Cute Ideas for Potted Herb Gardens

Chalkboard Paint

• Terra cotta pots are great for growing container gardens, but terra cotta pots painted with chalkboard paint are even better. Start with inexpensive clay pots, one for each type of herb you grow. Spray a coat of chalkboard spray paint, available at hardware or craft stores, on each pot. Cover the whole pot with the chalkboard paint or use a label-shaped stencil creating a permanent label on the pot. Write the name of the herb or doodle your own custom designs on the pot with chalk.

Herb Tower

• Using several terra cotta pots and a plant stand, create a cascading herb garden tower that makes an attractive display in a sunny corner. Start with a large terra cotta pot at least 20 inches in diameter on top of the stable plant stand. Place another, smaller terra cotta pot upside down inside the first pot, making sure there is at least 3 or 4 inches of space around it. Fill the space with potting soil. Add another terra cotta pot on top of the upside down pot, with a smaller pot inside, and fill that space with soil. Continue building the tower until you're satisfied with the height. Plant a variety of herbs in each level.

Galvanized Metal Buckets

• Plant an herb garden in galvanized metal containers, such as old washtubs or buckets. Drill holes in the bottom of each container for drainage. Use several, small, galvanized buckets to create a hanging herb garden. Plant one herb plant in each small bucket and hang the buckets from hooks securely fastened to a deck rail or overhang. Avoid hanging the herb buckets over areas where people walk or sit to avoid injury if the handle or hook unexpectedly breaks. Keep the pots small and light.

Birdbath or Vintage Crates

• An unused birdbath serves as the home for a small herb garden. Choose a birdbath with a deeper well. The shallower the birdbath, the thirstier the plant roots get, and the more often you have to water. Adding a layer of river rock or crushed shells underneath the soil in the birdbath helps drainage. If you don't have space for a birdbath, plant your herb garden in a vintage crate placed on a table. If you're using a crate, plant the herbs in individual pots and arrange the pots inside the crate. If the crate is sturdy enough, fill it with soil and plant the herbs directly into the crate. Remember to drill drainage holes.