How To Plant A One Container Herb Garden

A container herb garden is a super simple way to have fresh herbs for your favorite recipes without having to go to the store. See how simple it is to create your own herb garden in a jiffy!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I make a small commission at absolutely no extra cost to you! Read my full disclosure here.

A Satisfying Convenience

Have you ever been in the middle of your recipe and figured out that you were out of parsley? Or almost finished cooking your tacos and realized that you forgot to stop at the store and buy cilantro? I have and it’s so frustrating!

An easy solution is to plant your own little kitchen herb garden and have your favorite fresh herbs ready when you need them. You won’t have to worry about running out and you’ll experience the joy and satisfaction of planting and harvesting your own little crop.

I know it may sound silly, but there’s something super satisfying about walking out and picking something that you have planted and watered and nurtured then using it to cook a tasty meal.

My Herb Choices

For my container herb garden, I planted the herbs that I like best and am most likely to use in my own kitchen. Feel free to change it up if your tastes are a little different or you regularly use different herbs. The whole point of this is to have the herbs that you like and use right outside your house and ready to complete your favorite recipes.

Basil

Recently, I’ve become addicted to pesto so basil is a must have. I’ll plant much more basil in the garden once it’s ready. You can use basil in many ways: it’s great in almost all Italian recipes, add it to your homemade pizza, delicious caprese salad with fresh basil and fresh mozzarella, I’ve even seen drinks that call for basil! When my basil starts producing this summer, I’ll stock my freezer back up with pesto to last all winter.

Parsley

Parsley is a great choice as it’s one of the most commonly used herbs. Almost every recipe calls for parsley. Use Parsley in your homemade ranch dressing, add some to your next pot of beans, or throw some chopped parsley in your favorite creamy pasta. Yum!

Thyme

Thyme isn’t an herb that I use often but it’s a great one to have for when you need it. It’s a great herb for roasting and you can use it for baked fish, roasted chicken, even roasted potatoes! Plus it’s super low maintenance, easy to grow, and adds a really nice dimension to your herb garden.

Oregano

Oregano is another great herb for all things Italian! Spaghetti is of course the first recipe that always comes to mind when I think about oregano. You could also use your stock of fresh oregano for roasted meats, salad dressings or to season chili and soups. It’s great for Greek food too!

Chives

I’m excited to have Onion Chives to use as a substitute for fresh green onions this summer. Fresh green onions are by far one of my favorite things to have growing. They’re so unbelievably simple to grow and so tasty on a stuffed potato! Since green onions are a winter crop that go to seed in the heat of the summer, I’m trying out onion chives to see if they’ll be a suitable stand in.

What You’ll Need For A One Pot Herb Garden:

• Pot or Container with drainage holes  If you’re using an unconventional planter like my galvanized tub you can easily drill drainage holes into the bottom or punch out holes with a hammer and nail. Well draining soil is a must!
• Potting soil   If using your own personal mixture be sure to add in plenty of sand to help with drainage and compost for a rich soil.
• 5-6 herbs of choice 
• Gardening trowel, optional but nice to have
• Herb labels, optional

 

How To Plant Your Container Herb Garden

1. Ensure that your container has good drainage holes. If not, add some before you start planting.
2. Two methods: A) Fill your pot about 3/4 of the way with your soil. Next dig a hole for your first herb. Set the herb in the hole and fill around it with dirt. Repeat until all herbs are planted. Pack lightly. B) Fill your pot about 1/2 way with soil. Arrange your herbs in a pleasing manner and then fill around them with soil up to the top of the dirt level of your plants. Pack lightly.
3. Place in a sunny spot and water well.
4. Enjoy fresh herbs all summer long!

 Potted Herb Garden Tips:

• Drainage, drainage, drainage! I can’t stress enough how important good drainage is for growing herbs, or any plant for that matter, in a pot. Drowning is a surefire way to kill your new herbs.
• Compost/worm dirt can be added for a richer soil.
• Frequent watering. Don’t let your plants dry out too much between waterings or they’ll start to wilt and droop. The biggest downside to potted plants to me is how quickly they can dry out. In the hot southern summers that may mean watering every day if it doesn’t rain. There’s a definite balancing act between good drainage and drying out.
• Plenty of sunshine. Almost all herbs thrive in full sun so make sure to give them at least 6 hours of full sun every day.
• Clip and pick your herbs often to encourage new growth and good plant formation.
• Pinch off the flowering tips of basil to keep it producing longer.

Shop For Your Herb Garden Supplies {click on photo to view and purchase}

Planters:

Herb Labels:

Trowel:

 

Pin It For Later!

Want to find this post later? Pin it to your gardening board so you don’t lose it!