one-pot herb garden

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Learn how to set up and grow a one-pot herb garden that you can use to supply your kitchen with delicious fresh herbs all in one container.

Garden containers work great for herbs, and they will help you make the most of the space you have, allowing you to grow what you love in more confined areas.

Practical tips for container gardening that you can use to set up an herb garden, perfect for adding fresh flavors to your meals right from your patio.

Growing your own herbs has never been easier with one-pot herb gardens. These compact gardens fit effortlessly indoors or out, bringing fresh flavors to your home.

With just a little prep and routine care, you can have your favorite herbs year-round, ready to use in your kitchen.

Nothing levels up a dish more than fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary, and with just one or two pots, you will have all you need.

How to Grow a One-Pot Herb Garden

Growing herbs in containers often gives better results than planting them in the ground, and with the right container and proper watering, you can plant and grow a thriving, flavorful garden that lasts for many months and even years.

#1. Choose the best Container

Choosing the right container is the first step and one you won’t want to skim over. The container you choose needs to be:

#1. The right size—You will want a container that gives enough room for your small plants to grow to full size without feeling crowded. This will limit having to transplant your garden into a bigger container.

#2. Easy to move—You’ll want to be sure you have a container you can move around after planting it. Too big will also mean too heavy and something to keep in mind as you may want to move your garden inside during the winter and back outside during the summer.

#3. Durable to last—Be sure to choose a container that will last so you can grow your garden for a year or even longer.

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Drainage Matters

Good drainage is key to growing strong, healthy plants. Choose containers made from porous materials like clay, cloth, or wood to promote better airflow and moisture control.

Ensure your container has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape so the roots do not sit in pools of water that may cause issues. If your container lacks drainage, you can add holes to the bottom using a hammer and a large nail—it’s a quick fix for healthier plants.

Want fresh veggies but don’t have space for a garden? Check out these Container Vegetable Garden Ideas and grow your own food anywhere, anytime.

We love Grow Bags!

Relatively new to the gardening industry are these grow bags, and each year, more sizes and options are hitting the market.

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I use larger throughout our garden beds because they allow me to grow vegetables in open spaces, keeping things close and convenient to my home.

They also have smaller bags that are perfect for growing herbs.

Container Size for Growing Herbs

Your container should be at least 12 inches in diameter and 8-10 inches deep. This will give enough space for several herbs to grow comfortably together.

Some herbs, like rosemary and lavender, have deeper root systems, while others, like thyme, are more shallow.

If you choose to mix different root systems in one container, go deeper in size to ensure all your plants grow well.

The amount of space you need inside the container depends on the plants you choose to grow, but the key is to give them enough space to breathe and not become overcrowded.

#2. Choose the best Location

Where you grow your herbs matters and with a few tips you can find the best location for growing outside and inside.

Growing an Outside Herb Garden

Weather plays a key role in choosing the perfect outdoor growing spot. Look for a location that gets 6-8 hours of sunlight each day and offers some shelter from strong winds to keep your plants healthy and protected.

Herb Garden Locations

1. A balcony
2. Windowsill
3. A table on a patio
4. A wide set of stairs – be sure to put the container off to one side so it doesn’t get kicked over.
5. An area on a back deck
6. Tucked in your flower bed

SLCG Pro Tip: Be aware of where you keep your herb gardens. Some spots might get too much sun or hard heavy winds, which can be too intense for the delicate nature of herbs.

If you find that the spot you chose initially is not working out, you can move your container to a better location. This is another benefit of growing in containers.

Growing an inside herb garden

Growing herbs indoors gives you more control over their environment, making it easier to help them thrive.

Select a spot that’s free from drafts and away from heat sources for the best results. If you have a sunny window, that will work well; if not, you can use artificial lighting.

Herb Garden Locations

1. A windowsill with plenty of sunshine
2. Near a south-facing window or patio door
3. On a kitchen counter near a window
4. In a well-lit room with natural light
5. A plant shelf or table with artificial lighting

SLCG Pro Tip: If you don’t have access to natural sunlight, you can use artificial grow lights to provide your herbs with the necessary light they need to thrive.

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Routine Care of Your One-Pot Herb Garden

Consistent care is key to keeping your potted herbs thriving and healthy.

#1. Sunlight/lighting

Outdoors

Herbs love sunlight, so look for a spot outside that receives about 6-8 hours a day.

Indoors

If you’re growing indoors, look for an area that gets plenty of sunshine throughout the day. If you don’t have one, be sure to set up a grow light to help give enough light for ample growth.

#2. Water

Containers need to be watered more often than in a traditional garden because they dry out faster due to limited soil, a porous container, and exposure to air and sunlight.

Since herbs do better in soil that is slightly damp rather than wet, consistent watering is essential.

A good rule to follow is to water when the top inch of the soil is dry.

