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Ideas for herb garden containers


Herb planter ideas – ways to grow in containers and pots

(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)

Are you looking for herb planter ideas? Whether you want to grow herbs inside on your window sill or you want ideas for growing and displaying herbs in containers in the garden, we've got plenty of inspiration.

Used in cooking and for infusing hot drinks, as well as for their aroma and for medicinal purposes, herbs have so many benefits so it’s worth growing your own and the great thing is, you don’t need a large garden to grow them – most herbs grow well in containers which are perfect for small gardens, patio areas or inside on window sills. From hanging baskets to old wheelbarrows, almost any container is suitable provided it has drainage holes; the options are endless, so why not let your imagination run riot. 

See: Kitchen garden ideas – easy ways to get started

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Whatever you choose, it is useful to position container grown herbs near a back door, or close to the house, so that they are easy to access for harvesting. It is also important to include grit in your compost when planting herbs into containers.

In his monthly blog gardening expert Monty Don shares his tips for growing herbs stating that, 'if the water does not flow almost immediately through the pot that they are in then the drainage is not good enough. If you are planting herbs in a container mix general purpose peat-free compost with at least an equal measure of grit or sharpsand.'

1. Grow herbs in a strawberry planter 

(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)

Strawberry planters make brilliant planters for growing herbs, particularly low growers such as oregano, thyme or mint. Large pots with several pockets, the containers allow an array of different herbs in one place. It’s recommended to opt for terracotta as terracotta is a porous material which allows air and moisture to pass through easily resulting in healthier plants. 

See: Herb garden ideas – for indoors and outdoors

2.

Create an attractive display by arranging potted herbs on staggered shelves 

(Image credit: Future / Tim Young)

If you’re short of patio space then try arranging potted herbs on a plant stand such as the Aldsworth design Garden Trading. Using an array of pot styles, from traditional terracotta, to colorful glazed and galvanised metal designs, will help add bring variety and interest.

See: Planning a kitchen garden – from designing a layout to picking plants

3. Save space by creating hanging herb planters

(Image credit: Future / Oliver Gordon )

Planting herbs in an array of outdoor planters and suspending them is a brilliant way to maximise floor space on a small patio or balcony area. Lightweight plastic containers or old tin cans would work well, or you could even use an old colander – perfect with its readymade drainage holes.

4. Use potted herbs to create a fragrant escape

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Ornamental as well as practical, potted herbs in a range of heights can be arranged on a patio area to create a pretty feature, but they also great for adding fragrance to a garden seating area.

See: Companion planting – your ultimate guide

5. Use recycled tins as herb planters for an eye-catching display 

(Image credit: Future / Tim Young)

Saving up old tomato tins with retro labels and repurposing them as herb planters is a great way to cut down on your waste but also to create a fun display with a Mediterranean twist. Simply drill holes in the bottoms for drainage. 

6. Use reclaimed vessels as herb planters 

(Image credit: Future / Judith Everitt)

Offering a rustic, weathered patina from years of use, reclaimed metal containers such as farm troughs, old galvanised baths and dolly tubs – historically used for washing clothes – make characterful planters for herbs. 

7. Arrange potted herbs on an old crate for a rustic display

(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)

Old creates can be easily picked up from flea markets will bring vintage charm to a patio space and can be easily moved indoors or throughout the garden.

8. Opt for a window box herb planter

(Image credit: Getty Images)

You don't need a garden to grow herbs; most can be grown inside in individual pots on a window sill or in a window box by a sunny window. Growing herbs on the kitchen window sill is really convenient for cooking. 

9. Maximise space by thinking vertically

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Make the most of a small garden by using every inch of space. Consider fixing planters to garden walls and clustering potted herbs on old chairs to help make extra space for more pots on the ground. Growing herbs at different levels will also add decorative interest, too.

