Container Herb Garden

It's easy to grow basil in a container herb garden and container gardening is a great way to get started if you have never grown herbs before.

Whether you live in an apartment with just a small balcony, or you have a sprawling back yard, a patio herb garden is wonderful addition to your outdoor space. Growing your herbs in pots allows you to place them where they will be most conveniently located. Imagine being able to step out your back door and snip some fresh basil for that caprese salad you are making. Trust me, there is nothing better!

Decorative pots also allow you to add some of your own personality to your container herb garden. If you are crafty, you can paint your own pots. Maybe you could make it a family activity and get your kids involved. What a way to save their artwork!

Use several different pots, one for each herb you want to grow, or use one big pot and plant several different herbs together. The possibilities really are endless.

The Perfect Pot

• It is stackable, so it doesn't have a big footprint. It takes up less space.

• Each level holds three different plants, so you can plant a larger variety of herbs in a small space.

• It can be hung or placed on a countertop or windowsill, so you have options regarding where to put it.

• It can be used indoors or outdoors, so if you have a backyard, porch or patio, you can move it outside in the warmer months and bring it in for the winter, which means that you can have fresh herbs all year long.

Container Gardening Tips

When you are growing herbs in a container, there are some things that you will need to do a little differently than if your herbs were planted in a garden bed. Here are some things to keep in mind.

• Check the size of your pot. Be sure that your pot is the right size for the number of plantings you will put in it. Follow the spacing recommendations on the marker that comes with the herbs you purchase. It is recommended to plant basil seedlings about 6 inches apart.

• Use the right planting medium. You always want to use good quality potting soil when you are going to be planting in containers. Potting soil is specially formulated for use in pots. You will not have as much luck if you try to use garden soil in your pots.

• Allow for proper drainage. Container herb gardens need a way for excess moisture to escape. Be sure that your pots have drainage holes in the bottom. If not, use a drill to add some. I also like to place a layer of small rocks on the bottom of the pot before adding my potting soil. This helps prevent the soil from falling out the drainage holes and it also prevents the soil from sitting in a puddle of water that might be underneath the pot.

• Check before you water. Herbs planted in a container can be a little difficult when it comes to maintaining a consistent moisture level. Try to water your potted herb garden in a consistent basis, but always check the soil moisture before adding new water. The soil should feel slightly damp, not dry and not soggy. You are looking for a nice consistent moisture level. Some herbs may absorb water at different rates. You may find that you have to water some more frequently than others.

• Check sun exposure. Basil loves the sun, but not all herbs will agree. With a container garden, you have the added convenience of being able to move your pots around as needed. If your basil needs more sun, just move the pot to a sunnier location. If another herb wants a little shade, move the pot to the shade. It's a good idea to put larger, heavy pots on a 4-wheeled planter dolly.

To find out more details about designing a container garden, check out Flower Garden Lover.