There is a fine line to walk here; you want to be careful not to overwater because it can damage herb plants quickly and you will need to water frequently because container plants dry out more quickly than those planted in the ground.

Create a watering routine that you can stick with.

I like to check the soil each morning by sticking my finger into the soil of the container about 1/2″ deep to see if the soil is dry, damp, or wet.

• If it is dry, I can water.
• If it is wet, I can skip that plant and move on to the next one.

#3. Mulch

Mulching is ideal for outdoor gardening, offering plenty of benefits for your plants. It helps retain moisture, keeps the soil cool, and reduces weed growth.

You can use organic mulch like dried leaves, straw, or even freshly cut grass work well—I personally like using cut grass in my containers because the size is easier to work with.

#4. Fertilizing

Herbs are light feeders, so a half-strength fertilizer once a month is all you need. You can use a balanced liquid fertilizer. Be sure you are not over-fertilizing, as it can alter the flavor of the herbs.

Companion Planting

Not all herbs grow well together, and knowing what you can plant in one container will help you garden to be more successful.

Companion planting is a gardening technique that pairs plants together to encourage healthier and more vibrant growth.

When it comes to herbs, you will want to know which do well near each other and which will negatively affect growth.

Herbs That Make Great Companions in a Container Herb Garden

1. Basil and Parsley
   Both herbs do well in moist soil and enjoy lots of sunlight. Since they have similar care requirements, they are great companions.
2. Chives and Dill
   These herbs both like well-drained soil and consistent watering. Their compact growth also makes them perfect for small spaces.
3. Thyme and Oregano
   Both thrive in dry, sandy soil and full sun making them a good pair.
4. Cilantro and Basil
   Both enjoy rich, moist soil and need partial to full sunlight.
5. Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme
   These Mediterranean herbs all prefer dry, slightly alkaline soil and lots of sunlight. They work well together in the same container, requiring minimal water.
6. Mint and Lemon Balm
   Both herbs grow quickly and love moist soil, making them well-suited to the same pot. Just be sure to trim them often to avoid overcrowding.
7. Tarragon and Chives
   Tarragon’s preference for slightly moist soil pairs well with chives. They’re great for a shared container with good drainage.
8. Oregano and Basil
   Oregano’s sturdy roots complement basil’s more delicate structure. Both thrive in rich, well-draining soil and sunny conditions.

Herbs That Should Not Be Planted Together in an Herb Garden

1. Fennel and Most Other Herbs
   Fennel releases a compound that can inhibit the growth of nearby plants, making it a poor companion for most herbs. It’s best to give fennel its own dedicated space.
2. Mint and Other Herbs
   Mint is highly invasive and can quickly overrun other plants, competing for nutrients and space. Plant mint in its own container to keep it in check.
3. Basil and Sage
   Basil thrives in moist soil, whereas sage prefers drier conditions. Their differing water needs make them poor companions.
4. Rosemary and Basil
   Rosemary prefers dry, sandy soil, while basil needs richer, moister soil to thrive. Their soil and humidity preferences clash, making them poor companions.
5. Dill and Lavender
   Dill needs more moisture and cooler weather, whereas lavender prefers dry, warm conditions.
6. Chives and Rosemary
   Chives enjoy consistent moisture, but rosemary prefers less frequent watering.
7. Tarragon and Basil
   Tarragon prefers drier conditions, while basil needs regular care and moisture. Planted together, one will always be at a disadvantage.

Knowing good and poor companions can help you set up a container garden full of herbs that grow hardy and healthy.

Read our full guide on the Best Herbs for Companion Planting for more tips on what grows well next to others.

Tips for better growing

There are a few things you can do to support how your herbs growing giving them the best conditions throughout.

#1. Pruning

Regular pruning encourages better growth and a more abundant harvest. Clip leaves at the stem and never remove more than a third of the plant at a time.

#2. Regular Harvesting

Regular harvesting encourages growth and prevents the plant from getting leggy or going to seed too quickly. Harvest herbs in the morning when the oils are most concentrated.

#3. Troubleshooting

Keep an eye out for signs of pests or disease. Isolate affected plants and treat them accordingly to prevent the issue from spreading. Neem oil can be used as a natural remedy for common pests.

Using containers to grow the food you love is a great gardening 101 tip that works for urban gardeners, anyone who is short on time, or folks with limited space.

Setting up and growing a one-pot herb garden is a great way to enjoy growing your own food without having to set up a full backyard garden setup.

Start a few this year and tuck them around your home, giving a bit of natural decoration to your outside areas.

Turn your windowsill into a mini veggie garden. Learn How to Start a Vegetable Garden Indoors today.

More Herb Growing Resources:

• How to Grow Herbs in Containers
• How to Grow Herbs for Beginners
• How to Grow Herbs in Straw Bales