10. Add vintage charm by displaying herbs in enamelware 

(Image credit: Future)

Displaying shop bought herbs in colorful vintage enamel cups and teapots is a great way to disguise unsightly plastic pots – just make sure they are left sitting in water. 

Is it better to plant herbs in pots or in the ground?

Most herbs can be grown in the ground or in containers. Sometimes, it is preferable to grow certain herbs in containers. Growing slightly tender herbs such as myrtle, lemon verbena and scented geraniums in pots or containers is preferable to borders because it means they can easily be moved indoors during winter months. It is also recommended to grow invasive plants such as mint in containers to help control its growth and prevent them from taking over.

One thing to remember when growing herbs in containers rather than in the ground is that herbs in containers is that in hot weather they can be quick to dry out, be sure to keep an eye on them and to keep them well watered.

What herbs can be planted together?

Many herbs can be planted together provided they like the same growing conditions and have the same irrigation needs. Many herbs are Mediterranean in origin – such as rosemary, thyme and oregano, – and so all thrive in sunny conditions and free –draining soil and work well when planted together. Herbs such as parsley and basil on the other hand will require more constant moisture.  

Pippa is Content Editor on Homes & Gardens online contributing to Period Living and Country Homes & Interiors print issues. A graduate of Art History and formerly Style Editor at Period Living, she is passionate about architecture, creating decorating content, interior styling and writing about craft and historic homes. She enjoys searching out beautiful images and the latest trends to share with the Homes & Gardens audience. A keen gardener, when she’s not writing you’ll find her growing flowers on her village allotment for styling projects.

33 Best Container Herb Garden Combinations For Flavor & Aroma

Try these

Container Herb Garden Combinations to grow the essential cooking herbs fresh in one pot to increase the flavor of your food.

Even if you’re short of space, you can grow herbs in pots and get a sufficient harvest.
Most cooking herbs like parsley, thyme, oregano, cilantro, mint, sage, rosemary, marjoram, chives, and fennel are easier to grow than other edible plants.

You can plant them together in one single pot and keep them near the kitchen for a quick harvest. When planting herbs together, always do good research about their requirements. Herbs with similar planting needs can be grown together. Invasive herbs like mint and its varieties must be planted in separate pots.

Herb Garden Combinations

1. A Mix of Herbs Pot

Herbs Growing in this Pot: Parsley, Dill, Chives, Basil, Cilantro

This potted herb garden has a mix of all the herbs planted. If you like the idea, click here to learn more.

2. Container Herb Garden that Looks Good

Herbs Growing in this Pot: Thyme, Fennel, Rosemary, Basil, Mint

Snip a handful of your favorite herbs anytime by growing a combination of aromatic herbs on your entryway, deck, patio, or balcony. Take inspiration from this container herb garden by HGTV.

3. Upcycled Container Herb Garden

Herbs Growing in this Pot: Basil, Oregano, Parsley, Lemon Thyme, Mint, Garlic Chives

From all the other container herb garden combinations ideas in this list, this one is different as it also shares the DIY tutorial for making chalkboard labels.

4. Tips for Growing Herbs Together

Herbs Growing in this Pot: Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Golden Oregano, Curry plant

This video from Grow Veg shares an excellent insight on growing herbs in containers and tips on growing them together.

5. Pot of Fresh Herbs

Herbs Growing in this Pot: Basil, Oregano, Parsley, Mint, Rosemary, Cilantro

Lots of fresh herbs in a pot of fresh herbs! Choose a large pot like this wooden barrel with sufficient drainage. Learn more about this at Carolina Charm!

6. One Pot Container Herb Garden

Herbs Growing in this Pot: Parsley, Sage, Basil

If you want to create a one-pot herb garden of your most favorite cooking herbs, choose those with similar growing needs. Learn how to do this at A Cultivated Nest.

7. DIY Kitchen Herb Garden

Herbs Growing in this Pot: Sage, Thyme, Lavender, Mint, Oregano. Strawberry and edible flowers are optional.

