# Dwarf Herbs
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Herb Culture
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Any type of container will work for growing herbs as long as the soil is well-drained. When selecting dwarf herbs for containers, look for plants that are under 12 inches tall at maturity and say dwarf, miniature or something similar on their tags. Herbs require moist, well-drained soil to thrive. Although they will tolerate periods of drought, their growth will slow if they do not receive enough moisture. Dwarf herbs grown in containers will benefit from an occasional watering with compost tea, but don't overdo it. Herbs that receive too much fertilization attract insects, plus they look weak and leggy. An easier option is to top dress the soil in early spring with an inch or two of compost. This will provide enough organic matter to sustain adequate growth throughout the season.
Herbs For Sun
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There are many varities of basil to choose from such as cinnamon, lemon and sweet. Most herbs prefer growing in full sun. When designing a container filled with herbs for full sun, think about the intended use of the herbs. Dwarf chives, tarragon, chervil and dwarf-curled parsley are ideal for cooks who make a lot of French meals. This combination is known as "fines herbs." Dwarf oregano, sweet marjoram, sage and blue boy rosemary are good herbs for someone who makes a lot of Italian meals. A container does not have to consist of mixed herbs. Create a mix filled with several varieties of dwarf basil, which would be ideal for making pesto, adding the raw leaves to salads or using in Asian dishes. Some varieties to look for include spicy globe, windowbox, minette and dwarf bush basil.
Herbs For Shade
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Herbs grown in shade are usually not as vigorous as those grown in full sun. Although herbs prefer growing in full sun, some will tolerate shade. Chervil, various mints, leaf celery, parsley, wild ginger, sorrel and salad burnet will thrive in shade. Creeping mints are ideal for spilling over the side of the window box and creating interest. Jazz up a shady window box by planting sweet woodruff or miniature varieties of edible violas. When selecting a shady spot to grow herbs, look for an area with morning sun and afternoon shade. This will help prevent the container from drying out as quickly since it will be shaded during the hottest part of the day.
Harvesting Dwarf Herbs
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Always harvest herbs before they flower for the best flavor. The harvesting rules for dwarf herbs are the same as those for full-size herbs: never harvest more than 1/3 of the plant at a time. The exception is annual herbs that you will not overwinter indoors. Once fall arrives, go ahead and harvest all of these herbs. Dwarf herbs will produce a smaller harvest, especially if you harvest them continually. Consider this when selecting the number of plants to grow. Always harvest herbs after two to three days without rain. Harvest early in the morning as soon as the dew has dried. Give herbs a quick rinse under a cold water faucet to wash off any bugs or dirt. Dehydrate them, hang them to dry or use them fresh.
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