Here’s a few helpful tidbits for growing herbs.
If you are interested in growing herbs (and other food crops) indoors, this is very helpful: How to Grow Food Indoors.
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Grow Herbs in Containers
Some herbs are perennial and others are annual or biennial (taking longer to complete their growing cycle), but no mater what, you can grow them in containers.
When you purchase seeds or starter plants, check the tag or seed packet for growing instructions. This varies by climate and growing conditions.
Grow
Use Good Soil
- I use store-bought organic, container soil intended for food crops. You should be able to find it at a local store or garden nursery, and be sure to read the packaging to ensure it is ‘food safe’.
- All of the herbs do well if the soil is well-drained (doesn’t get soggy) and does not dry out.
- I use the finger tip test for watering: if the soil feels dry one inch below the surface, I water. If you’re new to gardening and unsure, get a moisture meter like this one at Amazon. These provide a quick, reliable way to know how dry the soil is and the unit does not require power or batteries.
Find Their Happy Place
While they do fine in similar container conditions, herbs can vary quite a bit in how much sun they enjoy. I move my containers around until I find that perfect amount of light that spurs growth without drying out the containers or causing the plants to bolt (premature flowering in response to stress).
For example, sweet basil has the most delicious taste and scent when it is young and tender, but after repeated exposure to hot sun, it is repulsive and bitter. I can tell just by looking at the plant if it has crossed this line.
To encourage new growth, I clip my herbs regularly, whether I’m using the clippings for cooking or not. Regular cutting back encourages new leaves and discourages bolting.
I created this chart (below) listing the preferred sun conditions for many herbs. Don’t take it as a rule book but just a general guide. Herbs are quite adaptable and while growth may vary, they do well in a variety of settings.
For successful herb crops, grow in containers with organic container soil, water as needed, and place the pots where they receive the desired amount of sun.
Are you a tea drinker? You can also grow plants for making your own homegrown teas.
~Melissa the Empress of Dirt ♛
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Aha! A chart for sun needs!! Thank you kindly, Empress, for this secret information. I have always blasted the herbs with sunlight and hoped for the best. It doesn’t always go well. I love basil but I am sad to say that it can develop a slightly distasteful essence. Of course, I eat it anyway and dare anyone to mention that it might be getting a bit, er, strongish…but that is the sad truth. Things will go better now and there will be peace and sweet basil in the garden. I thank you, my family thanks you.
{{just don’t tell them, I’ll never admit the old basil was bitter!}}
May all of your future basil be sweet and delectable!
I grow my basil in blasting sun on the south side of the house and it loves the heat. However, I do agree, it does pass a point and becomes too tough and bitter. This summer I have a succession of basil seedlings waiting in line to replace the gnarly old basil plants.
Very smart to have the succession plants going! I’m good at that for salad greens but forget for herbs.
Nice post! You made me laugh when you said ” I can tell with one look if it’s crossed the line”….almost like a naughty 4 year old…LOL I’m really loving the look of your herbs in those galvanized pots too…I am on the hunt for some, I need to go visit a salvage yard probably.
Great idea on sharing that general guide on sun for herbs….nice!
I just love the little plant markers in your herbs! Super sweet and very natural looking! And, you can change them out if you have different plants next season : )