Copy this DIY Kitchen Herb Garden project if you’re a small space gardener. Gather a basket, rich potting soil, and herbs to make it.

8. Herb Garden in a Basket

Herbs Growing in this Pot: Peppermint, Curly Parsley, Oregano, Creeping Rosemary, Purple Sage, Nutmeg Thyme

Visit Stone Gable to learn how all of these herbs are planted in a bushel basket.

9. Outdoor Potted Herb Garden

Herbs Growing in this Pot: Mojito Mint, Lemon Thyme, Rosemary, Sweet Basil, Chives, Dill, Flat Italian Parsley

In this guide here, learn how to plant an outdoor herb garden in a big pot.

10. Herb Garden in a Metal Pot

Herbs Growing in this Pot: Parsley, Oregano, Basil, Mint

Herbs are the most important edible essential for your cooking. Get them fresh by creating a herb garden like that. The article is here!

11. Herb Garden in a Barrel

Herbs Growing in this Pot: Parsley, Basil, Rosemary, Thyme

Growing herbs in a barrel give a lot of space. You can also divide it into sections to provide a separate growing area for each herb.

12. DIY Herb Pot

Herbs Growing in this Pot: Plant a Mint Pot by growing Spearmint, Peppermint and Lemon balm Or Plant Savory Pot by growing Thyme, Chives, Dill, Basil, Oregano and Parsley

Visit the DIY Network to find out how to plant a mix of herbs.

13. Container Herb Arrangement

Herbs Growing in this Pot:  Chives, Parsley, Mint, Lemon Balm, Anise Hyssop, Sweet Woodruff

Learn on Home Talk how to create a container arrangement of herbs and pretty flowers.

14. Elevated Container Herb and Vegetable Garden

Herbs Growing in this Pot: Sorrel, Thyme, Basil, Peppers, Kale

With some woodworking involved, create an elevated planter to grow a combination of herbs and vegetables. The tutorial is here!

15. Two Container Herb Garden Combinations

 

Herbs Growing in this Pot:  basil, thyme, oregano, marjoram and cilantro

Visit here to see the two container herb garden combinations to try.

16. Container Tea Herb Garden

Herbs Growing in this Pot: Lemongrass, Melissa, Peppermint, Bilberry, Pennyroyal, Fennel

Grow a herbal tea garden in a large container in your home. Take help from the tutorial at DIY Enthusiasts.

17. Strawberry Pot Herb Garden

Herbs Growing in this Pot: Chives, Basil, Marjoram, Oregano, Parsley, Rosemary, Lemon Balm, Strawberry

Use a large strawberry pot with numerous pockets to grow a lot of herb plants in less space. Find more of it here!

18. Culinary Herb Garden

Herbs Growing in this Pot: Mexican Tarragon, Greek Oregano, Rosemary, ‘Purple Ruffles’ Basil, German Thyme

Get this culinary herb garden recipe at the LOWE’S. This one again involves the strawberry pot.

19. Wise Container Herb Garden

Herbs Growing in this Pot: Basil, Sage ,  Spearmint

Get the tips here on how to choose the herbs wisely when growing together in containers.

20. Fresh Herbs with Artificial Flowers

Herbs Growing in this Pot: Sweet Mint, Oregano

Grow fresh herbs with an artificial azalea flower to make this container arrangement showier.

21. Herb Garden in a Hula

Herbs Growing in this Pot: Sage, Rosemary, Thyme

Learn this eatable herb garden arrangement for containers here.

22. Herb Garden Tower

Herbs Growing in this Pot: Variegated Thyme, Purple Sage, Columnar Basil, Rosemary, Parsley, Tricolor Sage, Chives

Create a herb garden tower of your favorite herbs. Get the instructions here!

23. Kitchen Herb Garden Arrangement

Herbs Growing in this Pot: Thyme, Mini pepper, Mint, Green, Purple Basil

This decorative herb garden arrangement in a red enamel pan here can be a great centerpiece for your kitchen or balcony garden.

