The practice of planting herbs growing in containers to have fresh herbs at hand when you need them is an attractive idea. It also saves a great deal of time and trouble that most people have in herb gardening. Of course, like most things, there are benefits and disadvantages to having your herb garden in a container. So, what are some of the benefits of planting your herbs in a container?
The first benefit is that it is easier to control the conditions of your herb garden. You can move the pots around the house or patio to get a more natural growing environment. Many people live in parts of the country where they have hard winters and very hot summers. During the summer, their herbs die out and they are forced to replant. But by growing your herbs in an indoor herb garden you can move the pots outside in the fall and winter. This eliminates the need to replant during the rough seasons.
Another benefit of growing your herbs in a container is that you do not have to care for your live plants as much. You simply put them into the hole and take them out of the area when you want them gone. If you are constantly cleaning up your herb garden, you will find yourself cleaning less. You just remove the herb from the growing area, cover, and leave it alone.
Some people prefer the convenience of planting herbs in pots over having to care for their growing areas all year long. But if you are like many people, you live in a house with small spaces. It can be difficult to maintain a large garden with limited sunlight or moisture. Potted herbs are growing mediums for growing herbs indoors and they usually have the same growing requirements as your outdoor garden herbs. The container does not have to be large and you do not have to worry about getting all the sunlight or water that your outdoor plants need.
Some popular container herbs include basil, oregano, parsley, Rosemary, thyme, sage, tarragon, basil, chives, and dill. If you decide to go with container gardening, be sure to plant these herbs in pots that are large enough to provide room for growth. Most of these herbs will grow well in the size of a small window box or pot. It is important to remember that herbs do not like to be planted in direct sunlight. You should place them where they get the most sunlight possible.
Herbs can become invasive if you do not place them in pots before planting them. Pots of herbs can be difficult for them to get around so be sure to place them where they can have some protection. Herbs that need to have their roots tied should be planted in a hole two feet wide and six to eight inches deep.
Be sure to plant your herb in full sun or the roots will shade the plant and reduce the amount of sunlight they receive. Herbs should be watered often but not too often. Most herbs do best in moist soil that gets about six to eight hours of sunshine. You can also add a light dose of fertilizer to your plant once a month.
When choosing which herbs to use for your cooking, consider the type of taste you are trying to create. Herbs can be used for many different types of dishes such as salads, pasta, soups, stews, and desserts. Live herb plants make beautiful decorations and if you put some together, they can look very attractive on your counter top, mantelpiece, in a vase, and even on your kitchen windowsill. Your whole house will smell wonderful when you incorporate fresh herbs into your cuisine.