Containers for Growing Herbs

Terra Cotta Flower Pots

• Terra cotta pots -- those reddish brown clay pots that are the most recognized type of flower pots -- are probably the most obvious container to use for herbs. Terra cotta pots have their pros and cons: the container is porous, which enables the roots to breathe, but also causes the soil to dry out more quickly. You can dress up your terra cotta pot with markers or acrylic paints to add some color to your container herb garden.

Plastic Flower Pots

• Plastic flower pots retain a plant's moisture level longer than terra cotta because they are not porous. Their lightweight construction makes them easier to move from location to location, but also makes them more susceptible to being blown over with gusts of wind. Plastic flower pots are best for herbs grown indoors or in areas where wind is not a problem.

Other Plastic Containers

• The University of Illinois Extension says that it is acceptable to repurpose previously used plastic containers in which to grow herbs. Examples of repurposed containers are milk jugs, plastic food tubs, buckets and 5-gallon pails. Herbs need well-drained soil, so use a drill to drill drainage holes into repurposed containers before filling them with potting soil and herb seeds or seedlings.

Metal Containers

• Metal containers can be used as containers to grow herbs. Metal flower pots are available in most gardening stores. You can also repurpose food and coffee cans for your container herb garden. Use an awl or can opener to pop a few drainage holes into repurposed metal containers before using them, so the herb plants aren't left sitting in soggy soil. Metal cans can be dressed up with paint to brighten up your herb garden.

Wooden Containers

• Wooden containers give a rustic look to an herb container garden. Wooden produce crates come in various sizes and you can grow various herbs in any size. EdibleContainerGardening.com suggests lining wooden produce crates with cheese cloth or another gauzy material so that the soil is trapped but water can flow through. Water gently to prevent the cheese cloth from sliding down the side of the crate.

Caution

• Never use a container for growing herbs unless you know the origin of the container. Steer clear of containers that once contained cleaning products, paints or other chemicals. Toxins can leach from the plastic, wood, metal or clay into your plants and make the plants harmful to humans.