Tomato Facts

I like to grow my herbs in strawberry pots (those adorable terra cotta pots that have a lot of openings in the sides) because I can raise a number of herbs in one container. With the right arrangement, cascading vines, long spikes, spindly and bushy herbs can all survive together in the strawberry pot. These containers do tend to dry out quickly, so try to plant only your drought tolerant plants in them.

In this case size does matter. A container that is too little can restrict your herb, eventually causing it to die. The nutrients often settle in the bottom of the container, and if it the container is too big the young roots will not be able to reach them.

I don’t recommend plastic containers, simply because they do not allow the dirt to breathe the way that a terra cotta container does. Even though I do not use plastic pots, I do use a lot of different shapes, sizes and colors to add something special to my porch.

After you have selected your pots, it is a nice thought to add compost to the potting soil before you add your herb plants. Now I make my own compost, but you can pick-up compost at a greenhouse or home improvement store. Another thing I love to do is add just a little sand to each pot.

Some nice choices for herb plants to raise in pots are:

• Dill: With dill, you can’t go wrong. It’s without a doubt one of the best choices for an easy plant. Starting with seeds is a fantastic way to begin your dill, and it self-seeds so it will do all the work for the rest of the growing season. Use a well-drained container and put it so that your dill herb will get full sunlight. Dill is also gratifying in that you can harvest it soon after you plant it because it grows so fast. You can cut off the leaves, flowers and seedheads and use them right away, freeze them or dry them for the future.

• Garlic: You can start garlic in either spring or fall. Plant your garlic about two inches deep with the clove pointing up in well drained dirt and direct sunlight. Add some nice compost and water frequently. You’ll soon notice that the tops of your garlic are bending over which means that it’s ready to be harvested. Dig up the bulbs and cure them on a windowsill for about a week, or until the skin dries to the papery feel that you notice on store-bought garlic. Then you’re ready to enjoy!

• Lavender: Growing your own lavender herbs is wonderful, but do not start with seeds because you will be waiting forever. The best thing to do is begin with a little lavender plant which you can pick up at the local nursery. Use a pot with good drainage that allows for lots of mulching, but also allows plenty of room for the roots. This plant will do well in direct sun, so make sure to put it in the brightest spot on your porch. Use the dried blossoms in potpourri and sachets. I suggest you keep them everywhere (really).

• Yarrow: With all the colors that yarrow comes in the possibilities for beautiful dried floral arrangements and wreaths are endless. You can even use it in your lotions, soaps and shampoos. It really doesn’t matter if you select to start this herb with a young plant or with seeds. Unlike many herbs, yarrow is adaptable and therefore able to do well in moist earth as well as well-drained dirt. It can grow in full sun or in a semi-shady location. After it starts to blossom you can cut off the buds to be dried in a cool, dark place.

Good luck with your herb gardening. Be sure to let me know how your herb garden grows.

Here is more information on Herb Garden In Pots. Here is a website with a free mini-course dedicated to Herb Gardens.