In today’s fast-paced world, where many people have limited outdoor space and time, growing a garden might seem like an impossible task. However, container gardening is a simple and enjoyable way to cultivate fresh herbs, vegetables, and flowers in a small space. In this article, we will focus on growing herbs in containers, which not only provide a colorful and aromatic display but also add a delicious touch to your meals. With the right container, soil, and herbs, you can have a thriving herb garden right outside your door.
Growing Herbs in a Container: A Colorful and Tasty Addition to Your Meals
Herbs not only provide a colorful and aromatic display but also add a tasty touch to your meals. Growing them in a container on your patio or outside the kitchen door is a great way to have fresh herbs at hand.
Choosing the Right Container and Soil
Select a large container with plenty of drainage holes for three or four varieties of herbs. This is easier to maintain than several smaller pots and looks more attractive. Herbs prefer a free-draining soil with some grit added to the compost. Place the container in a sunny, sheltered spot and add a covering of gravel over the soil to help retain moisture.
Best Herbs for a Container Garden
Three herbs that make a great combination for both an attractive display and a tasty addition to meals are oregano, thyme, and sage. They are evergreen and will provide color all winter.
Thyme comes in two popular varieties. Common Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) has grey/green leaves and pretty, pale mauve flowers. It is the most flavorful choice for savory dishes. Lemon Thyme (Thymus cittriodorus ‘Aureus’) has variegated green and lemon leaves with a delicious lemony scent and pink flowers. It is generally added to sweet dishes or used to make herbal tea.
Sage is a member of the Salvia family and has velvety, thick grey leaves and violet-blue or white flowers. It adds an interesting, slightly sweet/sour taste to meals.
Oregano (Origanum vulgae) has a very distinctive flavor and can be added sparingly to different types of savory dishes, from pizzas and pasta to chicken and meat dishes.
Rosemary is another herb that can be grown with other herbs or as a specimen plant. The Tuscan Blue is a very attractive, aromatic, and popular compact variety. A hard prune in summer will keep this plant in shape.
Mint is a popular herb that comes in many different flavors, all of them totally irresistible! However, it should always be grown separately in its own container as it can quickly spread and overtake other plants or herbs.
Final Thoughts
Growing herbs in a container is an easy and enjoyable way to have fresh herbs at hand. Choose a sunny and sheltered spot, a large container with plenty of drainage holes, and free-draining soil with grit added to it. Plant oregano, thyme, and sage for a colorful and tasty combination or choose other herbs like rosemary and mint. With proper care and attention, your container garden will provide you with fresh herbs all year round.