24. One Pot Container Herb Garden Planting Guide

Herbs Growing in this Pot: Marjoram, Oregano, Thyme, Lavender, Rosemary, Sage

If you lack outdoor space, growing a herb garden indoors near the window is possible if it receives some sun. Click here for the article.

25. 8 Essential Cooking Herbs

Herbs Growing in this Pot: Thyme, Basil, Rosemary

Learn about the eight most essential culinary herbs you should grow in this article. It’s a good read!

26. Container Herb Garden Combination with Topiary

Herbs Growing in this Pot: Thyme, Oregano, Basil, Sage

Create one of the best container herb garden combinations with a basil topiary and other herbs. Get the tutorial at Southern Living.

27. DIY Pallet Herb Garden

Herbs Growing in this Pot: Mint, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage, Basil, Thyme

At Bunnings, learn how to grow a variety of cooking herbs in a DIY pallet planter.

28. Culinary Delight Herb Garden

Herbs Growing in this Pot: Basil, Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, Oregano.

Visit LOWE’S to learn about this container herb garden combination. They named it ‘Culinary Delight. ’

29. Chive Basin

Herbs Growing in this Pot: Chives, Thyme

Visit Your Grow Girl to learn how to create the hardiest container herb garden with chives.

30. Moveable Container Herb Garden

Herbs Growing in this Pot: Oregano, Sage, Mint, Basil, Chives, Rosemary, Thyme, Cilantro, Parsley

A mix of all the cooking herbs in a moveable pot. Learn more about this at The Organic Kitchen!

31. Guide to Growing Herbs

Herbs Growing in this Pot: Rosemary, Sage, Thyme

This article here will provide a lot of information about growing and harvesting herbs.

32. Kitchen Herb Garden for Apartment Dwellers

Herbs Growing in this Pot: Basil, Chives, Parsley and other Edibles

“Bust the myth that you can’t grow your own food in a lack of space,” says the article at Nine.com, must-read that.

33. Indoor Kitchen Herb Garden

Herbs Growing in this Pot: Oregano, Cilantro, Parsley, Rosemary

Learn how to create this lovely kitchen herb garden indoors at Lovely Etc.

Container plants. 40 amazing ideas for the garden

There are many ways to plant greenery in the territory, they are all different and wonderful in their own way. We offer you a simple but effective technique to make the space blooming, fragrant and beautiful - container gardening.

With flower pots, you can easily solve the problem of missing planting meters, which is especially important for small yards and plots. Flowerpots (and in them you can plant both ornamental plants and vegetable and berry bushes, herbs) can radically change the appearance of the patio, steps and facade of the house, highlight recreation areas. nine0003

The style of your home will, of course, influence the choice of flower pots and containers: shape, type, size, colors, materials - all this is worth paying attention to.

For example, massive antique flowerpots made of ceramics or concrete with stucco, forged elements, metal rings and inserts are well suited for a solid private house of large size. But in a Japanese garden, it is better to place an unpretentious flowerpot with a tree with purple foliage or nivaki.

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Entrance, steps, alleys

When designing the steps, try to arrange flowerpots at an equal distance from each other. Such repeated repetition will visually make the road longer. This optical illusion technique is often used by landscape designers.

Prefer flowerpots in discreet colors similar to natural materials: beige, sand, brown, white, terracotta, black, gray, green. nine0003

The entrance to the house is often decorated with a pair of flowerpots on both sides of the door. Perhaps more, but always symmetrical arrangement. They will look great here:

Materials

It is rather difficult to give preference to one or another material, and it is worth choosing the one that suits the style: ceramics, metal, concrete, stone, gabions, plastic, vine, rattan, wood (tubs, barrels, stumps), glass . nine0003

The plants can be planted in ordinary ceramic containers, and then they can be inserted into containers that are suitable in style.

It is important to remember that the container must have drainage and holes to drain excess water. For flowerpots that will stand in sunny places, choose light colors, then the root system of plants will not suffer from overheating.

