Growing Herbs in Containers
Herbs have been a part of mankind since the beginning of civilization. Medicinal purposes were the first of their uses with many of them still being used today. Some Chinese herbal treatments thousand of years old are now considered viable alternatives to certain forms of Western medicine. Aromatherapy is also another link to their medicinal past that is a commonplace application nowadays in health clubs and spas along with their skin beautifying properties as well. Following their medicinal beginnings, man eventually became more creative culinary speaking and herbs became, and still are, a major part of all our lives on a daily basis. The recent explosion of "Foodies" (the at home experimental, creative, and gourmet cooks) has catapulted herbs to a new height of popularity. If you don't have room for a traditional garden don't despair! All you need is a window, small patio, balcony, or porch that gets a minimum of 8 hours of sun a day and you can grow your own fresh herbs year-round.

Container Size
Herbs are usually purchased in a 4" size pot which is ideal for getting them off to a good start, however to prolong their life and productivity they should be moved to a larger container. Nearly any shape or material is acceptable providing it has drainage holes and a soil depth of 6" to 12".

Set Up and Care
Herbs are typically soft annuals or woody perennials. Soft ones like Basil, Cilantro and Mints need to be kept a little more on the moist side and require more frequent waterings. Many of the woody perennial types such as Rosemary, Thyme, and Lavender are actually somewhat drought tolerant in their native habitats and will require thorough but less frequent watering allowing the soil to go slightly on the dry side before re-watering. Get to know your herbs! While good garden soil is "good in the garden", it doesn't lend itself well to being used in containers and can become hard and compacted. Use a good commercial potting mix as a growing medium. They are typically rich in nutrients and have good drainage characteristics. Likewise, there are fertilizers available specifically for the home vegetable and herb garden. Follow the instructions of the manufacturer for proper application.

Time for Great Smells and Tastes!
While there are many medicinal and beautifying uses for herbs, we are by no means herbalists, and do not recommend using them for such purposes without consulting a proper authority or medical professional. When it comes to sniffing and eating however, we are all experts! This will be the focus of the following fun herbal container gardens. Ethnic and regional cooking is all the rage these days. Plant some containers that are cuisine specific or reflect a particular heritage. Remember that the plants will get larger and need some room to spread out. Use your common sense and research, and don't crowd too many in together based on the container size. Check out our Veggie Site too to see the complimentary vegetable gardens!

Global and Regional Culinary Combos

Italian — Garlic, Basil, Oregano, Flat Leaf Parsley, Garlic Chives.

Asian — Thai Basil, Lemon Grass, Lemon Basil, Cilantro, Chives, Garlic Chives, Garlic, Mint.

Greek and Middle East — Garlic, Oregano, Marjoram, Mint, Rosemary.

Mexican / Southwest — Garlic, Epazote, Mint, Cilantro.

Cajun — Garlic, Thyme, Oregano, Chives and Parsley.

Caribbean — Garlic, Chives, Garlic Chives, Sorrel, Cilantro, Parsley, and lots of Thyme.

The "Pickle Pot" — Garlic and Dill.

Classic "Herbs de Provence" — Lavender, Thyme, Rosemary, Marjoram, Oregano, Basil, Savory and Fennel.

Everyday Use, The "Simon and Garfunkel" — Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme.

Classic European — Tarragon, Thyme, Marjoram, Rosemary, Sage.

Jumpin' Juleps — Peppermint, Spearmint, Chocolate Mint, Pineapple Mint.

The "Roast Chicken" — Tarragon, Sage and Thyme.

Aromatherapy

There are any number of websites that will offer information on what herbs to use for aromatherapy and skin beautifying purposes such as Lavender for headache treatment etc. so be sure to check them out. But just for the purpose of good smells in the house, in your homemade potpourri and sachets, or along your walkways or patio, try some of these and enjoy!

Rub and Sniff - For sheer aromatic pleasure, some herbs are best planted by themselves, or with like herbs. Lavenders and Rosemary can grow quite large, and may do best by having their own pot. Place them where casual foot traffic will rub against them releasing a subtle cloud of their essence to be enjoyed by all on the path. Or likewise place on a porch rail or patio table where your visitors can rub their hands through the foliage to enjoy the perfume. Rosemary is also easily trained into a topiary shape!

Mint Mania - Apple, Pineapple, Chocolate, Peppermint and Spearmint - Five different flavors to be enjoyed alone or planted together.

Classic Potpourri - English Lavender, Patchouli, and Santolina in a container will provide a perfect source for your potpourri. Harvest leaves and flowers and dry in a cool dark place. Add your own dried rose petals, dried Scented Geranium leaves and dried Mints.

Scented Geraniums - These come in many sizes, shapes and flavors! Take some time to study the various types and enjoy them when dried in a number of ways. Great for potpourris and even for some baking!

Kitty Capers - Don't forget your feline friends. Plant a container with Catnip, Cat Mint, and Cat Thyme and watch the antics begin! You will probably need to keep this in a location where you can decide who gets what and when, otherwise they will likely destroy it unattended on the first visit.

Just Lavender - In a good-sized container, 14" to 20" across or long, plant an English, French, and Spanish Lavender. When flowers show color, cut off flower stems and bundle to hang upside down in a cool dry location. Use dried flowers in sachets, potpourri, or whole stems in dried arrangements and wreaths.

Some Extra Tips
Some herbs, especially any of the mints, spread by runners and can be quite invasive. They are often grown in their own separate containers to avoid overtaking other herbs in a group container.

Plant successive pots of annual herbs like Basil, Cilantro and Parsley to keep some available all year as the older mature plants finish out. Keeping the flower stems pinched off of these will prolong their production.

Clipping your herbs to use keeps the plants bushier and more productive. If they start to get straggly and you don't need to use them right away, trim them and dry the herbs in a food dehydrator, very low oven, or a cool dry location to store and use later.