Growing herbs in containers is just as simple—and often even easier—than growing them in outdoor garden beds. Generally, herbs need good soil, proper drainage, regular watering, and plenty of sunlight to thrive. If you can provide these essentials while incorporating herbs into your container garden, you’re all set for years of fragrant, fresh harvests.
Whether you’re growing herbs indoors or outside, this guide will help you keep your plants healthy, aromatic, and ready for regular kitchen use. Follow these tips to get the most out of your delicious potted herb garden.
Prep Herb Seeds for Pots
Kick off your container herb gardening with top-quality herb seeds from Park Seed, available in the Gardening Know How Shop.
Which Herbs Grow Best in Containers?
Herbs are some of the easiest plants for container gardening—you can grow almost any herb in pots, planters, troughs, or hanging baskets as long as their basic needs are met. Some great choices are tender perennial herbs like tarragon or lavender. In colder climates, you can grow them outdoors in summer and bring them inside for winter. Annuals like basil can thrive in pots indoors year-round.
Your choice of herbs may also depend on why you’re growing them in containers. Some plants not only do well in pots but should be grown in them to prevent spreading. Mint, for example, can take over a garden if not contained—so it’s perfect for pots. Just remember, invasive herbs like mint aren’t the best companions for other herbs, as they can dominate even in a confined space.
If you want to grow multiple herbs together, consider their natural growing conditions. Mediterranean herbs like sage, rosemary, and thyme pair well, while tender herbs like parsley, cilantro, and chives (available in the Gardening Know How Shop) also make good companions.
Herb Groupings for Containers
Combining herbs in one pot saves space, especially in larger containers. Choose herbs with similar care needs, or try themed groupings like:
- Italian herb garden – Basil, parsley, oregano, thyme, rosemary (like Lisette parsley from the Gardening Know How Shop)
- Herbal tea garden – Different mint varieties or chamomile
- Single herb, multiple varieties – Several types of one herb, like sage, thyme, or basil (such as a culinary basil blend from the Gardening Know How Shop)
- Aromatic garden – Lavender, lemon verbena, mint, pineapple sage
Whether you’re short on space, have poor soil, want to extend the growing season, or just keep herbs handy for cooking, most herbs do well in containers—as long as they get enough sunlight and nutrients.
Choosing Containers for Herbs
Your available space and whether you’re growing indoors or outdoors will influence your container choice. The key rule? Good drainage is a must.
Terracotta pots look great with herbs and work especially well for drought-tolerant Mediterranean herbs. But plastic, wood, or metal containers also do the job as long as they drain properly. For something stylish, try Vego Garden’s Herb Garden Bed planter (available in the Gardening Know How Shop) in various colors. If using a non-traditional container, poke drainage holes in the bottom and add a drip tray for indoor setups.
You can grow herbs in individual pots or group several in a larger container like a window box or herb garden planter—just avoid overcrowding so each plant has room to grow. A wide planter, like Crescent Garden’s Orinoco Planter (available in the Gardening Know How Shop), gives plants ample space without root competition.
When to Grow Herbs in Pots
One perk of container gardening is control over growing conditions, allowing you to cultivate herbs any time of year. Most perennials thrive outdoors in summer and early fall—start seeds or transplants in spring, then move them outside as temperatures rise.
Even less common herbs like lemongrass grow well in pots if their seasonal needs are met. For perennials, bring them indoors in winter to keep them productive longer.
How to Grow Herbs in Containers
Planting herbs in pots is simple, whether indoors or out. Follow these steps:
- Pick a suitable container (with drainage holes). Add a tray if growing indoors.
- Fill with high-quality potting mix, leaving about 2 inches (5 cm) from the top for watering space.
- Plant herbs at the recommended spacing—don’t overcrowd.
- Water well and place in a sunny spot (most herbs need full sun).
For seed-grown herbs (like parsley, sage, chives, basil, or Bouquet Organic dill from the Gardening Know How Shop), keep the soil moist and warm until germination. Thin seedlings as needed.
Growing Herbs Indoors in Containers
To extend your harvest into fall, move outdoor potted perennials (like lavender or sage) indoors before frost. While some perennials can stay inside year-round, they’ll do best with summer outdoor time.
Annuals like cilantro (such as Santo cilantro from the Gardening Know How Shop) can be grown anytime indoors but last only one season. For a continuous supply, sow seeds every few months.
Best Herb Care in Containers
Container herbs need the same care as garden-grown ones:
- Sunlight: At least 6 hours daily (place near a bright window or outdoors).
- Watering: Adjust based on the herb—drought-tolerant types (rosemary, sage) need less than moisture-loving ones (basil, cilantro).
- Fertilizer: Use a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer a few times per season or mix in compost.
- Pruning: Pinch back stems to encourage bushier growth.
Common Problems with Container Herbs
- Poor drainage/soggy soil: Ensure pots have drainage holes and use a light potting mix. Avoid overwatering.
- Insufficient light: In winter, supplement with grow lights if needed.
- Pests: Watch for aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, or whiteflies. Treat with organic sprays like diluted neem oil.
- Diseases: Rare, but root rot can occur in waterlogged soil.
Harvesting Container Herbs
- Transplants can be harvested once healthy.
- Seed-grown herbs mature at different rates—rosemary and lavender take months, while basil, cilantro, parsley, and sage grow faster.
- Leafy herbs (basil, mint, cilantro): Snip tender leaves or stem tips.
- Woody herbs (lavender, thyme, rosemary): Cut whole stems as needed (never more than ¼ of the plant at once).
Use fresh herbs right away, or dry/freeze extras for later.
FAQs
Which potted herbs come back every year?
Perennials like sage, oregano, thyme, mint, and chives can last years in containers. Some (like parsley, chives, and cilantro) can be dug up, divided, and replanted indoors for winter.
Can herbs grow in plastic pots?
Yes! Just ensure they have drainage holes. Plastic is lightweight, retains moisture better than terracotta, and is easy to move—but it heats up faster.
Conclusion:
Growing herbs in containers is an easy and rewarding way to enjoy fresh, flavorful plants year-round. By choosing the right containers, providing proper care, and selecting herbs that thrive in pots, you can create a flourishing garden right on your windowsill, patio, or balcony. Container gardening allows flexibility, and with the right amount of attention, your herbs will continue to provide tasty additions to your meals while adding beauty and fragrance to your space. Happy herb gardening!
