Grow a Kitchen Herb Garden in Pots
Basil, parsley, thyme and mint thrive in containers on a sunny step or balcony. Here is how to keep them productive.
Choose your herbs
Start with the herbs you cook with most. Basil, parsley, chives, mint and thyme are easy and productive. Group Mediterranean herbs like thyme, rosemary and lavender together, as they like drier soil than leafy herbs.
Containers and soil
Use pots at least eight inches wide with drainage holes and a quality potting mix. Fabric grow bags breathe well and help prevent overwatering. Keep mint in its own pot, since it spreads aggressively.
Quick tips
- Six or more hours of sun
- Water when the top inch is dry
- Feed lightly every few weeks
Harvest to keep them growing
Regular harvesting makes herbs bushier. Pinch basil just above a pair of leaves and remove flower buds to keep leaves coming. Never cut more than a third of a plant at once.
