Container Herbs (outdoor)

The Container Herb Garden 

There are many reasons to grow fresh herbs. Herbs enhance the flavor of your favorite dishes, their visual appeal renders them the perfect garnish, and they are high in nutritional value. There are just as many reasons to grow herbs in containers! Containers make herbs easily accessible to the kitchen and grill, they allow you to plant herbs with similar cultural requirements together, and herbs are ornamental, adding edible beauty to a porch, patio, deck, or even a fire escape.

Selecting Herbs

Selecting herbs to grow in containers should not be difficult. Remember, if it can be grown in the ground, it can be grown in a container.

We recommend choosing which herbs you are most likely to use in the dishes that you create. The top ten most popular herbs are:

1. Basil
   Used in Italian and Asian cuisine, fresh basil is loaded with antioxidants, vitamins K, A, and minerals. Grow basil in full sun in moist, well-drained soil.
2. Bay Leaf
   Most often used in soups and stews, bay leaf is a great source of vitamin A, B6, and C. Grow bay leaf in full to part sun in well-drained soil.
3. Cilantro
   Frequently used in Caribbean, Asian, and Mexican dishes, cilantro is rich in vitamin A, C, & K, as well as being antioxidant rich. Grow cilantro in full sun to part shade in moist, well-drained soil.
4. Dill
   Used in dips, soups, salads, and fish, dill is loaded with flavonoids that are known to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Grow dill in full sun to part sun in moist, well-drained soil.
5. Mint
   Used in salads, sauces, teas, cocktails, desserts, and more, mint is rich in C, D, E, & A vitamins, boosting the body’s immune system, protecting cells, and soothing stomach upsets. Mint is grown in full sun to part shade in moist, well-drained soil. All mints are aggressive growers and should only be grown in containers to control their spread.
6. Oregano
   Used in Greek, Italian, and Spanish cuisine, oregano is full of antioxidants, vitamin K, E, & iron and possesses excellent infection fighting properties. Oregano should be grown in a full sun location in well-drained soil.
7. Parsley
   Parsley is used as a palate cleanser, garnish, and seasoning in sauces and salads. Both flat leaf and curly parsley are rich in vitamins A, C, K, and antioxidants. Parsley is best grown in a full sun to part shade location in nutritious, moist, well-drained soil.
8. Rosemary
   Used primarily in Mediterranean and Italian dishes, studies conclude that rosemary has strong antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. Rosemary prefers growing in full sun and in loamy, well-drained soil. Allow soil to dry slightly between watering.
9. Sage
   Perfect used in poultry, pork and sausage dishes and frequently used in stuffing, and sauces, sage, high in vitamin K and important minerals, is known to support brain function and lower bad cholesterol. Grow sage in well-drained, loamy soil. Allow soil to dry slightly between watering.
10. Thyme
    Frequently used in sauces, soups, and meat dishes, thyme brings helpful nutrients to the table like vitamin A, C, copper, iron, and manganese. Thyme essential oil is used as a mood booster and to reduce blood pressure. Thyme loves the heat. Give it full sun and very well-drained soil. Thyme can take dry conditions.

Selecting Containers

As long as the container is well-draining, just about any container may be used for growing herbs. Lower growing herbs, like cilantro, oregano, parsley, sage, and thyme, work well in a hanging basket, planted in a strawberry jar, or set toward the front of a window box. Taller growing herbs, like basil, bay leaf, dill, and upright varieties of rosemary, may be planted in their own containers, grouped in a whiskey barrel, or placed toward the back of the window box. Terracotta pots and coco-lined containers are the perfect choice for herbs that require excellent drainage and dryer conditions like rosemary, sage, oregano, and thyme.

Selecting Soil and Fertilizer

Never use garden soil to fill your herb containers. Garden soil is heavy and does not drain well. Instead, use our Master Nursery® Bumper Crop® Potting Soil [Eastern & Midwestern Regions | Western Region]. This potting soil is a premium blend of organic ingredients that are perfectly balanced for both water-holding capabilities and drainage and offers a lightweight alternative to other planting soils. In addition, it boasts high-quality, organic ingredients to help your herbs to flourish.

Keep in mind that herbs are not heavy feeders. Add Master Nursery® Bumper Crop® All Purpose Food at planting time and then again every 6 weeks during the growing season. This exceptional blend of natural ingredients is perfectly formulated for the organic growing of herbs as well as all other container plants and gardens.

Trying to find our Bumper Crop® products? Use our handy store locator: https://www.bumpercrop.com/store-locator/

Selecting a Location

Place your herb containers where they are easily accessible to both the kitchen and grill, the spaces where you will use them most often. Make sure that you select a sunny location for vigorous, strong, and healthy plant growth, and clip your herbs frequently to keep them producing and looking their best.

Growing in containers is a simple and convenient alternative to traditional herb gardening, ensuing that fresh herbs are close by whenever you decide to whip up a delicious dish.