Container Herb Garden
Container growing is the most flexible way to grow culinary herbs. You do not need a yard, you can move plants to follow the sun or escape a frost, and you can tailor the soil to each plant's needs. Patios, balconies, decks, front stoops — anywhere that gets adequate sunlight can host a productive container herb garden.
Choosing Containers
Any container with drainage holes works. Terracotta pots are classic and breathe well but dry out quickly. Plastic retains moisture longer and is lighter. Glazed ceramic looks great and offers a middle ground. Fabric grow bags are inexpensive, promote excellent root aeration, and are easy to store when not in use.
Size matters more than material. Most herbs need at least a 10–12 inch diameter pot. Larger plants like rosemary, lemongrass, and curry leaves need 14–16 inch pots or larger. Turmeric and ginger benefit from wide, shallow containers (14+ inches).
Soil
Use a quality potting mix — not garden soil, which compacts and drains poorly in containers. A good general-purpose mix for container herbs is potting soil blended with about 25% perlite for drainage. See Soil Mix for Herbs for specific recipes by herb type.
Watering
Containers dry out faster than in-ground beds, especially in hot weather and wind. Check soil moisture daily. Water thoroughly until water runs from the drainage holes. Do not let pots sit in standing water — use pot feet or saucers that you empty after watering. Self-watering containers (with a built-in reservoir) are a useful option for thirsty herbs like basil and mint.
Fertilizing
Nutrients leach out of containers faster than from garden beds. Feed container herbs every 2–4 weeks during the growing season with a diluted liquid fertilizer (fish emulsion, seaweed extract, or a balanced organic liquid feed). Slow-release granular fertilizer mixed into the soil at planting time also works well.
Grouping and Arrangement
Group herbs with similar needs: drought-tolerant herbs (rosemary, sage, oregano) in one area, thirstier herbs (basil, cilantro, mint) in another. Place tall plants where they will not shade shorter ones. Clustering pots together creates a micro-climate that increases humidity — beneficial for tropical herbs like curry leaves and lemongrass.
Winter
Most container herbs can be brought indoors for the winter. Transition gradually over a week: move to a shaded outdoor spot, then a bright indoor spot. See Overwintering Herbs and Indoor Herb Garden for guidance on keeping herbs alive through the cold months.