A container herb garden is the easiest and most convenient way to have fresh herbs in your home. Fresh herbs have a stronger flavor and add a decorative touch to your meals. Containers allow you to grow your favorite herbs indoors and keep aggressive herbs under control outdoors.

The Benefits of an Herb Garden

A container herb garden has many benefits besides fresh herbs for cooking. Herb gardens add life to any space while enjoying the opportunity to watch your creation grow. Because herbs are relatively easy to grow, they are great starter plants for both beginners and children. You not only learn about how things grow, but the harvesting and use of the herbs as well. Herbs grown in containers are also less susceptible to diseases and insects because of their segregation.

Where to Put Them

Container herb gardens can be kept almost anywhere there is sunlight. Many herb varieties prefer twelve hours or more of sunlight each day, but many of them will still grow in as little as four hours of sunlight. Often, herbs are grown close to the kitchen or even in the kitchen window to make them convenient to use. Potted herbs can also be used outside in a window box or patio railing planter. Many herbs are drought-resistant which is makes them great in hot dry climates or if you forget to water it.

Tips for Choosing Plants

Get more from your container herb garden by choosing plants that do double duty. Rosemary, safflower, sage, and much other variety of herbs have beautiful edible flowers as well as delicious herbs. The flowers are generally milder in taste for those who prefer lighter tasting foods. Certain plants such as oregano, work as a natural repellent for bugs. Growing herbs with vegetables can also enhance the natural taste of the produce.

Planting Ideas

Herbs can be planted on their own, with other herbs, or with any other plant varieties. One great combination is to plant herbs like fennel and rosemary (for color), with cinnamon and nutmeg for the scent. Impatiens can be added to the mix for a little color and edible decorations for desserts. If you would like to try a variety of herbs, a terra cotta strawberry pot is a great option for a container. The holes on the side of the pot allow you to keep the herbs separate by planting a different variety in each hole.

A container herb garden can yield yearlong herbs and spices for your kitchen. If you find that you are getting more herbs than you can use, dry it, freeze it, or give it to a friend. Herbs are relatively foolproof making them easy to start and care for while reaping many rewards.