Growing Herbs In Containers

Growing herbs in containers can be a great way to have fresh herbs available all year long. Growing herbs is easy and requires no more work than any other house plant but gives much more reward. Fresh herbs can be used in cooking, or as an herbal remedy in teas and homemade elixirs and topical medications. You can use containers inside or outside and growing herbs in containers can be quite convenient if you live in a colder climate as you can take the herbs inside for the winter.

Location, Location, Location

Herbs thrive in the sun, so you'll want to place your indoor herbs in a sunny window or use a grow light. Growing herbs in containers can add to your décor as well if you pick planters and pots that enhance your kitchen theme. If you use a bit of imagination, you can have a really cute display that is functional as well as decorative. Outdoor container herbs can be placed in any spot where they will get at least 6 hours of direct light.

Containers and Soil

Choose pots that are large enough to support the herb when it is grown. Any material will do - wood, clay, plastic. Make sure there is one or more drainage holes in the bottom. Use a coarse textured potting mix - you can use the same mix you would use for any other plants. For outdoors, plot out a garden plan and use growing herbs in containers to enhance the plan - place the herbs in strategic spots so that you can benefit from the beautiful foliage and heady aroma of the plants and use containers that enhance your garden or landscape.

Feeding and Watering

While growing herbs in containers is quite easy, you will have to follow some simple rules when it comes to fertilizer and water. The soil in containers can dry out pretty easy, especially in summer so you'll have to keep a close eye on the moisture in the pots. Don't over water but don't let it dry out too much. Make sure you have good drainage. Since watering leaches the nutrients out of the soil, you will need to fertilize the herbs once or twice a year. Do not over fertilize, however as this will tend to reduce the flavor and potency of the herb. Use a regular fertilizer at half strength.

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