Growing Herbs in Containers Guide
- Pepperpot Nursery
- Aug 5
- 6 min read
For Healthy Growth and Fresh Flavour
Few gardening pleasures compare to snipping fresh parsley, rosemary, or thyme just steps from your kitchen. Growing herbs in containers makes this not only possible but remarkably easy, even if you have only a small balcony or patio to work with.
From pots on windowsills to troughs on terraces, container herb gardening puts aromatic, edible greenery within reach of anyone, regardless of your space and experience. In this guide, we’ll explore why growing herbs in containers is a brilliant idea, how to get started with planting herbs in containers, and the secrets to keeping your herb garden thriving throughout the seasons.
Growing Herbs in Containers Guide. Jump to:
1. Why Container Herb Gardening is Ideal for Every Home.
You don’t need a huge garden or a dedicated greenhouse to grow flavour-packed herbs. In fact, many herbs prefer the cosy confines of a pot or planter. Here are the main reasons more and more people opt for container herb cultivation:
Flexibility and Portability
Containers can go wherever you need them to be – sun-drenched spots in summer, sheltered corners in winter. You can move herbs indoors during harsh weather or shift them closer to your kitchen when you’re cooking more often.
Perfect for Small Spaces
Urban gardening is thriving, and growing herbs in containers is a perfect fit for city life. A few pots on a balcony or windowsill can yield a surprising amount of fresh produce.
Easier Pest and Weed Control
Raised off the ground, potted herbs are less prone to slug invasions and many common garden pests. Weeds are also rare in containers, making maintenance a breeze.
Control Over Soil and Drainage
If your garden soil is heavy clay or too sandy, containers allow you to create the perfect growing medium tailored to each herb.
2. Best Herbs for Growing in Containers.
Some herbs take naturally to pots better than others. If you're just starting out, these reliable performers are ideal:
Loves warmth and sunshine; great for summer pots.
Compact and drought-resistant; perfect for small terracotta pots.
Vigorous grower; best kept in containers to prevent spreading.
Thrives in semi-shade; ideal for windowsills.
Likes dry conditions; grows well in larger pots.
Hardy and easy to manage; also attractive when in flower.
Robust and evergreen, its soft, silvery leaves add beauty to pots.
Quick to grow and handy for frequent use in cooking
3. Container Herb Pairings.
When growing herbs in containers, thoughtful pairings can make all the difference – both in how well the plants thrive and how easily they slot into your cooking routine. Matching herbs with similar light, water, and soil needs keeps them happy in the same pot, while placing containers on a sunny windowsill brings convenience and fresh flavour right into your kitchen.
Mediterranean Companions for Sunny Spots
Some herbs naturally thrive in the same kind of conditions and look beautiful when grown together. Mediterranean herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and sage are perfect partners. They all prefer full sun, well-drained soil, and minimal watering once established.
These herbs won’t just flourish in a shared container, but they’ll also give you a go-to combination for roasting vegetables, seasoning meats, or infusing oils. A terracotta pot on a bright windowsill or south-facing balcony is ideal for this trio, as the material helps prevent overwatering and keeps roots warm.
Moisture-Loving Culinary Herbs
If you have a shady windowsill or an indoor shelf with indirect light, softer herbs like basil, parsley, and chives will grow well together. These herbs appreciate slightly richer compost and more regular watering, especially during the warmer months.
Their similar care needs make them excellent companions in a wider container. Best of all, they’re some of the most frequently used herbs in everyday cooking – perfect for quick snipping when making soups, salads, or pasta dishes.
Contain the Spreaders
Mint has a reputation for being an intense grower. Its roots can quickly take over a shared container, so it’s usually best grown alone. However, if you have a larger container or a deep window box, lemon balm or lemon verbena can sometimes be grown alongside mint plants, provided it is managed carefully with regular pruning.
Keep them on a cool kitchen windowsill where they won’t get too much direct sun, and you’ll have a refreshing trio perfect for teas, desserts, and cooling summer drinks.
