growing herbs in containers (or pots)

15 years ago

Eventually I would like to grow herbs in containers or pots; which method I use depends on which is the most practical and most feasible.

I don't plan to grow herbs now as it too late to really grow anything I would like due to where I live. Any information acquired from this thread is for future reference.

These are the herbs I'm interested in growing:

*basil

*oregano

*thyme

*parsley

*cilantro

*lemongrass

*chives

*sage

*rosemary

*dill

*mint

The only questions I really have are these. I know herbs are much smaller than most veggies that are grown, so I'm guessing they need smaller containers/pots to be grown in correct?

What I need to know for the list of herbs listed above, is for each herb what size pot or container do you need to grow them in? Please specify this information via the size of the container (in gallons) and for the pot size required, please specify the rim of the diameter of the pot in inches (12", 8", 10", etc.)

I would information for both because as said before I don't know whether I'll be growing them in containers or pots yet.

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Comments (3)

justaguy2
15 years ago
I don't know whether I'll be growing them in containers or pots yet.

What is the difference between a container and a pot?
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solstice98
15 years ago
It's late for starting veggie seeds in Florida, but herbs you should be able to start anytime.
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My question is regarding the annual herbs cilantro, basil, parsley, sweet marjoram, and dill. I have a couple of rectangular planters, but I'm not sure how close together the plants can be, basil, parsley, sweet marjoram, and dill. I have a couple of rectangular planters, but I'm not sure how close together the plants can be Extremely close. Last season I grew thyme, basil, dill, marjoram and sage in an 18" container and all did very well. I could have squeezed another 2 or 3 herbs in there. Dill gets quite tall, but it is very 'airy' and doesn't really shade much. I would give each plant about 4-6 square inches of growing space in a container and let them fight it out. Herbs are herbs because they are pretty tough and adaptable plants. Virtually all of them do very well in containers, even when extremely crowded. If you want the absolute best yield from a particular herb, then give it it's own space, but otherwise dense container planting works really well, yields acceptably and looks terrific.
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I have several of these (purchased before I actually gardened lol) and only recently am having luck with it. I'm not growing herbs but I think the same method might work for you - I left one opening empty on each pot, and when it's time to water (often in my case since I'm growing actual strawberries) I fill up an old wine bottle and turn it upside down into that empty soil space. This way you're not watering from the top - which inevitably eroded the soil out the holes and onto the floor in my experience. ;) The water is drawn into the soil slowly and at their roots which also decreases evaporation lost. They sell thingies at garden stores to do this but wine bottles are free around here. ;) I'm also growing mint in a strawberry pot - as an experiment to see if the roots will find their way out the openings (seems like they should? anyone try this?) And I water it the same way. Some times a little water on top if it's gotten too dry....
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Yeah, looking at the roots is the easiest way to tell. New growth will be stunted, with smaller leaves than normal (although maybe not if you're fertilising it). If the pot is flexible, then it gets harder to squeeze it because the roots are constantly expanding. And if you've got it sitting in a dish of some description, the roots will start hanging out of the holes at the bottom. That's when I know that a small pot of mint needs dividing. I don't know how fast it would grow inside, but outside, it'd get root-bound in a 4-inch container pretty quickly. Several times in a growing season, probably. Again, don't know about inside. If you prune out the rhizomes regularly, that'd slow things down significantly. You'd just have one central plant with growth pushing upwards instead of the plant focusing on its usual spreading. You have to lift the plant out of the pot to do that anyway, so you'll be able to see each time how root-bound it is.
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Because of its very aggressively spreading nature, in a container is the ONLY way I'd consider growing mint!! It is no different from growing just anything else in a container long term. You want a fast draining potting soil with a fair amount of durability, an ability to water easily as frequently as necessary, sun to part shade and the occasional spritz with a water soluble fertilizer. If in a colder climate, you will want someplace to keep the containered mint over winter without freezing.
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mayberrygardener
15 years ago
As far as how much to plant and how big a pot, it really depends on how much you are going to use/want. Let that be your guide, and also what looks nice for the space that you have, if it will be visible. You can plant a single herb per pot, or you can get a longer "windowbox" style planter and plant several varieties in one--depending upon how long it is, I would plant at least 3-4 for eye appeal, but probably not more than that. Walmart has some really nice windowbox-style planters with small water reservoir that I am going to do some of my herbs in this year. I plan to do all my herbs in pots (especially dill, since it is self-seeding, it can have a tendency to take over the world!); the key is to make sure that the soil volume will be appropriate for the amount of herb planted--moisture and nutrients are key for delicious herbs. I'm going to try some special variety basil in a 6" pot, but I feel like I'm pushing it with anything less than 8-10"; however, this pot is a little deeper than most for its size, thereby making up a little extra soil volume. As far as it being too late where you are, maybe try a location that is partially shaded, particularly in the mid- to late-afternoon; herbs are pretty hardy and might surprise you.

Good luck, and let us know how
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growing herbs in containers (or pots)

Comments (3)

justaguy2

solstice98

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