Organic container gardening is easy and gives good results as long as some
simple rules are followed. Mint, oregano, sage, thyme, marjoram, and basil are
ideal herbs for container gardening.
You can plant each herb in a separate terra cotta pot or plant a collection in a
long window box. You need to use containers that are food safe when choosing
pots for herbs. Some glossy or brightly colored pots are made with lead or other
materials that you won’t want in your food. Plastic pots are always safe, and
most plain terra cotta is safe. Containers that are not safe for food should
have a warning label, so it should be easy to find something decorative that
will not be harmful to you. Most herbs will do well in small pots or with three
or four plants in one long window box. Large plants, such as an old rosemary
bush, can be planted separately in larger containers.
It is preferable to plant only one variety per container. Different plants grow
at different times, different rates, and to different heights. Inevitably one
plant will take over the others or the foliage will be so mixed up you won't
know what you are cutting. Strawberry pots are the exception to this rule, just
don't plant a mint in one.
If you decide to mix herbs together in the same container, be careful not to
grow the more invasive herbs together with slow growing herbs like sage. Mint is
an example of an herb that should be grown in its own pot because it does
eventually take over the space thus preventing the other plant to develop
fully.
Popular herbs for use in cooking are flat leafed
parsley, thyme, oregano, rosemary, basil, chives, and sage.
All these herbs will grow well together in a large container 24 inches across
the top. Plant the rosemary in the middle because it is a taller plant and quite
hardy, then around the outside plant the other herbs. Of all the others herbs
basil is also quite tall and this could be put beside the rosemary in the
centre. All the other herbs grow to about 10 inches, and some will even spill
out over the side of the container.
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 as much water, or
"Mediterranean herbs," include chives, oregano, sage, rosemary, thyme, bay,
marjoram, and lavender.
Plant herbs with the same moisture needs together. For variety, try a tall,
medium, and cascading plant together in the same pot.
Plant moisture-loving herbs in plastic containers, which retain water, and put
Mediterranean herbs in terra cotta containers, which draw out water. Make sure
there are drainage holes at the bottom otherwise, plants can rot from sitting in
water.
When planting an herb pot, select a container that has at least a one gallon
capacity. If you don't have a gallon pot, use a milk jug or any gallon container
to measure your soil. Each plant will need its own gallon of soil. So, if you
plant several together, make sure they have enough space by measuring your soil.
Get a container that is at least 6-12 inches deep. You can plant multiple
herbs in a wide or long container or use at least a 6" pot for individual
plants.
Mint is also a very popular herb but it does tend to take over a pot so plant
it in a pot on its own.
Herbs ideally thrive in the ground, but with proper choices and the right
precautions, they can flourish in the indoor garden. They have to be positioned
inside the house where they can grow well.
You can combine herbs of different colors to create an atmosphere inside your
house. For example, you can get calendula or lemon thyme, herbs with sunny
colors for a brighter effect.
Let the herbs grow together. They can create a climate among them that will
further encourage their growth. They also create a fuller and healthier
appearance.
Limit the amount of herbs you will plant in a container. It should depend on
the size of your container. There should at least be an allowance of four inches
square in between each type of herb.
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