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Container garden

As in a regular garden there are many different types and varieties of plants, so in a container garden containers of different types and shapes can be combined. A similar approach can be applied to country and Mediterranean styles.

A garden made up of flowerpots of the same shape or color, but of different sizes, will look stylish and modern.

In a container garden, there is always the option of replacing fading plants with blooming ones, putting fading flower pots in the background, or adding a freshly purchased plant. nine0003

Zoning

Outdoor containers do a good job of zoning the territory: they allow you to place accents in the garden, draw attention to the entrance to the house, designate a recreation area or separate one part of the garden from another.

If necessary or just according to your mood, you can easily change the layout of the site by moving the containers to more shady or vice versa, to more sunny places. With the change of season, easily replace flowerpots with faded plants with containers with blooming specimens. nine0003

The advantage of such plantings is that in a container you can always create conditions for growing your favorite plants, if they require a certain soil composition or watering regime.

Mini Pond

Modern style

Unusual flowerpot shapes, unexpected materials and colors - this is how you can see flower containers in a modern style. Do-it-yourself outdoor containers will delight you with their creativity and individuality. nine0003

Top 12 container garden ideas • inTrends

A single rose can be my garden... my only friend, my world.

Leo Buscaglia

Planting is the main thing that makes our home a real home. For those who are deprived of the opportunity to plant a garden on the ground, it is easy to get the feeling that something is missing in the living space outside the walls of the house. nine0003

Fortunately, plants don't have to grow on the ground to be big, strong, and beautiful. Surely someone has a plan on how to achieve the desired aesthetic, whatever it may be, through innovative container gardening.

So don't rush into a bland, lifeless landscape, check out container gardening ideas for every space, style and occasion.

  1. Container yard gardening

Whether you're a tenant, have limited yard space, or just love the look of lush potted plants, garden containers are a great addition to any yard.

Arrange plant containers to give the appearance of a crowded flower bed. It doesn't matter if all containers fit together. In any case, one can come to one theme - unity in color, material or form.

Which plants you will grow in your yard depends mainly on the area and your personal preferences. Rest assured that containers can contain annual flowers, vegetables, and even perennials, just like on the ground. nine0003

  1. Container greening of a balcony or roof

City life has many advantages, you can't argue with that. But they do not include the availability of space and resources for a large garden. Fortunately, container gardening provides excellent opportunities for growing plants.

Arrange the flower pots in the most practical way within the available space. If you use your balcony or roof solely for landscaping, feel free to place them anywhere you like. Otherwise, invest in space-saving supplies such as racks and hanging pots. nine0003

Don't forget to invest in a fast and efficient method of watering. If there is no running water on the balcony or rooftop, then you will probably have to carry buckets of water for a container garden!

  1. Veranda container gardening

When designing an outdoor veranda, we usually think about how to furnish it with furniture and everything you need for a grill. But the veranda is the perfect place to start container gardening from scratch. Place symmetrical plant pots on the sides of the stairs leading to the veranda, the space in front of the entrance will become more hospitable. You can hang containers like window sills along the railings, adding color and life without sacrificing floor space. nine0003

To prevent wooden boards from being damaged by water, consider placing clay pots on a stand or shelf. Lift containers for vegetables and herbs for convenience.

  1. Container growing of flowers and ornamental plants

When growing ornamental plants in containers, don't limit your choices to annuals. Many flowering perennials feel at home in containers. All you need is the right soil mix and watering regimen. nine0003

From an aesthetic point of view, the choice of container is as important as the plant itself. A simple glazed pot is always good. But don't be afraid to add a unique container to your favorite ornamental plant.

Some plants need a special container to look their best. For curly, put a support grid; many species can be given an unusual shape with a little patience. Plants that hang over the edge are best suited for hanging planters.

