Growing Herbs in Pots for Beginners. Have all the Fresh Herbs You Need This Summer!

The pic is to show many herbs; but display them around the deck.

I love growing herbs in pots. Growing herbs this way is so easy and fun! You will have fresh herbs all summer long and beyond and save money as well! You may even want to freeze your herbs so they last throughout the year.

Herbs are a healthy and beautiful addition to all your dishes😀

And there is nothing more satisfying than watching your small herbs grow and bloom into beautiful plants. The potted herbs will enhance the look and smell of your patio or deck.

Also, many herbs help resist pesky insects and/or attract more attractive insects like butterflies.

I also like potted herbs because they can be moved around. If there is bad weather, I can move my herbs to a safe place. If the herbs need more or less sun, I can move them to a different spot. Recently we have had a cold spell, so luckily I could bring my herbs inside, or they probably would not have made it!

Potted herbs take less commitment than herbs planted in an outdoor garden, and allow an easy way to experiment with different types of herbs. For example, I have always been successful with sage, basil, thyme, etc., but I have always had a hard time with cilantro. If your cilantro dies, either repot or replace it with a different herb. It takes little time to repot, and it is so easy.

Potted herbs are convenient. I put most of my herbs on my back deck. In this way, I can easily snip off a few herbs before cooking my recipe.

I sometimes put groups of herbs together, especially if they have the same sun requirements.

But more often, I spread them all around the deck on tops of tables for decor as well as for aroma.

Many plants are also great at repelling pesky insects such as mosquitoes and flies.

First, some tips:

1. Today it is so easy to find all the herbs you could want at many grocery stores, garden centers, or even hardware stores. I usually buy my herbs after the last cold spell, typically in early April...this is Arkansas after all! You may start at different times depending on where you live.

2. First, determine what kinds of herbs you use for cooking or other purposes. My usual herbs include basil, thyme, oregano, sage, rosemary, dill, chives, lavender, and mint. I love lavender for the smell and the pretty purple flowers, but I also use it in cooking. I like to try a new herb each year or a different variety such as lemon thyme, or purple basil.

3. I buy small herbs already potted as opposed to planting seeds. I find the results much quicker and less work. But if you want to start with seedlings, go for it!

4. The next thing to consider is how much light your plants will need. Be sure to pay attention to the tag with the details regarding sunlight and watering. Some plants require full sun, while others require part shade, etc. When the weather gets hot, be sure to water more often. In the heat of the summer, I water my herbs daily.

Pay close attention to your herbs in hot weather. One day without water can effect your herbs. If I forget to water my plants for a day or two, and they look wilted or dried out, I don't give up. I water them immediately, and they usually perk up and are fine by the next day. 😀

5. I like to pot each herb separately. I have had the most success with this method. I have potted two or three herbs in the same pot, and that can look very pretty. However, I find that many times, one herb overtakes the pot.

Purple and Sweet Basil.

Here is an example of when I planted Purple Basil and Sweet Basil together.

My pot was too small and the Sweet Basil eventually took over the Purple Basil.

The Purple Basil is much more delicate, and eventually, I repotted them in separate pots and they did much better.

If I had used a larger pot it may have worked, but again, I have had more success using separate pots.

6. If you do plant more than one herb in the same pot, be sure all the herbs require the same light and water. Also, give the herbs some space in the pot. The herbs may double or triple in size, so you want to provide that space to grow. Refer to the tag to determine how big your herbs will get.

7. Buy potting soil and plant food that is appropriate for your plants. I usually buy Miracle Grow potting soil or something similar since it contains nutrients for the plants, and I have always had luck with it. I may also buy some plant food that is for herbs to add to the soil later in the summer. A good plant food is Organic Grow (all- purpose plant food) by Espoma. You may also want to buy organic potting soil which can be found at any garden store.

8. Buy a root starter to give your plants the best possible start. If unsure of what to buy, ask someone at your garden center.

9. Pick out pretty pots for your herbs. Make sure the pots have a drainage hole at the bottom. If not, you can add rocks to help with drainage, or add a hole yourself. But I find it is much easier if a drainage hole is already in the pot.

10. I usually buy medium pots for most herbs and a few smaller and larger pots. I buy a larger pot for my basil since it grows so tall, and I use lots of basil in cooking. I like a rectangle pot for my thyme, it looks pretty, and I find the herbs grow well in the pot. You can experiment with sizes and shapes. If you are going to plant many herbs of the same type or different types in the same pot, go for a larger pot to provide plenty of space to grow.

So let's get potting!!

1. Make sure your pot has drainage, a hole at the bottom. A couple of my pots do not, so I add gravel or small stones at the bottom.

2. Add good quality potting soil; and a root starter is very helpful. If your potting soil does not have nutrients, add plant food that is good for herbs. The directions should all be on the package.

3. Make a hole in the soil and leave room for the plant. Gently break up the root ball a bit and place the plant in the pot. Fill in around the pot with extra potting soil. Using garden gloves is very helpful.

Make a hole in the soil; leave room for the plant.

Gently remove the plant, break-up roots, and transfer to a pot.

4. Gently press soil around the plant and carefully water. Plants are very fragile at first. Be gentle with them until the roots get more established and they begin to grow.

