Growing herbs in pots is easy, even if you only have a windowsill or small patio. Fresh herbs transform cooking and cost a fraction of supermarket packets.
Choosing containers
- Any container with drainage holes will work.
- Terracotta looks attractive but dries out quickly.
- Plastic retains moisture longer.
- Bigger pots mean less frequent watering.
- Most herbs need at least 15cm depth.
Compost and drainage
Use a good quality multi-purpose compost. For Mediterranean herbs like rosemary, thyme and lavender, mix in extra grit or perlite for better drainage – they hate sitting in wet soil.
Put crocks or gravel in the bottom of pots to prevent drainage holes blocking.
Best herbs for pots
- Basil: Needs warmth and sun. Grow indoors or in a sheltered spot.
- Parsley: Tolerates some shade. Biennial – replace every two years.
- Chives: Easy and hardy. Cut back after flowering.
- Mint: Vigorous – best in its own pot or it takes over.
- Rosemary: Needs good drainage and full sun. Can grow large.
- Thyme: Compact and drought-tolerant. Good for sunny spots.
- Coriander: Runs to seed quickly. Sow successionally for continuous supply.
- Sage: Hardy and attractive. Needs good drainage.
Grouping herbs
Herbs with similar needs can share a pot:
- Mediterranean group: Rosemary, thyme, sage, oregano – all like sun and good drainage.
- Moist-soil group: Parsley, chives, mint, coriander – need more water.
Keep mint separate – it spreads aggressively and will crowd out other herbs.
Position
Most herbs need at least 4-6 hours of sun daily. A south-facing windowsill, patio or doorstep is ideal. Parsley and chives tolerate partial shade.
Watering
- Check pots daily in summer – they dry out quickly.
- Water when the top centimetre of compost feels dry.
- Mediterranean herbs prefer to dry out between waterings.
- Basil, parsley and coriander like consistently moist soil.
Feeding
Feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser every 2-4 weeks during the growing season. Do not overfeed – herbs grown lean have more intense flavour.
Harvesting
- Pick little and often to encourage bushy growth.
- Harvest in the morning when oils are strongest.
- Never take more than a third of the plant at once.
- Pinch out flowers on basil and coriander to prolong leaf production.
Winter care
- Hardy herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage, chives) can stay outside.
- Tender herbs (basil) need to come indoors or be treated as annuals.
- Reduce watering in winter but do not let pots dry out completely.
Start with just a few herbs you use regularly. Once you see how easy it is, you can expand your collection.
Written by Dave Thompson
Professional Gardener & Founder
Dave has over 15 years of experience in garden maintenance across Staffordshire. He founded Hedge Cutting Staffordshire in 2009 and has helped hundreds of homeowners create and maintain beautiful gardens. When he's not out trimming hedges or advising clients, he's testing the latest garden tools and sharing practical tips on this blog.
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