How to Plant Herbs in Pots Without Drainage Holes

Herbs are a wonderful addition to any home garden or kitchen, and they can easily be grown in pots indoors or outdoors. But what do you do when the pot you want to use doesn't have drainage holes? The good news is that you can still successfully grow herbs in a pot without drainage holes, but there are some special considerations to keep in mind.

Choose the Right Potting Mix

The first step in planting herbs in a pot without drainage holes is to choose the right potting mix. Since excess water won't be able to drain out of the bottom of the pot, it's important to choose a mix that will allow for good drainage. Look for a potting mix that is labeled as "well-draining" or "lightweight." Avoid using garden soil, which is heavy and doesn't allow for good drainage.

Add Gravel, Sand, or Other Drainage Materials

Another way to ensure good drainage in a pot without holes is to add some drainage materials to the bottom of the pot. You can add a layer of gravel, sand, or even broken pieces of clay or pottery to the bottom of the pot before adding the potting mix. This will help to create a space for excess water to collect, away from the roots of the plants.

Water Sparingly

When planting in a pot without drainage holes, it's important to be very careful about watering. Over-watering can lead to root rot, which can be fatal to plants. In general, it's best to water herbs grown in pots without drainage holes about half as often as you would water a plant in a pot with drainage holes. Stick your finger into the soil to check for moisture before watering, and only water if the soil feels dry to the touch.

Avoid Over-Fertilizing

Herbs grown in pots without drainage holes may be more prone to fertilizer buildup, since excess nutrients won't be able to leach out of the bottom of the pot. For this reason, it's important to avoid over-fertilizing. Use a slow-release fertilizer or a liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength, and only fertilize once a month or so during the growing season.

Conclusion

With these tips and tricks, you can successfully grow herbs in a pot without drainage holes. Just remember to choose the right potting mix, add drainage materials, water sparingly, and avoid over-fertilizing. Happy planting!