How to Plant Herbs in a Pot Outdoors

If you love cooking with fresh herbs but don't have a garden, don't worry. You can always plant herbs in pots and enjoy them on your balcony or patio. In fact, some herbs, such as basil and parsley, actually do better in containers than in the ground. Here are some tips on how to plant herbs in a pot outdoors.

Choose the Right Pot and Soil

The first thing you need to do is choose the right pot and soil. Select a pot that is at least 12 inches deep and has good drainage. Terra cotta, plastic, and ceramic pots are all good choices. Make sure the pot has a drainage hole in the bottom to prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged.

Next, choose a good quality potting soil that is lightweight and well-draining. You can buy a pre-made potting mix at your local garden center or make your own by combining equal parts of compost, peat moss, and vermiculite or perlite.

Choose Your Herbs

Now it's time to choose your herbs. Some good options for growing in pots include basil, parsley, thyme, rosemary, mint, and chives. Make sure the herbs you choose are suitable for your climate and that they all have similar sunlight and water requirements.

Plant Your Herbs

Once you have your pot, soil, and herbs, it's time to plant. Start by adding a layer of gravel or rocks in the bottom of the pot to aid drainage. Fill the pot about 2/3 full with potting soil.

Remove the herbs from their containers and gently loosen any tangled roots. Place the herbs in the pot and fill in the space around them with soil. The soil should be level with the top of the root ball. Firm the soil around the plants and water them thoroughly.

Care for Your Herbs

Now that your herbs are planted, you need to take care of them. Herbs need at least six hours of sunlight a day, so make sure your pot is placed in a sunny location. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Water the herbs whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Fertilize your herbs every two to three weeks with a balanced fertilizer. You can also add compost or organic matter to the soil to help it retain moisture and nutrients.

Harvest Your Herbs

Once your herbs start to grow, you can begin to harvest them. Pinch off the leaves and stems as needed, but be sure to leave at least two sets of leaves on the plant so it can continue to grow. You can also trim the tips of the herbs to encourage bushy growth.

With these tips, you can easily plant and grow a variety of herbs in pots outdoors. Not only will you have fresh herbs for cooking, but you'll also add beauty and fragrance to your outdoor space.