Can You Plant Potted Herbs from Grocery Store Outside?

Many people have started growing their own herbs to ensure a fresh supply for cooking and for their medicinal needs. Herbs can also make for an excellent addition to one's garden. While some prefer growing their herbs from seed, others choose to purchase potted herbs from grocery stores or nurseries. If you are one of those who prefer buying potted herbs from grocery stores, you might be wondering whether you can plant them outside. In this article, we will explore whether it is possible and how to do it.

Is It Possible to Plant Potted Herbs from Grocery Stores Outside?

The answer is yes, you can plant potted herbs from grocery stores outside, provided they are not grown hydroponically. Hydroponic herbs are grown in a soilless medium, such as perlite, peat moss, or coconut coir. Unlike soil-grown plants that develop strong roots, hydroponic plants have weak roots and do not have the necessary nutrients to survive once transplanted.

What to Look for When Choosing Potted Herbs from Grocery Stores

When choosing potted herbs from grocery stores, there are several factors you should consider. First, ensure that the herbs are not hydroponically grown, as mentioned earlier. Second, check that the container has drainages to prevent waterlogging, which can kill the roots. Additionally, verify that the herb has not outgrown its container, as they tend to compete for water and nutrients once planted in the ground, which can hinder growth.

How to Plant Potted Herbs from Grocery Stores Outside

Planting potted herbs from grocery stores outside is straightforward. Follow these simple steps:

Choose a spot in your garden that receives plenty of sunlight, ideally six to eight hours per day.

Prepare a hole the size of the herb pot or slightly larger, depending on the herb's size.

Remove the herb from the pot gently. If the herb is rootbound, which means the roots have grown to the edge of the pot, you can gently disturb the roots' bottom to encourage expansion.

Place the plant at the same level it was in the pot, ensuring that the soil is firm around the roots.

Water the herb thoroughly and tamp the soil down again to eradicate any air pockets.

Mulch to retain moisture and prevent weed growth.

Caring for Planted Potted Herbs

Once you have planted your herbs, ensure you take proper care of them to keep them healthy and productive. Provide consistent watering, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overhead watering, as this can encourage fungal growth. Instead, use a drip or hose to water the base of the plant. Furthermore, clip or prune the plants to promote bushy growth and prevent them from becoming leggy.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, you can plant potted herbs from grocery stores outside, provided the herbs are grown in soil and not hydroponically. Remember to choose healthy plants with plenty of space to grow, follow proper planting techniques, and take proper care of them to reap the benefits of fresh herbs in your garden.