The Advantages of Growing Herbs in Pots
Article by Nicki Goff
Regardless of whether you plan on growing herbs in pots or in the garden, your herbs will require three main components to thrive well… sufficient water, enough light, and good loose soil. You can control all three elements quite easily when you plant in pots or containers.
The most important requirement is sunlight, as all plants need light for photosynthesis. So, if you plan to have an indoor, windowsill or balcony herb garden, choose a south or west facing window or balcony to place your potted herbs. If you do not have access to enough sunlight naturally, your plants will need supplemental light. High intensity grow lamps are your best bet, but fluorescent lamps will also do, providing you get the natural light tubes.
It is a good idea to put an inch or so of gravel or broken pottery in the bottom of your pots before you add the soil mixture. Since herbs will not tolerate soggy roots, this will allow the soil to have proper drainage. Use a good sterilized potting soil, with some perlite or sand added to keep the soil light and loose. Many herbs do better in a slightly alkaline soil, so adding a bit of lime can raise the pH.
We often don’t realize that our homes may lack humidity. To improve the humidity around your indoor herbs, get a metal or plastic tray and place a bed of gravel in it. Then add some water, place your plants on the gravel-filled tray, and you’ll have instant humidity just where it’s needed. Your plants will also love a weekly misting.
Your herbs will need watering only when the top inch or so of the soil is dry. You will also find that potted plants need a bit more attention than garden-grown ones, so check them frequently until you have determined how often they need watering. With many herbs, over-watering is much worse than under-watering.
Some of your herbs, especially the annuals like basil, can stay indoors all summer if you choose. However, all herbs will benefit from a summer outdoors, where they can thrive in true sunlight. Perennials, especially, grow better with an outdoor location.
When you grow herbs in pots, you have the freedom to move them easily from place to place. If you move your plants outdoors for the summer, be sure to move them back inside before frost, and at that time, inspect them for any insects that may be making a home in the soil or foliage.
By growing herbs in containers, you will enjoy having them nearby and readily accessible for cooking, without having to go to the garden to harvest them. Keep harvesting the tips of the foliage so new growth can flourish, and enjoy your healthy vigorous container herb garden.
