Garden Topics:
Herb Containers
Herbs, The Easy and Convenient Way
With summer upon us, and as we move outside for dinning and
entertaining, it becomes more important that we decorate our
outdoor living areas with container grown plants. Consider herbs
in your plant selection. They can add variety, fragrance, and a
splash of color to a deck, balcony, patio, or any small space.
Annual flowers and vegetables can be used in these containers
along with the herbs.
 The
advantages of container grown herbs is that they are easy to
grow and harvest right there at your doorstep. You will be more
apt to use your herbs when they are near at hand. Container
gardens don’t need a lot of space, and they are portable. They
can be easily moved to a warmer sunny area if needed and back
into the shade if the season gets too hot.
So, how do you decide what to plant? How much space can you
give to your herb containers? They should get at least 6 hours
of sun per day, so do you have a sunny location? Gather all of
your empty pots together to see what you have available. Decide
if you should get a few more. Think about what you want from
your herb garden. Do you want herbs for soups, stews, meats and
vegetables? Do you want to make vinegars? Eliminate the herbs
you really don't think you will use. Here are some ideas:
- Salads: Nasturtiums, tomatoes, basil,
chives, oregano, parsley
- Italian Cooking: oregano, basil, patio
type tomato, marjoram, rosemary
- Mexican Cooking: cilantro, pepper
plant, oregano
- Fragrance: lavender, rosemary,
miniature roses, mints, scented geraniums
- Vinegars: dill, basil, oregano,
nasturtium, chives, sage
- Flowers: Agastache, monarda, feverfew,
lavender, rue, thyme, yarrow
 There
are basically two kinds of herbs: those that need a lot of
moisture and those that don’t. Herbs that prefer moisture-rich
soil include basil, cilantro, tarragon, and parsley, while herbs
that don’t need, nor want, as much water, “Mediterranean herbs”
include chives, oregano, sage, rosemary, thyme, bay, marjoram,
and lavender. It may be wise to plant moisture-loving herbs in
plastic containers, which retain water, and put Mediterranean
herbs in terra cotta containers, which draw out water. No matter
what kind of container, make sure there are drainage holes at
the bottom to insure a healthy root system. Roots rot from
sitting in water.
When choosing culinary herbs, remembering to avoid mint in
mixed containers, as it will overgrow the other plants in a very
short time. Tarragon, sage, and nasturtiums will provide added
interest. Herbal plants such as lavenders and flowering herbs,
give a pretty and colorful look to your miniature garden.
Don’t forget good design when planting. Try to contrast foliage
texture and color. Give thought to plant size and rate of
growth. Balance is another consideration. Place taller plants in
the rear or center, and position shorter plants to extend out
from there.
The essential oils that give herbs their flavor and aroma are
produced in the largest quantity when they receive plenty of
light. For best results, as was stated previously, most herb
varieties require at least 6 hours of sun per day. Try not to
mix plants with different lighting requirements on the same
container.
 Herb
Container Care
- Potted herbs need good drainage and some extra care. Be
sure to check them often for dryness and water accordingly.
Most plants need at least an inch of water per week. On hot
summer days daily watering may be needed.
- Pot-grown herbs need occasional fertilization. Fertilize
outdoor pots at least once mid-season with a good organic
fertilizer. However, be cautious in fertilization since in
most cases, less is better. Over fertilization of herbs
results in weak growth and reduces the oils that give the
herbs flavor.
- Herb containers will need some pruning to ensure that
all the plants have adequate room to grow, and that the
overly enthusiastic specimens are not crowding out all the
others. Regular pruning of herbs promotes fresh and vigorous
growth. If harvested regularly, there may be no need to
prune your herbs.
- Most herbs have few problems with pests and disease.
Regular weeding, proper watering, and frequent harvest
usually eliminates any pests and diseases herbs may
encounter.
- Harvest herbs in the morning when moisture and fragrance
are at their peak. However, wait to harvest until after dew
has dried.
- Although you can harvest cooking herbs all season, give
perennials some time off in the fall to help them prepare
for winter.
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