How To Build Your Container Herb Garden: 8 Easy Steps

Read this article for eight easy steps to build your very own container herb garden. From choosing your herb garden containers, to deciding what herbs to plant – to creating a vertical herb garden: learn all you need to know about getting started with your herb heaven

After all, a container herb garden is an great solution for city dwellers yearning to grow their own – yet who are limited by tight spaces.

Whether on a city balcony, a small patio, or even a sunny windowsill, a herb container garden is a great way to bring natural beauty and practicality together.

Why a Container Herb Garden is Great for Your Small Space

To build your container herb garden, cultivate perennial herbs or annuals that you can rotate seasonally – and pick containers with enough room for root growth, that are at least a 15 cm deep. Plastic containers are lightweight and retain moisture, while terracotta pots, though heavier, offer superb aeration but have the tendency to dry out rapidly.

Luckily the process of creating a complete container herb garden is pretty straightforward.

When I got started with my herb garden I quickly learned that you need to select containers that complement your space and suit the fresh herbs you wish to grow.

For example, terracotta pots are a classic choice, providing an ideal environment for many Mediterranean herbs, while plastic containers can be lighter and more frost-resistant.

By combining different types of herbs in your garden, you create not only a useful culinary resource but also a spot of beauty to brighten up your own home.

Ready to get going with your own container herb garden? Read on for steps 1-8 to build your slice of herb heaven. Let’s go!

Container Herb Garden: Here’s What You’ll Learn

8 Steps to Build a Container Herb Garden

Step 1: Choosing the Right Containers – Container Herb Garden

When starting out on your container herb garden journey for the first time – especially if you are in an urban area with limited outdoor space – selecting appropriate containers is pivotal.

After all, this ensures healthy growth and showcases your herbs in the best possible light.

You should plan your herb garden in an area that best suits your needs. For example, if you have a balcony you may want to grow a vertical herb garden and build on your vertical gardening skills.

Or, if you have a backyard, you may want to use vertical planters or raised beds.

Whatever the case, containers are so important for your success. Let’s have a look at the different types so you can decide which ones best suit your needs…

Container Types

There are many container types you can consider for your herb plants.

Common choices for your container herb garden include traditional terracotta pots, wooden boxes, a wooden pallet, a hanging basket, and even repurposed items like an old teacup or a tin can!

For growing Mediterranean herbs, which thrive in dryer conditions, porous materials like terracotta allow the soil to dry appropriately between watering.

Terracotta pots are my favourites because they are very beautiful indeed!

Material

The material of your vertical planter boxes greatly affects both the health of your herbs and the maintenance required. 

Plastic containers are lightweight and retain moisture well, but may not be as durable as other materials. As touched on above, terracotta pots, while heavier, provide excellent aeration but can dry out quickly.

For sustainability and adding a touch of natural beauty, consider eco-friendly options like biodegradable planters or recycled materials.

Size and Depth Requirements

Size and depth are crucial for the root systems of your herbs. The right size container will vary depending on the depth of your herbs’ roots.

A general guide is to use:

• Small pots (15-20 cm in depth) for herbs like thyme and oregano.
• Medium-sized pots (20-25 cm in depth) for basil plants and parsley.
• Extra large pots (25 cm or more in depth) for perennial herbs like rosemary and mint.

Make your pots of herbs have sufficient good drainage to prevent water-logging, which is a common issue in container gardening.

This can be achieved by choosing planters with pre-drilled drainage holes or by adding a layer of gravel at the base before adding good soil.

Vertical Structures

Growing upwards is another way to make the most of your vertical space. You can use vertical structures to support your herbs, such as a vertical plant wall. Add vertical garden pots for your herbs to sit snugly in your outdoor space.

Other options include a tiered planter, a living wall or a garden tower, for those looking to get creative with your vertical containers.

Whatever your vertical garden idea, you can make it work with a bit of effort!

For those of you who enjoy recycling, you could use old pallets, or even recycled furniture.

Remember, when growing your own herbs, the right kind of herb planter not only supports the health of your plants but also contributes to the aesthetic of your kitchen garden or balcony space, so choose wisely.

Step 2: Selecting Herbs for Your Garden – Container Herb Garden

When you’re putting together your herb container garden, selecting the right variety of herbs is probably the most important choice you can make.

Your choices should take into account sunlight needs, watering preferences, and compatibility with other plants.

Let’s have a closer look at key points for selecting herbs from your garden…

Herbal Sunlight Needs

Different herbs have varying requirements for sunlight:

• Full sun: Most Mediterranean herbs like basil, rosemary, and thyme require full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Partial sun/shade: Herbs such as mint and parsley can manage with about four hours of sun, or they tolerate dappled sunlight.