Decorative and Useful Combos
Some herbs aren’t just useful, they’re attractive too. Pairing purple basil with russetting thyme or variegated sage with flat-leaf parsley creates a visually appealing container that’s as decorative as it is edible.
These combinations work beautifully in small pots placed on a kitchen windowsill or near the back door. Not only do they add texture and colour to your space, but they also offer a quick burst of greenery that lifts the look of any windowsill garden.
Keep Their Needs in Mind
The key to successful herb pairings in containers lies in understanding what each plant prefers. Combining herbs simply because they look good together doesn’t always work if their growing conditions differ.
For instance, grouping rosemary (which likes drier soil) with parsley (which prefers more moisture) often leads to one struggling while the other thrives. Instead, aim for harmony in the pot and the kitchen. When herbs share similar needs, you’ll spend less time adjusting their care and more time enjoying them in your favourite recipes.
4. Planting Herbs in Containers.
Now, you are equipped with the knowledge of which herbs are best kept in containers and which herb container pairings thrive the most, so we can have a look at the planting process. You won't require specialist tools or years of gardening knowledge. With a few essentials and a bit of know-how, you can have a thriving herb garden in no time.
4.1. Choose the Right Containers.
Size matters. Small herbs, such as thyme or chives, will thrive in pots 15-20cm wide. Larger herbs, like rosemary, require at least 30cm. Choose containers with good drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Consider using terracotta for Mediterranean herbs, as it helps the soil dry out between waterings.
4.2. Use the Best Potting Mix.
A well-draining mix is key. Combine multi-purpose compost with added grit or perlite for airflow. Avoid using garden soil directly; it can compact and doesn’t drain well in pots. For Mediterranean herbs like sage, rosemary, and thyme, add extra sand or grit.
4.3. Positioning is Crucial.
Most herbs need at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. A south-facing windowsill or a sunny balcony is ideal. If that’s not available, try growing shade-tolerant herbs like parsley, chervil, or mint.
4.4. Water Wisely.
Container herbs dry out faster than those in the ground. Water when the top 2-3cm of soil feels dry. It’s better to water deeply and less often than to give them a light sprinkle every day. Basil, mint, and coriander like more moisture, while rosemary and thyme prefer drier conditions.
4.5. Feed for Flavour.
Feeding isn’t strictly necessary, but it can give your herbs a boost. Use an organic liquid feed every few weeks during the growing season. Avoid overfeeding; you want flavourful leaves, not leggy growth.
5. Growing Herbs in Containers. Summary.
Growing herbs in containers is more than just a gardening trend; it’s a lifestyle upgrade. It saves money, reduces waste, and adds vibrant flavour to everyday meals. Whether you’re new to gardening or simply want to make better use of your space, planting herbs in containers is a satisfying and sustainable way to connect with nature.
With just a few pots, some good compost, and a sunny spot, you can start your herb-filled haven. So, pick up a few young plants from Pepperpot Herb Plants, roll up your sleeves, and get growing today.
FAQs About Growing Herbs in Containers
1. How often should I water herbs in containers?
It depends on the herb and the weather. In warm conditions, most herbs need watering every day. Let the top of the soil dry out slightly before watering again.
2. Can I grow herbs indoors all year round?
Yes, especially herbs like basil, mint, parsley, and chives. Use a sunny windowsill or supplement with a grow light during winter.
3. Is it better to grow herbs from seed or young plants?
It goes without saying that you will find more success with young plants.
4. What’s the difference between annual and perennial herbs in containers?
Annual herbs, such as basil and coriander, complete their life cycle in one season, while perennial herbs, like rosemary, thyme, and sage, can live for several years. Perennials often do better in larger, deeper containers for long-term health.
5. Should I prune herbs growing in containers?
Regular pruning encourages bushier growth and prevents herbs from becoming leggy or woody. Always cut just above a leaf node to stimulate new shoots.
Can I mix edible flowers with herbs in the same container?
Yes, as long as their needs align. Edible flowers, such as nasturtiums and calendula, can be grown in the same pot as herbs like basil or chives, adding both beauty and flavour to your kitchen garden.
