one-pot herb garden

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How to set up and grow a one-pot herb garden that you can use to grow a collection of delicious fresh herbs all in one container. Garden containers work great for herbs and will help you make the most of the space you have, allowing you to grow more in confined areas.

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.

One-pot herb gardens are easy to set up and tuck around your home, giving you the value of a garden without needing a large area to grow in. They are great for growing collections of herbs together, giving you a large variety of herbs in small spaces. Setting one up is easy, and we’ll give you tips on prepping, planting, and harvesting so you can get started today.

Selecting the 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 for what you plan to grow.
2. Relatively easy to move around if needed.
3. Durable enough to last for a year or more so you can continue growing inside when the weather begins to change.

Drainage Matters

Look for a container that is made of a porous material like clay or wood. You will want to be sure it has enough drainage to allow the excess water to escape, giving roots a healthier environment to grow in. If the container you chose does not have drainage you can add some by using a hammer and a large nail.

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Relatively new to the gardening industry are these grow bags, and each year, more sizes and options are hitting the market. I use them throughout our garden beds because they allow me to grow vegetables in open spaces, keeping things close and convenient to my home.

What size is best?

Your container should be at least 12 inches in diameter to give enough space for several herbs to grow comfortably together. With a depth of about 8-10 inches. Some herbs, like rosemary and lavender, have deeper root systems, while others, like thyme, are more shallow.

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

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Location

When choosing a spot to put your herb garden, look for a space that gets at least 6-8 hours of sunlight. A few ideas are:

1. A balcony
2. Windowsill
3. A table on a patio
4. A wide set of stairs
5. An area on a back deck
6. Tucked in your flower bed

SLCG Pro Tip: Be aware of where you are keeping your herb gardens. Some spots might get more sun or wind, which can be too intense for the delicate nature of herbs. If you find the spot you chose gets a lot of hard winds, you can find a new area that is more protected.

Essential Care Tips

There are a few things you will need to do routinely to ensure your on-pot herb gardening is growing a collection of healthy and vibrant plants.

#1. Sunlight:

Herbs love sunlight. Place your pot in a spot where it receives about 6-8 hours a day. If you’re growing indoors, providing them with a grow light can help give enough light each day for ample growth.

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#2. Water:

Most herbs prefer drier soil yet consistent watering. A good rule to follow is to water when the top inch of the soil is dry. Overwatering can damage herb plants quickly to help, be sure you have good drainage at the bottom of the container.

#3. Mulch

Mulching helps retain moisture, keep the soil cool, and suppress weeds. You can use organic mulch like dried leaves or straw but know that mulch is not necessary for growing healthy herbs.

#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

Companion planting is a gardening technique that helps to grow more vibrant produce and herbs. How it works is to plant herbs together that will benefit the other. Here are a few partners to use as well as a few to avoid.

1. Good Companions: Basil, parsley, and cilantro can all grow happily together, as they have similar water and sunlight needs and can be harvested regularly.
2. Bad Companions: Keep mint separate from other herbs as its roots tend to spread and it can become invasive.

READ: Best Herbs for Companion Planting

Tips for better growing

There are a few things you can do to grow more vibrant and healthy herbs.

#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

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

#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.

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.

More Herb Growing Resources:

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