Watering Preferences

• Regular watering: Herbs like basil and cilantro (coriander) need consistently moist soil.
• Less frequent watering: Rosemary and lavender, on the other hand, prefer drier conditions.

It’s a good idea to group herbs with similar watering needs in your container garden to make maintenance simpler.

Companion Planting

Plants that grow well together can help each other thrive. This can increase the yield of your herbs:

• Basil pairs well with a range of herbs due to its pest-repellent properties.
• Chives can benefit and enhance the growth and flavour of rosemary and parsley.

Best herbs for a container garden

Some herbs just don’t sit well with containers, so it’s key to select herbs that are well-suited for container life. Here are some top picks:

• Easy-to-grow: Chives, parsley, and mint are some of the easiest edible plants to manage.
• Perennial favourites: Opt for oregano and thyme for long-lasting, perennial herbs.
• Small pots: Cilantro and basil plants are ideal for growing in individual pots with good drainage.
• Aromatic choices: For a fragrant backyard garden, include tender herbs such as dill and lemon balm.

Which Herbs Grow Best Together in Containers?

At times, your preferred theme for cultivating herbs may be restricted by the absence of a sunny spot or the challenge of blending water-loving herbs with those that thrive in drier conditions.

When space is limited, organising your herbs based on their growing needs becomes crucial for ensuring success.

Numerous herbs thrive in full sun, particularly those hailing from the Mediterranean region. Among them are:

• Basil
• Sage
• Oregano
• Rosemary
• Thyme
• Dill
• Fennel

Meanwhile, herbs that flourish in partial shade include (there’s some overlap here):

• Chives
• Thyme
• Tarragon
• Parsley
• Mint
• Cilantro/coriander
• Sorrel
• Chervil

You can also streamline your herb cultivation by grouping plants based on their water needs. Consider combining herbs that enjoy frequent watering in one pot and those that thrive in drier conditions in another.

Herbs flourishing in moist environments:

• Parsley
• Basil
• Arugula
• Mint
• Chives
• Chervil
• Cilantro

Herbs excelling in dry conditions:

• Tarragon
• Sage
• Bay Leaf
• Thyme
• Lavender
• Rosemary

Step 3: Use Quality Potting Mix – Container Herb Garden

Ensuring your herb plants thrive in a container garden begins with selecting the right soil.

This solid foundation is vital for good drainage, nutrient content, and overall plant health.

Soil Composition

Your soil choice should closely simulate the natural soil environment where herbs flourish.

For example, perennial herbs, as well as annual and tender herbs, typically require a potting mix that is rich in organic matter yet still allows for air and water movement.

These ingredients provide a nutrient-rich environment, support root growth, and help to retain moisture without becoming waterlogged.

Personally, I prefer to use Miracle-Gro’s household potting mix because it’s light and drains well and provides an optimum balance of air and water for strong roots and healthier plants.

Drainage Solutions

Good drainage is another key factor in a container herb garden to prevent root rot and other waterlogged conditions that can kill delicate herb roots.

Using terracotta pots can complement your potting mix as they are porous and allow for better air movement around the roots.

Remember, even the best drainage solutions require the right type of container; always choose pots with holes at the bottom.

Positioning for Optimal Growth

Once you have the right potting mix and your container herbs are planted, position your pots where they’ll receive adequate sunlight.

The natural home for many herbs is a sunny climate, so placing your pots of herbs in a spot that receives at least six to eight hours of sunlight a day is a good idea for your container herb garden.

Just make sure that you tailor the sunlight quantity to your herb because not all herbs need the same amount of sun.

Step 4: Planting your Herbs – Container Herb Garden

Preparing the Soil and Pots

When you’re ready to plant your herb plants, start by filling your pots with the potting mix you’ve carefully chosen.

This ensures that your own herbs have the good soil they need to thrive.

If you’re planting Mediterranean herbs or other types that prefer less moist soil, consider mixing in some sand for better drainage.

Planting Your Herb Seedlings in Your Container Garden

It’s now time to plant your chosen culinary herbs or perennial herbs. Here’s how:

1. Take your small pots or herb planters and fill them with the prepared soil mix, leaving some space at the top.
2. Gently remove each herb seedling from its nursery pot, loosening the roots if they’re bound.
3. Dig a small hole in the soil of your new pot, place one kind of herb into each, and fill in around it with more soil.
4. Pat the soil down to remove air pockets and water the herbs modestly.

Remember, annual herbs like basil might need replanting each year, whereas perennial herbs will come back.

Place your pots of herbs in your chosen sunny spot and keep an eye on their water needs. Each type of herb might have different requirements, so be sure to check the specifics for your favourite herbs.

By following these steps, your journey to complete container herb gardening for a more natural home or backyard garden is well underway!

