Container for herbs


How to pick the best pot for growing herbs

While many people wish to grow fresh herbs at home, not everyone has a yard or space for an outdoor herb garden. The good news is that container gardening makes growing herbs at home easy, even when you have a small space.

Container planting is convenient and can give your kitchen windowsill, patio, or balcony a big aesthetic boost.

Growing plants in pots also offers tremendous flexibility and a measure of control that traditional gardening lacks.

Choosing the best pot for your favorite herbs will help ensure success with your container herb garden, so here are some helpful tips to get started on the right track.

The characteristics of the herb(s) you are growing are very helpful in determining the best container for your plant, in terms of material and size.

Plastic containers are best for herbs that like moist soil; terra cotta is best for herbs that prefer a drier soil.

The container should always be slightly larger than your plant and needs drainage holes to allow excess water to move out of the potting soil.

Shallow containers are best for plants with short root systems, while deep containers are best for plants with long taproots.

Get creative with your pot colors!

Common container materials

Common materials used for growing containers include ceramic, terra cotta, plastic, different metals, and resin. While aesthetics are important, each herb container material has advantages and disadvantages that should be considered depending upon your space and plant type.

The enthusiast's guide to herbs

We’re proud to present our new e-book, The Enthusiast’s Guide to Herbs! Learn everything you need to know about growing and caring for herbs indoors, including in-depth info cards for the 35 most commonly grown herbs.

Click the link below to find out more!

Find out more

Container size for herbs

Basil and rosemary in terracotta pots

Herbs can be a little like Goldilocks when it comes to pot sizes: too small, and their growth will be impeded, too large, and the extra space and soil are wasted. But when a pot is just right, an herb can achieve its full potential.

Remember that the larger a container is, the heavier it becomes when filled with potting soil. The weight may be fine when the plant is in place, but it could be far too heavy to lift and move inside in the winter comfortably.

Proper drainage

When it comes to growing your own herbs in containers, good drainage is essential. Poor drainage can create an oxygen-poor environment that triggers root rot, stunting plant growth and eventually killing plants.[1] Because of this, most pots sold come with drainage holes in the bottom to allow the excess water to drain out of the potting soil.

If you find a container suitable for growing herbs that doesn’t have drainage, you can use a drill bit to create drainage holes in the bottom. Make sure to use a masonry bit when working with ceramic or terra cotta pots. Typically, between one and three holes offer sufficient drainage.

Some drainage holes come with a plug to prevent leaking onto indoor surfaces, but it is advised to simply use a drainage tray or plant saucer to catch any overflow.

Many pots have built-in drainage trays, but for those that do not, there are a vast array of drainage trays available for purchase on Amazon.

Specialty herb pots

Hanging avocado fruit on the tree

Most pots are fairly standard-shaped, but there are some specialty pots to consider as well.

Potting soils for container herbs

Growing herbs successfully, whether indoors or outside, begins with filling your containers with high-quality soil. Check out our full soil and growing media guide for more on that here.

Remember, plants require soil that both holds sufficient root zone nutrients and moisture yet drains the excess water to allow the roots to breathe.

Commercially available potting soil can fulfill all of these needs, but creating a DIY homemade potting mix is also possible. When making a potting mix, use peat moss, vermiculite, compost (or other organic material), and a slow-release granular fertilizer.

Caring for herbs in containers

Herbs grown in pots have some basic needs: eight hours of sun, proper watering, a dose of nutrients periodically, and regular harvesting.

Sunlight requirement

While ample full sun is beneficial to herb gardens, a minimum of eight hours of sun exposure is a general guideline. Many herbs will thrive in indirect bright sunlight, and some will even grow well in less than eight hours. Learn the specific requirements of your herbs, and remember, it is always possible to move a struggling plant to a better location.

Watering

Watering indoor plants takes a little practice to get right.[1:1] It’s a good idea not to water on a predetermined schedule, as many factors will affect how quickly moisture evaporates from the soil of different planters. Ideally, a finger inserted an inch into the soil will indicate whether the soil is dry enough to warrant watering.

Fertilizing

Container plants do enjoy a little infusion of rich nutrients from time to time, but herbs should be fertilized sparingly. Too much foliage growth will dilute the flavor. Many fertilizer options can be applied to an indoor herb garden. Still, the best bet is usually a good organic fertilizer or a water-soluble or slow-release fertilizer designed for herb plants.

When fertilizing, always follow the product label for dosing instructions and how often to apply.

Harvesting

Many kitchen herbs benefit significantly from periodic harvesting of new growth, which encourages bushy, vigorous growth. This is one of the best aspects of herb gardening: harvesting regularly keeps growth vigorous and supplies a never-ending supply of fresh herbs for the kitchen.[2]

New growth can be harvested using sterilized, sharp kitchen shears, or you can pinch off the leaves with your fingers. The specific “pinching” technique for harvesting herbs removes the new growth close to a growth node.[3]

Best herbs for beginners

Growing herbs at home appears to be pretty straightforward, but for newbie gardeners, even the most straightforward planting directions may seem a bit mysterious. Several measures can be taken to guarantee the success of your container garden if you’re a newcomer to indoor gardening, including the choice to start with easy-to-grow, forgiving herbs.