Be sure to pay attention to the sun and water requirements. Feed your herbs plant food at least a couple more times this season to keep up the growth. I keep the label/tag in the pot to remind me of the instructions for feeding, watering, and sun.

5. Trim the dead leaves or flowers when needed. If the leaves are brown you may need to water more often especially in the hot summer heat. Some plants can be easily over-watered, so pay attention to the instructions.

6. Once your plant starts to grow, clip off herbs as needed, and the plants will continue to grow and produce more herbs. Fresh herbs all season!

Here are some of my favorite herbs to grow. These are the actual pictures of the herbs in my pots and in my garden......

• Basil

Basil is my favorite summer herb!

I love basil! The smell is divine. Basil can be thrown into your omelets or salads; my favorite salad is a Caprese Salad!

This salad is simply wonderful but so easy!

Arrange fresh sliced tomatoes on a platter, then add slices of fresh mozzarella. Tear fresh basil over the top and drizzle with a balsamic glaze. Yum!!

This herb also goes well with almost any pasta dish. Basil is also the base of pesto and other herb toppings/dressings. Basil is an essential ingredient on Margherita pizza...yum!

• Rosemary

My rosemary bush in front of my house.

I love it because it grows all year long with little work from me, except to trim the bush. However, it is very easy to pot if you don't want a large bush!

Rosemary pairs well with chicken, beef, lamb, potatoes, etc. Also, use it in pestos and other sauces. I love the smell, and I add it to many of my platters when serving as a garnish or

decoration.

• Thyme

It's time for thyme!

Thyme is a beautiful herb that I use in many soups, stews, and sauces. I also love thyme with chicken and with most proteins.

• Mint

My huge "bush" of mint in my backyard!

Mint is so fragrant and is a nice addition to iced tea, sparkling water, or your other summer drinks.

Mint and basil pair nicely for your pestos. I also love to mix it in salads including fruit salads.

Mint jelly, mint pesto, or mint sauce is my favorite accompaniment to lamb.

Note: mint is like a weed. It took over my garden in my backyard. Be careful planting mint in garden beds. It does pot nicely for a controlled amount of mint! I could supply my whole neighborhood! 😂

• Parley

Flat and curly parsley.

Parsley goes with everything...salads, eggs, pestos, soups and stews, etc.

Parsley can add much-needed freshness to your meats and stews that cook for long periods of time. Add it at the end when the dish is finished.

Also, parsley is a wonderful garnish for most of your dishes.

Flat or curly, I love it all!

• Chives

Chives.

Chives have a wonderful mild onion flavor. So if you want a more muted onion flavor, use chives.

I use chives in salads, eggs, and sprinkled over casseroles, meats, fish, you name it!

• Dill

Yummy Dill.

Oh Dill, how I love thee!

I love dill sprinkled in a salad or over eggs.

Smoked salmon, cream crease, and dill...a combination made in heaven!

I also love this herb sprinkled over roasted veggies.

Potato salad is divine with dill, and again this herb is wonderful in soups and stews.

Of course, if you like pickles, well, dill is your herb!

• Sage

Beautiful Sage.

Sage tea was a new recipe that I tried last year, and I loved it!

When I think of sage, I think of stuffing and turkey, but this herb goes well with most meats.

I also like to fry it up in a little butter and sprinkle it over meat or veggie dishes! Yum!

• Oregano

Greek Oregano.

I use oregano in my Italian tomato dishes like spaghetti and pizza pasta sauce.

Oregano can be combined with olive oil to create flavorful olive oils or vinaigrettes and marinades for salads, lamb, chicken and beef dishes.

Also, add it to your pestos.

Oregano goes well with chicken and is wonderful in soups and stews.

• Lavender

Lavender before the pretty flowers bloom.

I saved the best for last! Lavender smells so good and is so pretty when the purple flowers bloom.

I use it in so many ways. I love lavender as a garnish for the dishes that I make in the summer. Since it is edible, it is perfectly safe to serve around and on top of your dishes.

Lavender is also a wonderful spice you can use in your roasts and even in your salads. Lavender ice cream is one of my favorite desserts!

Experiment with it, and you may find you add it to many foods. However, a little goes a long way, so use it sparingly.

Pick the flowers and put them in pretty teacups, or dry out the flowers for a fragrant pouch you can put in your drawers to keep your clothes smelling nice.

Also, add it to your favorite potpourri to give your rooms a beautiful lavender aroma. Lavender is one of my favorite scents, so I use it as often as possible!

Lavender with thin pretty flowers.

A variety of lavender with thicker flowers.

Grilled pork tenderloin with a lavender garnish.

Have fun planting your herbs in pots! And remember part of the fun is experimenting. If at first you don't succeed, try another herb!😀

.......Our next adventure is planting a vegetable garden. My son William has constructed the garden beds and has filled up the beds with soil, Peat moss, etc. My husband is his assistant. This is our first time planting a vegetable garden, but William has done a lot of research, so stay tuned.....

Here is a sneak peek....

Getting all the supplies ready.

William constructing the elevated garden bed.

Filling up the garden beds.

Smoothing out the soil.

Looking forward to fresh vegetables this summer!! ❤️🍅🥕🫑

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