Now onto maintenance…

Step 5: Watering Techniques – Container Herb Garden

Proper Moisture Levels

Maintaining the right moisture levels is critical for the success of your container herb garden. 

Herb plants in small pots can dry out faster than those in the garden soil.

So, when watering, ensure that the water reaches the bottom of the pots to encourage deep root growth. Use your finger to check the top inch of soil, and if it feels dry, it’s time to water.

Choosing the Right Container

The type of container you choose can significantly affect how often your herbs need watering.

Containers made from terracotta are porous and allow for air circulation, but they may require more frequent watering.

Meanwhile, plastic containers can retain moisture longer, making them a good idea for thirsty herb plants.

Regardless of material, always ensure your pots have good drainage to prevent root rot.

Watering Recommendations by Herb Type

For best results, water your container herbs in the morning to reduce evaporation and allow foliage to dry before the cooler evening, minimising disease risk.

Remember, overwatering is as detrimental as under-watering, so knowing the watering needs of your favourite herbs is key.

Step 6: Refreshing Soil and Nutrients – Container Herb Garden

In step six of creating your container herb garden, prioritise maintaining the fertility of the soil to ensure your herbs continue to thrive.

This is essential for both perennial and annual herbs which deplete nutrients from the soil over time.

Pest Management

Your herb plants may become susceptible to pests, especially if grown in the same soil for extended periods.

Employ good pest management practices to protect the natural beauty of your potted herbs.

Regularly check your plants for signs of infestation. Simple methods like spraying a mixture of water and neem oil can help keep pests at bay without the need for harsh chemicals.

Nutrient Replenishment

As time passes, the potting mix in your herb containers will gradually lose essential nutrients. To maintain vibrant and productive herbs, add organic compost or a homemade fertiliser to provide your favourite herbs with the nutrients they need.

Specifically, Mediterranean herbs such as rosemary or thyme thrive on nutrient-rich, well-drained soil found in terracotta pots.

Soil Structure Preservation

Good drainage is crucial in a herb container garden to prevent waterlogging, which can be detrimental to plants.

Assess your herb planters annually and replenish or amend the soil as necessary to maintain structure and drainage.

Step 7: Pruning and Harvesting – Container Herb Garden

Understanding Pruning Techniques

Pruning your herb plants is critical for promoting growth and ensuring the continuous production of fresh foliage.

To prune properly, identify the leaf nodes on each stem and cut just above these points. This will encourage the plant to branch out and become fuller.

For perennial herbs, this is especially important in early spring to prepare for the new growing season.

Harvesting Your Favourite Herbs

When harvesting your own herbs from a container herb garden, always pick the leaves from the top third of the plant to avoid over-harvesting.

For annual herbs, feel free to harvest up to 50-75% of the plant as these will typically only last one season.

Remember that tender herbs like basil should be picked frequently to prevent the plants from flowering, which reduces their flavour.

Step 8: Seasonal Maintenance – Container Herb Garden

Ensuring your herb container garden thrives all year round involves specific care during different seasons and planning ahead for a continuous supply. Seasonal maintenance is vital for protecting herb plants and extending the harvest period.

Winterising Your Herb Garden

Tender herbs in your container garden need protection as temperatures drop.

Mediterranean herbs, such as rosemary and thyme, and other perennial herbs should be shielded from frost.

One approach is to move pots of herbs indoors to a sunny windowsill.

For a sturdy planter that is too large to move, consider wrapping it in burlap or hessian to provide insulation. Always ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can be fatal in cold conditions.

Planning for Year-Round Harvest

To maintain a continuous supply of your favorite herbs, plan annual herbs in cycles so fresh growth takes place throughout the seasons.

Culinary herbs like basil plants can be started indoors before the last frost and moved to terracotta pots once it’s warm enough.

It’s a good idea to keep some herb seeds on hand to sow directly into individual pots or integrate into your backyard garden when conditions improve.

Using plastic containers can help manage temperatures better, as they don’t warm up or cool down as quickly as other types of containers.

Container Herb Garden – Final Thoughts

By following these strategies, you’ll be able to keep your own herb garden not just surviving, but flourishing whatever the weather outside!

Choosing the best containers is essential – this means terracotta pots with sufficient holes to protect your herb plants from waterlogging. Small pots or even larger containers can work, as long as they offer good drainage.

For those in urban areas, integrating a collection of potted herbs into your living space can bring a touch of traditional gardening to the smallest of balconies.

Consider perennial herbs as your green companions for they return each year, reducing the need to repurchase plants. Basil plants, Mediterranean herbs, and other tender herbs will flourish when positioned in a sunny spot.

Most of all enjoy your herb garden. From pasta to salad, a herb garden is a great idea for growing a range of herbs at your fingertips to add flavour to your food!