What is the best way to create a potted herb garden?

Creating a herb garden in pots is a practical way to grow your own healthy herbs. What is your advice on creating and maintaining a potted herb garden?

- Yates -

What is the best way to create a potted herb garden?
1. First of all, choose a suitable pot. I find that self-watering pots are best as I don't have to worry as much with watering and I can't over-water them.



2. Choose a really good potting mix so that it is free from bugs and disease. I would also put in a slow release fertiliser as that will help to make it grow better and more healthy. You can add more fertiliser every fortnight, especially while they are young.



3. Put in those water crystals as they help to retain the mositure even more which is important with all these water restrictions.



4. Grab a packet of seeds or some live herbs and put them in at the right depth and make sure you space them correctly. The seed packet/plant wrapper should give you this information. This is important cos you don't want your herbs fighting for soil and water.



5. Position the pot in the right amount of sun, but make sure they don't get scorched in the summer. Also, don't let them dry out!



6. If you have pests like insects or animals like possums, put some netting/wire around it to keep them from being dug up. A good DIY solution is to use a few sticks and an orange bag from the grocery store, stretch out around it. An organic insecticide could be useful if you have insect problems. Give the herbs enough room so that bugs don't thrive in hidden areas.
Reply:Using the right pot is essential. It has to have drainage holes. I prefer the plastic ones because there the best at holding water. And you need to use compost and soil mixed together. Than just plant the seed or plant in the suggested depth and water and put it out in the sun.
Reply:buy one in a box ... no joke; 2 years ago at Christmas I received the famous Chi@ Pet brand herb garden: little pots, planting medium, little packets of seeds. By February of 2006 I was snipping little bits of parsley and thyme; by early spring I had great plants for the garden. Since then I use the same little plants for successive herbs; some of them go to the garden, others go to bigger pots and carry me through the winter months.



Sunny windows, evenly moist soil until the first true leaves appear; then they almost take care of themselves.



P.S. The window over the kitchen sink, if it has sun, is great for this project. The plants seem to enjoy the dishwashing and company every evening.
Reply:READ "HIGH TIMES" MAGAZINE..!!
Reply:Keep them close to your house so you can check on them regularly. If necessary put some chicken wire over them to stop pests and predators.

Small pots are best.
Reply:I would get containers that will fit up to four herbs in each. I would put herbs that require similar watering and heat together. Regular fertilizing is necessary as your containers dont have the capacity to hold nutrients for a long time. The reason I chose up to four herbs in each is that overcrowding will stunt growth or the dominating herb will take over. With four to a pot you can control both herbs and any weeds that pop up easily. The pot should be of a size that allows for some expansion of the plants.
Reply:I plant mine in hen or strawberry pots, They are the pts that have several holes around them, and I use miracle gro potting soil. They grow like crazy, this year I have so many I have to dry them!
Reply:I would recommend growing them in clay pots in a sunny location. Clay absorbs excess water and allows ventilation for the roots. Keep in mind that bigger pots retain more moisture, meaning you won't need to water them as much and the herbs can get bigger. It's fun to grow them from seeds, especially mint, parsley, and basil. Use a good potting soil and not dirt from your yard. Keep them moist, but not soggy. Be sure that you cut the herbs frequently or else they'll produce seeds.
Reply:in an old wheelbarrow at the back door
Reply:terracotta, GOOD potting mix, trimming, and a basic knowledge of plants that companion well together is the steps to success in a combo pot. as well as singular ones. If you cluster plants that do not like to be grown together near one another you may not be as successful in growing herbs in containers indoors. A sunny location and love of herbs is another integral ingredient. Herbs tend to them selves well but do well when well tended to. You spend more time in the trimming and enjoyment in the aromas they can emit, so love your herbs and they will reward you with good things.



Different herb may take different care, get 2 no ur herbs.