly feeding to thrive indoors.
Sage
Sage is well known for its use in stuffing. It does well when provided with well-drained soil and full sun. It tolerates average and dry soil well, generally only needing water once or twice a week. It needs feeding once or twice per growing season.
Rosemary
Rosemary pairs well with fish and chicken and is often used in Mediterranean cuisine. It requires little attention. In fact, giving it too much attention is usually the cause of poor growth. It needs good drainage and can tolerate full sun to partial shade. Fertilizer is generally unnecessary. Rosemary is difficult to start from seeds so nursery plants or cuttings are often used.
Thyme
Thyme is a versatile herb and can be used in a wide variety of food applications from soups to meats to sauces. It needs a hot, sunny location for best growth. It prefers light and sandy soil that drains well. Unless soil is poor quality, it usually doesn't need feeding.
Lemon Balm
While lemon balm does have culinary uses, it is more commonly used for its medicinal properties. It seeds itself so you may want to consider planting it in its own pot to prevent spread. It enjoys full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. Fertile well-drained clay or sandy loam are needed for best growth.
Oregano
Oregano is often found in tomato sauces, but can be used in many types of cuisine. Seeds can be sown directly over moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Oregano does well with full sun and will even tolerate less than ideal planting conditions as long as it gets adequate sunlight. Water only during dry times. Fertilizer is not needed and may inhibit development of flavor if used.
Parsley
Parsley can be used in cooking or as a garnish. The curly leaf variety commonly serves as garnish. However, both curly and flat leaf types can be used for cooking. It is notoriously difficult to grow from seed, which is why most gardeners purchase a young plant from their nearby nursery. It needs a rich well-draining soil for optimum growth. While it can grow in partial shade, it prefers around six hours of sun daily. Fertilizer can be used monthly if desired.
These are only a few of the many herbs you can grow in pots. With a little care, you will find that most herbs can be grown in pots, although some do require a lot of care to thrive.
Basil
There are several varieties of basil, but the one commonly used in cooking is sweet basil. Often found as a component in Italian cuisine, basil is one of the main ingredients in pesto. It is sensitive to cold and should be placed away from drafts in a warm location. Basil required good drainage. Many gardeners put a layer of coarse gravel in the bottom of the pot to aid in drainage. It needs plenty of sun and regular monthly feeding to thrive indoors.
Sage
Sage is well known for its use in stuffing. It does well when provided with well-drained soil and full sun. It tolerates average and dry soil well, generally only needing water once or twice a week. It needs feeding once or twice per growing season.
Rosemary
Rosemary pairs well with fish and chicken and is often used in Mediterranean cuisine. It requires little attention. In fact, giving it too much attention is usually the cause of poor growth. It needs good drainage and can tolerate full sun to partial shade. Fertilizer is generally unnecessary. Rosemary is difficult to start from seeds so nursery plants or cuttings are often used.
Thyme
Thyme is a versatile herb and can be used in a wide variety of food applications from soups to meats to sauces. It needs a hot, sunny location for best growth. It prefers light and sandy soil that drains well. Unless soil is poor quality, it usually doesn't need feeding.
Lemon Balm
While lemon balm does have culinary uses, it is more commonly used for its medicinal properties. It seeds itself so you may want to consider planting it in its own pot to prevent spread. It enjoys full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. Fertile well-drained clay or sandy loam are needed for best growth.
Oregano
Oregano is often found in tomato sauces, but can be used in many types of cuisine. Seeds can be sown directly over moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Oregano does well with full sun and will even tolerate less than ideal planting conditions as long as it gets adequate sunlight. Water only during dry times. Fertilizer is not needed and may inhibit development of flavor if used.
Parsley
Parsley can be used in cooking or as a garnish. The curly leaf variety commonly serves as garnish. However, both curly and flat leaf types can be used for cooking. It is notoriously difficult to grow from seed, which is why most gardeners purchase a young plant from their nearby nursery. It needs a rich well-draining soil for optimum growth. While it can grow in partial shade, it prefers around six hours of sun daily. Fertilizer can be used monthly if desired.
These are only a few of the many herbs you can grow in pots. With a little care, you will find that most herbs can be grown in pots, although some do require a lot of care to thrive.
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