FAQs
Most herbs thrive in full sun in a sheltered position. You can grow herbs indoors on the windowsill, in pots outdoors or straight in the ground. Sow seeds of annual herbs like basil and coriander every couple of weeks to provide you with fresh leaves throughout summer.
Do plants grow better in pots or in the ground? ›
In comparison to the ground, containers hold substantially less growing media. This means their surface-area-to-volume ratio is far greater, which causes them to heat up and cool down far quicker than the ground. These fluctuations in temperature can damage plant roots and compromise overall growth.
Can I plant herbs directly in the ground? ›
If your yard offers rich, well-draining soil in a sunny space free from competing trees and shrubs, planting an herb garden in the ground should work beautifully. However, if your soil is less than ideal, a raised bed garden is an excellent alternative.
Can you grow different herbs in the same container? ›
You can plant herbs together as long as they have the same growing needs. If you've got some basil, parsley, and lemon balm seeds, plant them in one container with proper spacing. These herbs like water but not wet feet! The soil should be moist to the touch, like a wrung-out sponge.
What is the best layout for an herb garden? ›
The simplest design would be four beds, each a square yard (or square metre) in size, around a sundial or small round bed containing one tall herb – a Rosemary bush or Bay tree as a permanent feature, or Fennel, which would grow up every year and offer sculptural stems in winter.
Do tomatoes grow better in pots or in the ground? ›
In general, determinate tomatoes tend to do better in pots, so look for those. It's also possible to grow indeterminate tomatoes in containers, of course, as long as you provide enough support and soil volume.
Do peppers do better in pots or ground? ›
Yes, they do very well in pots and yields can be quite high, sometimes higher than when planted in the ground. Habaneros and other related peppers (most of the super-hots) often do better in pots in some areas because the soil in the pots is warmer than that in the ground (in northern regions).
Are plants warmer in pots or in the ground? ›
Overwintering plants in containers is quite different from overwintering them in the ground – all thanks to their roots. In winter, the soil stays warmer than the air, protecting roots from cold winter temperatures. However, when you grow perennials and shrubs in pots, they lose the extra insulation that soil provides.
How often should I water herbs in pots? ›
A good rule of thumb for most herbs is to water about once per week. During extreme heat or drought conditions, sometimes twice per week will be needed. Water in the cooler hours of the morning, between 6 – 10 am, to avoid evaporation and allow for deep root soaking.
What are the easiest herbs to grow? ›
The easiest herbs to grow are perennial herbs you can buy in pots – these include rosemary, mint, chives and oregano. Chives are also easy to grow from seed (see below) and one of the fastest-growing herbs is cress. A perennial herb is one that keeps growing throughout the year and beyond.
Generally, herbs need full sun, but some will survive on as little as 2 hours of good sun a day. Mediterranean herbs like lavender, rosemary and thyme require more sun. Softer, green herbs like parsley, lemon balm and mint will take less sun. The flavour and scent of herbs is stronger when they have adequate sun.
Is it better to grow herbs in pots or ground? ›
Herbs like lemon balm and mint do best grown in their own pot or small container. You can also grow any of the other herbs in their own pot. Overall, the larger your pot or container is, the better the herbs inside will be able to maintain themselves.
What type of container is best for herbs? ›
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.
Where is the best place to plant herbs? ›
Most herbs need a fair amount of sunlight. As long as an herb is growing in a space where it gets at least 4 hours of sunlight a day, it will most likely do well. Most can tolerate much more sunlight, though, with herbs like rosemary, lavender and basil thriving in full sun (6 – 8 hours a day).
What is the best way to grow herbs outside? ›
Almost all herbs require a sunny location, but some herbs, such as chives, chamomile and bay, can tolerate partial shade. Herbs generally prefer loose, well-drained soil with a slightly acid pH around 6.5. If you are planning on growing your herbs in the garden, a soil test is highly recommended.
Do herbs grow better inside or outside? ›
Many common herbs thrive in traditional gardens and outdoor containers, and even on sunny, indoor windowsills — keeping fresh herbs ready in every season. The aroma of fresh herbs can be especially enjoyed when placed along walkways and brushed with a knee or hand. Caring for herbs indoors or out isn't difficult.
What is the best setup for growing herbs? ›
Choose the Sunniest Spot. Most herbs prefer a lot of sunlight. That means you'll want to give your indoor herb garden at least six hours of sun per day to thrive. To maximize their exposure, place plants as close as possible to your brightest window—the bright light of a south-facing window is best.
