Herb Plants That Can Be Potted Together

Rosemary, Oregano and Marjoram

• Rosemary, oregano and marjoram are among the herbs enjoying hot and dry conditions. A terra cotta pot, as opposed to plastic, helps draw out moisture from the plants for the best growing environment. Pick a pot that is at least 12 inches in diameter. A 12-inch pot keeps growth in check, as the roots of each herb will be contained, while a larger pot supports more growth. The plants do best in well-drained, slight rocky and slightly alkaline soil. If putting the pot outside, consider elevating it on bricks or rocks allowing the pot to thoroughly drain. If keeping it indoors, ensure that the pot never sits in water. You have two options for potting. Either visually divide the pot into three sectors and put an herb in each, or plant the rosemary in the middle with the oregano and marjoram on either side closer to the pot's edge. Marjoram and oregano stay relatively close to the soil, while rosemary towers over the others. The plants thrive best with full sun whether indoors or out.

Sage, Bay, Lavender and Thyme

• Sage, bay, lavender and thyme thrive in hot, dry conditions. Any may be substituted for rosemary, oregano and marjoram. If planting three herbs, use at minimum a 12-inch diameter pot, preferably terra cotta. Increase the diameter by several inches if potting four or more of the herbs together. Pot the herbs in well-draining pots, as roots that sit in water will quickly rot. Sage and bay usually grows the tallest, following by lavender and then thyme, which sits closer to the soil level. Group the herbs with the tallest in the middle of the pot and the shorter types surrounding the plants or plant one herb type in each quarter of the pot. The herbs like full sun.

Coriander, Cilantro, Mint and Parsley

• Cilantro, coriander, mint and parsley are among the herbs that like moist soil. Plant these herbs in plastic, as opposed to terra cotta, pots to retain moisture. Pick a large pot, at least 12 inches in diameter, and fill it with fertile, rich soil. The herbs do well in loamy soil with a balanced pH between 6.5 and 7.5. Amend the soil with perlite or vermiculite. These herbs like full sun but quickly dry out. Remember to water them regularly, perhaps every day during very warm days.

Basil, Chives, Tarragon and Dill

• Basil, chives, tarragon and dill are among the herbs needing moist soil to thrive. Any of these herbs may be substituted for cilantro, coriander, mint or parsley. Like the other moisture-loving herbs, these do best in a plastic pot retaining moisture. Basil, chives, tarragon and dill all grow at nearly the same heights, so it is best to plant them in separate quadrants of the pot. As with other herbs, the bigger the pot, the bigger the herbs can grow. Because of their height, you may eventually need to stake these herbs with a thin wood or plastic dowel to keep them vertical.