Can You Plant Different Types of Herbs in One Pot?

Herbs are versatile plants that add flavor and aroma to your food, soothe your body and mind, and brighten your indoor or outdoor space with their lush greenery. If you love growing herbs but don't have enough space or pots, you may wonder if you can plant different types of herbs in one pot. The answer is: yes, with some considerations and tips.

Choose Compatible Herbs

While some herbs can happily coexist in one pot, others may compete for water, nutrients, light, and space, or release chemicals that harm other herbs. Therefore, it's essential to choose herbs that have similar growing requirements and complement each other in flavor and use.

For example, Mediterranean herbs like thyme, rosemary, oregano, and sage love well-drained soil, full sun, and infrequent watering, as they are adapted to hot and dry conditions. They also share earthy, spicy, and savory flavors that suit meat, fish, and vegetable dishes. Therefore, you can mix them in a pot, as long as you provide good drainage and avoid overwatering them.

On the other hand, herbs such as basil, cilantro, parsley, and dill prefer moist soil, partial shade, and frequent watering, as they come from humid and cooler climates. They also have fresher, milder, and more diverse tastes that enhance salads, soups, and sauces. Thus, you can group them in a pot, provided that you water them regularly and protect them from too much sun and heat.

Consider Size and Spacing

Another factor to consider when planting multiple herbs in one pot is their adult size and growth habit. Some herbs, such as mint, lemon balm, and chives, tend to spread vigorously and crowd out their neighbors, while others, such as bay leaves, tarragon, and lavender, grow into large shrubs or trees that may outgrow the pot or overshadow others.

Therefore, you should choose herbs that fit the pot size and leave enough space between them to allow for air circulation, sunlight exposure, and root development. As a rule of thumb, you can plant up to three herbs in a 12 to 16-inch pot, or more if the pot is bigger and the herbs are smaller or trimmed regularly.

Harvest and Prune Regularly

If you want your mixed herb pot to thrive and produce flavorful and healthy leaves, you need to harvest and prune them regularly. This helps stimulate new growth, prevent overcrowding or wilting, and control the size, shape, and quality of the plants.

When harvesting herbs, use clean and sharp scissors or knives to remove the upper leaves or stems, leaving at least a third of the plant intact. You can harvest herbs once they reach a certain size and maturity, depending on the herb type and use. For example, basil can be harvested once it has six to eight leaves, while thyme and oregano can be harvested when they flower.

When pruning herbs, remove any yellowing, dried, or diseased leaves or stems, and cut back the plants if they become too tall or leggy. You can also pinch off the tips of the plants to promote bushier growth and prevent flowering, which can reduce the flavor and aroma of the leaves.

Conclusion

In summary, you can plant different types of herbs in one pot, as long as you choose compatible herbs, consider size and spacing, and harvest and prune them regularly. By doing so, you can enjoy a diverse and delicious herb garden that saves space, time, and money, and adds beauty, health, and joy to your life.