How to Grow Herbs for Beginners?

If you want to have fresh, aromatic plants at your fingertips, you can choose a group of herbs for containers.  Whether you have a small balcony, patio, or indoor space, you can find a group of herbs to grow in containers.

The Best Herbs to Grow in Pots

Basil

Basil is a fast-growing, aromatic herb that loves warm weather. You can use it for Italian dishes, pesto, salads, and more. To grow basil at home, place it in a sunny spot (at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily) and keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Herbs for Containers - Basil

Mint

If you want to make some tea, cocktails, or salads, you can grow mint. Mint is good for teas, cocktails, and freshening up salads or desserts. It grows vigorously and can quickly take over a garden bed. Mint prefers partial shade and consistently moist soil and can tolerate a wide range of soil types, but does best in well-draining soil. 

Herbs for Containers - Mint

Parsley

Parsley is a hardy herb that can tolerate cooler temperatures and partial shade. Parsley is a hardy herb that can tolerate cooler temperatures and partial shade. It needs well-draining soil and regular watering. Usually, it takes about 70 and 90 days from growing to harvesting parsley. From soups and stews to garnishes and salads, this herb is also widely used in cooking.

Herbs for Containers - Parsley

Thyme

Thyme is a low-growing, hardy herb that prefers dry conditions. It thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. Avoid overwatering, as thyme can tolerate drought conditions.

Herbs for Containers - Thyme

Rosemary

Rosemary is ideal for roasting meats, potatoes, and adding flavor to soups and stews. It is an evergreen shrub with needle-like leaves that can grow quite large.

Herbs for Containers - Rosemary

Cilantro

Cilantro is an outstanding herb for container gardening. It requires only well-drained soil and consistent moisture, and it’s perfect for balconies, patios, or windowsills. Additionally, regular harvesting encourages bushier cilantro growth, and sowing new seeds every few weeks ensures a steady supply.

Chives

Chives are perennial plants that can withstand a wide range of temperatures, from 60°F to 70°F (15°C to 21°C). Their mild onion flavor adds a fresh touch to many dishes, and their purple flowers not only attract pollinators but also serve as an attractive ornamental feature.

Oregano

It’s excellent to grow oregano in pots in summer. Oregano is a drought-tolerant plant that thrives in well-drained soil and requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0) and can grow in a container as small as 12 inches in diameter and depth. Its strong aroma deters most pests, and it is generally low-maintenance, requiring only regular watering and occasional pruning to encourage bushy growth.

Herbs for Containers - Oregano

Lavender

Lavender is popular for its delightful fragrance. It’s adaptable to various climates and requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. When you grow lavender in pots, it can benefit from better drainage and can be easily repotted to protect it from harsh weather conditions. Compact dwarf varieties like 'Thumbelina Leigh' and 'Silver Anouk' are particularly well-suited for container gardening. These plants not only add aesthetic appeal to patios and balconies but also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Herbs for Containers - Lavender

Sage

Sage is a perennial that can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 4-9 and typically grows 12 to 24 inches tall and wide. As it requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, you can grow it in summer. The plant prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.5-7.0) and should be watered thoroughly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Sage is known for its aromatic leaves, which are used in various dishes, especially for seasoning poultry and stuffing.

Herbs for Containers - Sage

What Herbs Should Not Be Potted Together?

Due to environmental needs, growth habits, and chemical interactions, some herbs should not be potted together. To ensure healthy growth, it’s important to consider the specific needs of each herb when growing herbs in containers in summer. 

What Herbs Should Not Be Potted Together?

Here are some key combinations to avoid:

Mint and Other Herbs

Mint is highly invasive and can quickly overtake other plants in a pot. It should be grown alone to prevent it from crowding out other herbs. Additionally, different mint varieties (like peppermint and spearmint) should not be planted together, as they can lose their unique characteristics.

Dill, Lavender, Marjoram, Sage, or Parsley

Dill attracts pests that can harm lavender, marjoram, and sage. It also has different soil moisture needs compared to these herbs, which can lead to poor growth. Dill should also be kept away from parsley, as it can inhibit parsley's growth.

Basil and Sage

Basil requires consistently moist soil, while sage prefers drier conditions. Planting them together can lead to water competition and affect the growth of both herbs.

Chives and Drought-Tolerant Herbs

Chives need moist soil, which conflicts with the dry soil preferences of herbs like marjoram, oregano, sage, rosemary, and thyme. Planting them together can lead to competition for moisture and space.

Cilantro and Fennel

These herbs are highly competitive and can inhibit each other's growth. They also have different moisture needs, making them unsuitable for the same pot.

Rue and Sage, Basil

Rue can inhibit the growth of sage and basil, so it's best to keep these herbs separate.

Fennel and Other Herbs

Fennel releases allelochemicals that can inhibit the growth of nearby plants. It should be grown in isolation to avoid affecting other herbs.