Growing Herbs in Outdoor Containers

Growing herbs in pots brings fresh flavors within reach for any gardener, no matter the size of your yard. Container-grown herbs offer more than just a tasty addition to your meals; many release beautiful fragrances, especially when you brush by their leaves while they’re basking in the sun.

There are many benefits to starting a container herb garden:

• Portability: Containers can be placed wherever you have a sunny spot, like a patio, deck, or doorstep. 
• Space-Saving: Growing herbs in containers is perfect for areas that don't have enough soil for a traditional garden.
• Cost-Effective: Growing your own herbs is a low-cost alternative to buying expensive bunches from the supermarket.
• Quicker Harvests: When you start with young plants, such as those from Bonnie Plants, you get to enjoy your harvest much faster than starting from seeds.

Here’s what you need to know to get started.

Find the sun. 

Most herbs thrive in locations that receive 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight. However, some herbs like parsley, mint, and thyme can grow well in partial shade. If you live in a very warm region, like the deep south or southwest, your herbs will appreciate some shade during the hot afternoon hours. Always check the plant tag for specific light requirements.

Since pots are portable, it’s easy to ensure your herbs get the right amount of light. If your plants look thin and weak, they may need more sun. If they are turning brown and seem to dry out too quickly, try moving them to a spot with less intense afternoon sun. 

Pick the Right Pots. 

Your containers need to be large enough to hold the herb's root system and keep the plant upright. A good rule of thumb is to select a pot that is at least one-third as tall as the herb's expected final height, which you can find on the plant tag. For example, a basil variety that grows to 18 inches tall should be in a pot that is at least 6 inches high. For larger herbs like lemongrass or pineapple sage, a bigger pot is always better. Ensure every pot has drainage holes so excess water can drain away from the roots.

When planting several herbs in the same container, bigger is always better when selecting a container. This ensures that the roots will have plenty of room to grow.

• For a small group of 2-3 herbs: Choose a pot that is at least 12 inches in diameter (approximately a 5-gallon container).
• For a larger grouping of 3-5 herbs: Look for a pot that is 16 to 18 inches in diameter or larger (a 10 to 15-gallon container), like a half-whiskey barrel.

Regardless of diameter, ensure your container is at least 8-10 inches deep to provide adequate space for healthy root development.

Use the Right Kind of Soil. 

For container-grown herbs, always use a premium bagged potting mix. Garden and raised bed soils are too heavy for pots and can become compacted, which restricts drainage and prevents air from reaching the plant's roots. Potting mixes, however, are lightweight and specifically formulated to provide the aeration and water movement needed for healthy root growth. If you're reusing last season's potting mix, be sure to refresh it by mixing in fresh mix to restore nutrients and improve its structure and water retention.

For a nutrient-rich container option, fill your outdoor containers with Miracle-Gro Organic™ Outdoor Potting Mix. It is enriched with compost and includes fertilizer that feeds plants for up to two months. 

Herb Pairings for Containers.

When planting multiple herbs in one pot, the key is to group them by their needs. For healthy and harmonious growth, choose herbs that thrive in similar amounts of sun and have the same watering requirements. Here are some classic groupings that work well in containers:

1. The Sun-Lovers (Mediterranean Herbs): These herbs flourish in full sun and prefer their soil to dry out between waterings. Their flavors are iconic in Mediterranean cuisine, and they make a perfect, drought-tolerant combination. A great trio is rosemary (for height), sage (for fullness), and a creeping thyme to spill over the edge.

2. The Moisture-Lovers: These herbs prefer consistently moist soil and can tolerate some light afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates. Try planting basil, parsley, and chives together for a versatile culinary pot.

3. The Lemon-Scented Pot: These herbs are perfect for adding a lemon twist to teas, cocktails, and fish dishes, and their aroma is wonderful on a patio. Plant tall lemon verbena in the center, bushy lemon balm to fill in around it, and low-growing lemon thyme near the edge to trail over the side.

Water Regularly. 

Keep your container herbs near a water source to make watering easy. A drip irrigation system designed for pots is another convenient option that lets you water all your containers at once by simply turning on the faucet.

For most herbs, water them whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Be careful not to overwater, as some herbs—like rosemary, lavender, oregano, and thyme—do not like to have constantly wet roots. Too much water and constantly soggy soil can lead to root rot. Always refer to the plant tag for specific watering needs.

Feed your Herbs. 

The best way to ensure a plentiful harvest of tasty leaves is to combine the benefits of great soil with a quality plant food. About a month after planting, start feeding your herbs. For a granular, continuous release option use Miracle-Gro Organic™ All Purpose Plant Food, or for a feed-while-you-water option, use Miracle-Gro Organic™ Plant Food (always follow label directions). Using Miracle-Gro Organic™ soil and plant food together helps your herb containers thrive.

Harvest Wisely. 

Picking herbs often encourages the plant to produce new growth. The best way to harvest depends on how the herb grows.

• Clump-Forming Herbs: Herbs like chives, parsley, cilantro, and lemongrass grow in clumps or mounds. Harvest these by picking the outer leaves first and working your way toward the center.
• Upright-Growing Herbs: Herbs that grow tall and straight, such as basil, mint, oregano, and stevia, should be harvested by snipping individual branches. You can also pinch off the top growing tips to encourage the plant to grow bushier, which means more leaves to harvest. 

Keep an Eye out for Flowers. 

While the flowers of edible herbs are also edible, their appearance can signal a change in the plant. For many herbs like basil, mint, and stevia, the flavor of the leaves can become less desirable once the plant begins to flower. It's best to remove these blossoms as soon as you see them. On the other hand, the flowers of herbs like chives and pineapple sage are a wonderful addition to salads.

Herbs are particularly rewarding plants, adding pleasant aromas to your garden and fresh flavors to your kitchen. Get started with your own outdoor container herb garden today! 

Want to learn how to grow herbs indoors in containers? Find everything you need to know in our article: How to Grow Herbs Indoors.