  1. Growing herbs and vegetables in containers

Whether you consider yourself a home chef or not, growing your own fruits, vegetables, and herbs is a wonderfully rewarding practice.

Make a rough plan for growing your chosen vegetables and herbs in a container garden. For example, you can save space by planting onions and zucchini together. These plants grow completely differently and will not interfere with each other.

Edible plants can also be used in ornamental container gardening. Use bushy herbs such as basil, oregano as a filler when composing flower arrangements. nine0003

Growing plants from seeds requires a lot more time and space than buying seedlings, keep this in mind when planning your container garden.

  1. Indoor Container Gardening

Who said that the garden has to be outside? Gather enough houseplants and you'll have your own container garden in your home.

If you place containers only on the floor, they will soon take up the entire space. Instead, use shelves, window sills, and furniture to expand your garden structure. A wonderful way to arrange as many plants as possible in the house is macrame planters and hanging baskets. nine0003

If you're not a fan of plain terracotta pots, invest in covering them to fit into your home decor. You can mix and match containers of different sizes, shapes, colors for a boho aesthetic.

  1. Container patio gardening

If your patio serves as an outdoor living or dining room, arrange your potted plant collection exactly as you would indoors. Fill corners with large containers, frame furniture. As the main element, place an echeveria or other succulent in a clay pot on the table. nine0003

You can frame the edges of the patio with traditional earthenware pots, or use regular plant boxes as a border. To separate your patio area from the rest of your yard, plant small hedge-like plants such as boxwood.

Even ornamental shrubs and trees can be grown in large enough containers on the patio. Citrus, eucalyptus, hibiscus, perfect for a tropical look. Plant rose and hydrangea bushes around the patio for an old English garden. nine0003

  1. Plant decor ideas for container gardening

Throughout history, plants have been used as living works of art. The art of topiary originates from the Roman Empire, if not earlier. It is quite impressive how these trends have been preserved in modern landscape design.

A skyscraper-style hedge in a container garden is hardly possible, but what you can do will surprise you. Boxwood bushes are especially popular in potted topiary. This plant needs to be shaped every spring, after which only minor adjustments are needed to maintain its shape. nine0003

If you want your container garden to look like a work of art, a good base is a must. Purchase a set of compatible, durable containers to repopulate with your favorite annuals every year. In the winter months, replace flowers with dry branches, plant herbs and evergreens.

  1. Tanks for container gardening

Your containers serve as a decorative element in their own right, so get creative. For a rustic container garden design, you can use an old wheelbarrow, wine barrel or pipe. Use an old pair of boots or a tire as an original farm-style potty frame. nine0003

Metal buckets with drainage holes are a great alternative to plastic pots. You can paint almost any container to match your garden décor.

There are all sorts of non-standard pot ideas, but don't neglect the basic needs of your plants. By placing a grow bag or pot in a temporary container, you will protect the roots. To avoid waterlogging, put pebbles at the bottom of the pot, under the soil.

  1. Porch container gardening

Arrange flower containers in tiers near your porch stairs or as a group framing your front door. Although plants should be kept in the same color scheme, diversify the set of containers slightly.

If your porch has windows facing the entrance, add window sills to them. There are many types on sale, including modern ones, that will not damage the appearance of your home. You can populate window sills with plants autonomously or in relation to other ideas for container gardening of the porch. nine0003

Don't forget to add a few hanging planters to your porch design if possible. Asparagus is an excellent container plant that creates a beautiful drape over the top. Ferns are especially suitable for a porch with little natural light.

  1. Small backyard container gardening

In a small yard, containers will fit a little more plants than in flower beds. Group all containers so that it looks like the plants are planted directly in the ground, or spread out so that each one shines on its own. nine0003

To get the most out of small backyards, use all surfaces. Attach plant pots to a vertical surface such as a fence, outside of your yard. Hang containers from roof racks, tree branches, or a shepherd's hook driven into the ground.

Some plants need a large, heavy container. Try to keep your container garden as mobile as possible.

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