For a more in-depth look at easy herbs to grow, check out our article, The 12 easiest herbs to grow for the first time.

FAQ

Does my container need to have drainage holes?

No, your container doesn’t need to have drainage holes, however they are beneficial. Drainage holes allow the excess water to drain from the soil, helping to prevent root rot. Without drainage holes, any excess water stays in the root zones, creating low-oxygen conditions, damaging the plant. Using a drill bit, you can add drainage holes to most types of containers if they don’t come with them.

How big of a container do I need for my herb plant?

When growing an herb plant in a container, the container needs to be slightly larger than the plant itself. A 10-inch container is suitable for young herbs, giving them room to grow to their mature size. For mature plants, choose a pot 2 to 4-inches wider in diameter than the plant itself. Plants with shallow root systems can be planted into containers that aren’t deep, but herbs that produce long taproots need deeper containers.

Can you grow multiple herbs in one container?

Yes, you can grow multiple herbs in one container under certain circumstances. When grouping them, they need to have the same light requirements and have the same or similar watering needs. Plants that prefer full sun and consistently moist soils grow well together; plants that prefer full sun and like the soil to dry out completely before watering again would also pair well. It’s important, too, to make sure the container is large enough to accommodate all of the plants.

Join our email club—get printable info cards free!

Sign up to receive our newsletter and get access to 10 printable plant info cards from our e-book for free. Also receive:

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  1. Perry, Leonard. n.d. “Watering Houseplants Properly.” University of Vermont, Department of Plant and Soil Science. ↩︎ ↩︎

  2. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. n.d. “Health and well-being benefits of plants.” Accessed August 24, 2021. ↩︎

  3. Levine, Denise. 2018. “To Pinch or Not To Pinch, That Is the Question.” Napa Master Gardener Column. Published April 20, 2018. ↩︎

How to pick the best pot for growing herbs

While many people wish to grow fresh herbs at home, not everyone has a yard or space for an outdoor herb garden. The good news is that container gardening makes growing herbs at home easy, even when you have a small space.

Container planting is convenient and can give your kitchen windowsill, patio, or balcony a big aesthetic boost.

Growing plants in pots also offers tremendous flexibility and a measure of control that traditional gardening lacks.

Choosing the best pot for your favorite herbs will help ensure success with your container herb garden, so here are some helpful tips to get started on the right track.

The characteristics of the herb(s) you are growing are very helpful in determining the best container for your plant, in terms of material and size.

Plastic containers are best for herbs that like moist soil; terra cotta is best for herbs that prefer a drier soil.

The container should always be slightly larger than your plant and needs drainage holes to allow excess water to move out of the potting soil.

Shallow containers are best for plants with short root systems, while deep containers are best for plants with long taproots.

Get creative with your pot colors!

Common container materials

Common materials used for growing containers include ceramic, terra cotta, plastic, different metals, and resin. While aesthetics are important, each herb container material has advantages and disadvantages that should be considered depending upon your space and plant type.

The enthusiast's guide to herbs

We’re proud to present our new e-book, The Enthusiast’s Guide to Herbs! Learn everything you need to know about growing and caring for herbs indoors, including in-depth info cards for the 35 most commonly grown herbs.

Click the link below to find out more!

Find out more

Container size for herbs

Basil and rosemary in terracotta pots

Herbs can be a little like Goldilocks when it comes to pot sizes: too small, and their growth will be impeded, too large, and the extra space and soil are wasted. But when a pot is just right, an herb can achieve its full potential.

Remember that the larger a container is, the heavier it becomes when filled with potting soil. The weight may be fine when the plant is in place, but it could be far too heavy to lift and move inside in the winter comfortably.

Proper drainage

When it comes to growing your own herbs in containers, good drainage is essential. Poor drainage can create an oxygen-poor environment that triggers root rot, stunting plant growth and eventually killing plants.[1] Because of this, most pots sold come with drainage holes in the bottom to allow the excess water to drain out of the potting soil.

If you find a container suitable for growing herbs that doesn’t have drainage, you can use a drill bit to create drainage holes in the bottom. Make sure to use a masonry bit when working with ceramic or terra cotta pots. Typically, between one and three holes offer sufficient drainage.

Some drainage holes come with a plug to prevent leaking onto indoor surfaces, but it is advised to simply use a drainage tray or plant saucer to catch any overflow.

Many pots have built-in drainage trays, but for those that do not, there are a vast array of drainage trays available for purchase on Amazon.

