The Joys Of Herbal Container Gardening
Herb container gardens have become very popular for several reasons. Not only is it convenient in order to just go out the door and select a handful of fresh, thriving herbs from a garden within your own front yard, but you can also grow virtually any kind of herb inside a container as well. If you’re new to container gardening or just want to try something different with your garden, herb container gardening is a great way to do it.
The first thing to know about herb container gardening is that it doesn’t require a lot of space. Even a small pot or a one foot tall container will provide plenty of room for you to plant your favorite herbs. If you’re looking for a container filled with healthy, beautiful plants, don’t worry too much about space – just get a container that will allow you to see what you’re growing and make sure it has enough room for your herbs to grow. You may need to buy some pots or planters that have at least three or four feet of depth for maximum light and water distribution.
Another thing to keep in mind is how to avoid having problems with soil. Most people worry about poor quality soil when they’re growing plants in pots, but this is really not the case. Herbs prefer good, rich soil. Just like regular garden soil, container potting soil needs good, deep drainage. Most modern pots have drainage holes at the bottom so you can ensure proper drainage and no standing water in your containers.
When it comes to container gardens, mint is one of the most popular choices. It’s extremely easy to grow, and there are literally hundreds of varieties that you can try. Just use your favorite perennial herb like Rosemary, basil, or marjoram, and then plant sage in an attractive container garden. Like Rosemary, mint will also grow into a perennial if you keep the roots carefully cut off.
If you’re looking for a perennial herb with a colorful leaves, mint is a great choice. You can plant basil, too, and have beautiful flowers throughout the garden. Some varieties of basil require a lot of water, and others grow on the shady side of plants. You can also plant mint in a pot covered in perlite for even greater shade.
Sunlight is essential for most herbs. While some herbs like basil, parsley, and dill can take a lot of sun, other herbs like marjoram, sage, chives, and tarragon won’t be as successful if planted in a sunny location. You may need to buy special potting soil that is specifically designed for sunlight-loving herbs. If you plant your herbs in full sun, be sure to move them periodically to ensure proper lighting.
In your planting area, find a place that has partial sun all year round. Be sure to check the soil for moisture at least twice a week during the growing season. Perennials like parsley should be divided frequently to ensure a new, full growth. When you’re Parsley growing in the garden, you’ll probably notice that new growth appears to shoot up in the wintertime, while the older foliage goes down. This process of division is necessary to allow new shoots to take root quickly. On sunny days, simply pull some of the older foliage off the branches and hang it on a wire frame or stake to get new growth.
Herb containers are ideal for container gardening because they can be moved with ease. Herbs will also be healthier in pots because water is less likely to accumulate in a small container. Keep your plants watered while you plan their container gardens, but remove the containers as soon as they are finished growing. Planting herbs in the spring is also easier if you dig the pots just before the ground has started to frost. You can keep container herb plants in the same spot all winter but transplant them in the fall when temperatures have started to drop.