How to Grow Herbs in Pots Outside

Growing herbs in containers is fun and easy for both experienced and novice gardeners. Herbs grown in outdoor pots require essentially the same conditions as those grown in gardens: fertile, well-drained soil; sunshine; and water. Growing herbs in containers allows you to move them to different locations during inclement or hot weather episodes. Herbs in pots are also less apt to suffer from disease or pests that may infest the garden. A variety of different types of herbs can be grown in the same pot: culinary, aromatic, ornamental and medicinal.

Containers
Organic potting soil mix
Small spade
Herb seedlings
Organic mulch
Organic fertilizer

Instructions

- 1
  Purchase healthy herb seedlings from a nursery or garden center that you want to grow in pots. Culinary herbs--chives, oregano, lemon thyme, rosemary, marjoram and sage--grow well together.
- 2
  Select terra cotta pots for culinary herbs. Plastic pots are best for herbs that are moisture-loving. All pots must have adequate drainage holes in the bottom.
- 3
  Place rocks or broken pottery pieces over drainage holes to prevent soil loss.
- 4
  Fill containers two-thirds full of organic potting soil.
- 5
  Arrange the herbs in the pot so the tallest ones are in the center; place the others around the sides.
- 6
  Dig appropriate-size holes for each herb seedling. Set seedlings in holes and backfill gently with the soil mix. Add additional soil until it's 2 inches from the rim.
- 7
  Water herbs after planting and water again when the soil feels dry to the touch.
- 8
  Fertilize herbs once a month during growing season.

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