Specialty herb pots

Hanging avocado fruit on the tree

Most pots are fairly standard-shaped, but there are some specialty pots to consider as well.

Potting soils for container herbs

Growing herbs successfully, whether indoors or outside, begins with filling your containers with high-quality soil. Check out our full soil and growing media guide for more on that here.

Remember, plants require soil that both holds sufficient root zone nutrients and moisture yet drains the excess water to allow the roots to breathe.

Commercially available potting soil can fulfill all of these needs, but creating a DIY homemade potting mix is also possible. When making a potting mix, use peat moss, vermiculite, compost (or other organic material), and a slow-release granular fertilizer.

Caring for herbs in containers

Herbs grown in pots have some basic needs: eight hours of sun, proper watering, a dose of nutrients periodically, and regular harvesting.

Sunlight requirement

While ample full sun is beneficial to herb gardens, a minimum of eight hours of sun exposure is a general guideline. Many herbs will thrive in indirect bright sunlight, and some will even grow well in less than eight hours. Learn the specific requirements of your herbs, and remember, it is always possible to move a struggling plant to a better location.

Watering

Watering indoor plants takes a little practice to get right.[1:1] It’s a good idea not to water on a predetermined schedule, as many factors will affect how quickly moisture evaporates from the soil of different planters. Ideally, a finger inserted an inch into the soil will indicate whether the soil is dry enough to warrant watering.

Fertilizing

Container plants do enjoy a little infusion of rich nutrients from time to time, but herbs should be fertilized sparingly. Too much foliage growth will dilute the flavor. Many fertilizer options can be applied to an indoor herb garden. Still, the best bet is usually a good organic fertilizer or a water-soluble or slow-release fertilizer designed for herb plants.

When fertilizing, always follow the product label for dosing instructions and how often to apply.

Harvesting

Many kitchen herbs benefit significantly from periodic harvesting of new growth, which encourages bushy, vigorous growth. This is one of the best aspects of herb gardening: harvesting regularly keeps growth vigorous and supplies a never-ending supply of fresh herbs for the kitchen.[2]

New growth can be harvested using sterilized, sharp kitchen shears, or you can pinch off the leaves with your fingers. The specific “pinching” technique for harvesting herbs removes the new growth close to a growth node.[3]

Best herbs for beginners

Growing herbs at home appears to be pretty straightforward, but for newbie gardeners, even the most straightforward planting directions may seem a bit mysterious. Several measures can be taken to guarantee the success of your container garden if you’re a newcomer to indoor gardening, including the choice to start with easy-to-grow, forgiving herbs.

For a more in-depth look at easy herbs to grow, check out our article, The 12 easiest herbs to grow for the first time.

FAQ

Does my container need to have drainage holes?

No, your container doesn’t need to have drainage holes, however they are beneficial. Drainage holes allow the excess water to drain from the soil, helping to prevent root rot. Without drainage holes, any excess water stays in the root zones, creating low-oxygen conditions, damaging the plant. Using a drill bit, you can add drainage holes to most types of containers if they don’t come with them.

How big of a container do I need for my herb plant?

When growing an herb plant in a container, the container needs to be slightly larger than the plant itself. A 10-inch container is suitable for young herbs, giving them room to grow to their mature size. For mature plants, choose a pot 2 to 4-inches wider in diameter than the plant itself. Plants with shallow root systems can be planted into containers that aren’t deep, but herbs that produce long taproots need deeper containers.

Can you grow multiple herbs in one container?

Yes, you can grow multiple herbs in one container under certain circumstances. When grouping them, they need to have the same light requirements and have the same or similar watering needs. Plants that prefer full sun and consistently moist soils grow well together; plants that prefer full sun and like the soil to dry out completely before watering again would also pair well. It’s important, too, to make sure the container is large enough to accommodate all of the plants.

Join our email club—get printable info cards free!

Sign up to receive our newsletter and get access to 10 printable plant info cards from our e-book for free. Also receive:

Find out more


  1. Perry, Leonard. n.d. “Watering Houseplants Properly.” University of Vermont, Department of Plant and Soil Science. ↩︎ ↩︎

  2. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. n.d. “Health and well-being benefits of plants.” Accessed August 24, 2021. ↩︎

  3. Levine, Denise. 2018. “To Pinch or Not To Pinch, That Is the Question.” Napa Master Gardener Column. Published April 20, 2018. ↩︎

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Excellent jar with lid for storing tea, coffee, herbs, sugar, cookies, etc! For sea lovers style!

Height with lid - 16 cm, diameter - 10.7 see

Material - metal (tin).

The lid closes well and tightly, ensuring protection of tea or other products from moisture and foreign odors.

Functional and practical item that will delight you for years to come!

Very good condition with minimal almost imperceptible traces of time !

Thank you for your attention! Good luck shopping!

Any questions please ask before place a bid via the "Ask a question" option seller".


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