Herbs are such versatile plants and the amazing thing is that they do not require intensive maintenance.
Growing herbs in pots also means that you can extend the lifespan of your herbs by bringing them indoors when it gets too cold outside.
Most herbs do well in containers and can be moved around your indoor or outdoor garden easily if you wanted to! Some of my favourite herbs to grow in pots are basil, chives, oregano, parsley and rosemary.
If you have decided that you want to grow your herbs in pots, then you must first select and prepare your container.
In addition to pots, you might like to be creative and grow your herbs in any receptacle you fancy...
an old bucket, a hanging basket, an old watering can...
use your imagination.
If your container is large enough, you may want to plant some of the herbs together.
The important things to consider are that the container must contain enough soil and has drainage holes for excess water to run out.
It is wise that the drainage holes are not too large to minimise soil loss.
If the container that you have chosen is lacking in drainage holes, then you will have to create some.
Now you will have to fill your pot with a good potting mix (2/3 full) and place your herb into the chosen pot.
If you are planting more than one herb in your container, make sure that you do not overfill it with too many herbs.
Too many herbs in one container will mean that each herb may not get sufficient nutrients.
Also make sure that your taller herbs are placed in the center and the smaller ones around the edge of the container.
Make sure that the root balls of your herbs are sitting comfortably in the container before topping up the soil to just below the rim of the container.
You will need to firm the soil gently and then water the herbs thoroughly.
Herbs grown in containers need a little extra care because there is a tendency for them to dry out faster than those planted in the ground.
However, do not overwater them either as they do not appreciate their roots overly wet! In summer especially, you need to regularly check the soil of your potted herbs.
It will be a good idea to feed your herbs occasionally (especially if you have a few of them growing in one container).
I like to use organic fertilizers as I find that the artificial ones can cause your herbs to grow too quickly and cause them to lose flavor.
However, do not over feed them...
less is more! Pruning your herbs often stimulates and promotes fresh and vigorous growth.
So use your herbs as often and as much as you want.
Harvest them in the morning after the dew has dried off.
This is when their oils and fragrances at their peak.
What if you want to bring some of your perennial potted herbs inside so that you can enjoy them all year round? Before your herbs can make their way into your home, they need to be acclimatized.
The ideal time to bring your herbs indoors is before the first frost.
You will need to transition them slowly by bringing them indoors for a couple of hours daily for a week and then slowly increasing the time they spend indoors.
Do this for a couple of weeks or more.
You will need to do this to help them get used to the changes in the temperature and light.
Growing herbs in pots in your kitchen is a wonderful way to ensure that you have all your favourite herbs that you use in your cooking and what a bonus it is to also have them within fingers reach!
Growing herbs in pots also means that you can extend the lifespan of your herbs by bringing them indoors when it gets too cold outside.
Most herbs do well in containers and can be moved around your indoor or outdoor garden easily if you wanted to! Some of my favourite herbs to grow in pots are basil, chives, oregano, parsley and rosemary.
If you have decided that you want to grow your herbs in pots, then you must first select and prepare your container.
In addition to pots, you might like to be creative and grow your herbs in any receptacle you fancy...
an old bucket, a hanging basket, an old watering can...
use your imagination.
If your container is large enough, you may want to plant some of the herbs together.
The important things to consider are that the container must contain enough soil and has drainage holes for excess water to run out.
It is wise that the drainage holes are not too large to minimise soil loss.
If the container that you have chosen is lacking in drainage holes, then you will have to create some.
Now you will have to fill your pot with a good potting mix (2/3 full) and place your herb into the chosen pot.
If you are planting more than one herb in your container, make sure that you do not overfill it with too many herbs.
Too many herbs in one container will mean that each herb may not get sufficient nutrients.
Also make sure that your taller herbs are placed in the center and the smaller ones around the edge of the container.
Make sure that the root balls of your herbs are sitting comfortably in the container before topping up the soil to just below the rim of the container.
You will need to firm the soil gently and then water the herbs thoroughly.
Herbs grown in containers need a little extra care because there is a tendency for them to dry out faster than those planted in the ground.
However, do not overwater them either as they do not appreciate their roots overly wet! In summer especially, you need to regularly check the soil of your potted herbs.
It will be a good idea to feed your herbs occasionally (especially if you have a few of them growing in one container).
I like to use organic fertilizers as I find that the artificial ones can cause your herbs to grow too quickly and cause them to lose flavor.
However, do not over feed them...
less is more! Pruning your herbs often stimulates and promotes fresh and vigorous growth.
So use your herbs as often and as much as you want.
Harvest them in the morning after the dew has dried off.
This is when their oils and fragrances at their peak.
What if you want to bring some of your perennial potted herbs inside so that you can enjoy them all year round? Before your herbs can make their way into your home, they need to be acclimatized.
The ideal time to bring your herbs indoors is before the first frost.
You will need to transition them slowly by bringing them indoors for a couple of hours daily for a week and then slowly increasing the time they spend indoors.
Do this for a couple of weeks or more.
You will need to do this to help them get used to the changes in the temperature and light.
Growing herbs in pots in your kitchen is a wonderful way to ensure that you have all your favourite herbs that you use in your cooking and what a bonus it is to also have them within fingers reach!
SHARE
