There’s something incredibly rewarding about plucking fresh herbs from your very own garden and adding them to your favorite dish. But what if you live in a place with nothing but a windowsill, balcony, or small yard for your greenery? Think you need a sprawling garden to grow fresh herbs? Think again!
Welcome to the world of container gardening, where the joy of growing your herbs is as abundant as the diversity of your culinary creations. This is where the beauty of container gardening shines, offering a taste of nature even in the most limited spaces.
Let’s explore the top herbs you can easily cultivate in small spaces, be it a balcony, windowsill, or tiny patch of earth. Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or a beginner looking to add a little green to your life, these herbs are the perfect starters for your container garden.
The Best Herbs to Flourish in Compact Spaces
When selecting herbs for container growth, it is essential to consider plants that do well in the confines of a pot. This list compiles some of the most versatile and vibrant herbs that will provide a bountiful yield regardless of your gardening experience.
Basil
Basil, with its heady, unmistakable aroma, is a favorite in kitchens across the globe. This sun-loving herb is excellent for beginners and can jazz up any culinary creation, from pasta and pizza to fresh summer salads. Its versatility and the myriad varieties available, from sweet Genovese to pungent Thai basil and my personal favorite, Lemon basil, make it a must-have in your container garden. Ensure adequate drainage and regular pinching to encourage bushy growth. This is a staple herb in my household, and I highly recommend it for yours, too!
Learn more about growing basil here.
Bay Laurel
Bay laurel’s distinctive, savory flavor is the essence of many classic dishes, and growing it in your garden cuts out the middleman. Bay laurel prefers well-drained soil and can be left to dry out a bit between waterings. It’s a slow grower, so be patient, and your culinary creations will soon be graced with its unique flavor.
Chives
Chives offer delicate onion flavor without the pungency of their bulbous relatives. Their purple pom-pom flowers are not only visually appealing but are edible and make a lovely garnish. Plant chives in rich, well-drained soil and periodically divide the clumps to maintain their vigor and prevent overcrowding.
Learn more about growing chives here.
Cilantro / Coriander
The bright, citrusy flavor of cilantro (AKA coriander) is a staple in fresh salsas, curries, and street tacos. I grew up in Dallas so I love to incorporate this herb in a variety of recipes!
It’s a cold-sensitive annual that bolts quickly in warm temperatures, so it’s best to keep the soil consistently moist and to encourage a continuous harvest by sowing seeds every few weeks.
Living in Florida, I used to struggle to grow Cilantro. But I found some varieties that are slow to blot and more heat tolerant. Now, I have an endless supply in my garden!
Here is a slow bolt variety specifically geared towards hot weather climates (like Florida) – Leisure. Another option for a slow bolt variety for warmer climates is Slow Bolt.
If you’re in a cooler climate, here are some great options: Moroccan and Long Standing from Botanical Interests.
Lavender
Lavender’s serene purple spires and soothing scent make it a delightful choice for any gardener. It’s also a potent natural bug repellent and can add a floral note to baked goods and hot beverages. One of my absolutely favorite tea blends in the lavender mint tea blend from Hood River Lavender Farms in Oregon.
Plant lavender in well-drained, alkaline soil, and give it plenty of sunlight – a perfect addition to your relaxing outdoor space. I had a hard time growing lavender at first, but once I learned more about this perennial herb, I managed to reap the benefits while enjoying the beauty it brings to my garden.
Learn more about growing lavender here.
Lemon Balm
A member of the mint family, lemon balm’s refreshing lemony scent and mild citrus flavor are a delightful addition to salads and teas. It’s a hardy perennial that can withstand a bit of neglect but thrives when kept consistently moist and when periodically trimmed to encourage new growth. Hands down, this is my favorite herb to have in my garden at ALL TIMES. I use lemon balm daily in a variety of ways! Lemon balm is a delightful, fragrant herb that’s easy to grow, but it can be quite the spreader—so keeping it in a container is a great way to prevent it from taking over your garden while still enjoying its benefits.
Learn more about my favorite perennial herb here.
Lemon Verbena
This herb’s zingy lemon flavor and heady aroma make it a refreshing addition to ice cream, custards, and herbal teas. It’s a tender perennial that does well in containers, especially if overwintered indoors in colder climates. Keep the soil evenly moist, and provide regular harvests to encourage bushy growth.
Mint
Mint is the invincible sprinter of the herb world, known as much for its vigor as it is for its cooling flavor. Whether you opt for peppermint or the slightly tangier spearmint, be sure to give it a container of its own – it has a tendency to spread. Keep the soil consistently moist and provide partial shade to avoid the sharp, bitter taste that comes from sun-stressed leaves.
I’ve somehow managed to kill mint a few times—so yes, it is possible—but for the most part, this herb is almost indestructible and thrives with minimal effort.
Learn more about growing mint here.
Oregano
A staple in Italian and Mexican cuisine, oregano’s pungent flavor intensifies when dried, making its fresh growth an asset to have on hand. It’s a perennial that prefers drier conditions, so ensure that your container has proper drainage to avoid waterlogged roots.
My personal favorite variety of Oregano is hot and spicy oregano. As the name suggests, it has a bit of heat to it and pairs well with dishes that need a kick. Since the seeds can be harder to find, I picked it up as a transplant from a local nursery. Another popular variety is Greek oregano, which has a milder taste and is often used in Mediterranean dishes.
Parsley
Parsley, often relegated to the role of a garnish, deserves more acclaim for its vibrant flavor and essential role in a myriad of dishes, particularly in Mediterranean cooking. It’s a biennial plant that can be trickier to germinate. But once it takes hold, it’s a resilient and prolific grower in almost any condition.
Parsley is a cool-season herb that prefers rich, well-draining soil with consistent moisture. Living in Florida, my parsley hasn’t done very well during the warmer months. This year, I’m bringing some of it inside and adding a grow light to keep it growing all year! The container itself is placed in a cooler area of my garden that is shaded most of the day but still gets some light.
Rosemary
Rosemary, with its woody stems and needle-like leaves, is as robust and versatile outside the kitchen as it is within. It thrives on neglect and can add a pine-like flavor to many dishes. Be sparing with water, and prune regularly to keep its growth in check.It can become quite large if left to its own devices. If rosemary gets too big, it doesn’t negatively impact its flavor. However, older, woodier stems may have a slightly less intense flavor compared to the tender new growth. For the best taste, it’s ideal to harvest the fresh, young sprigs rather than the older, tougher branches. Regular pruning also encourages new growth, keeping the plant flavorful and manageable.
Learn more about growing rosemary here.
Sage
Sage is synonymous with the comforting aroma of a Thanksgiving turkey, but this robust herb has so much more to offer. I regularly add pineapple sage leaves to my morning tea infusion. Trust me and incorporate this into your loose tea blends; you’ll thank me!
Avoid overwatering and give it enough space, as it can grow quite bushy. It does well in hot, dry conditions, so try to mimic its native Mediterranean climate with plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil. Sage is a perennial herb, which means you can enjoy its flavors year after year.
Learn more about growing sage here.
Tarragon
Tarragon is a must-have for any herb garden, especially if you love bold flavors in your cooking. It’s perfect for adding a touch of warmth to sauces, dressings, and roasted dishes. Tarragon thrives in containers, where it can be kept in well-drained soil with just the right amount of moisture—too much water, and it won’t be happy. Keep it in a sunny spot, trim it back regularly, and enjoy its distinct flavor all season long! I
While many gardeners swear by French tarragon, I personally grow Mexican tarragon. Unlike French tarragon, which struggles in hot, humid climates, Mexican tarragon is far more resilient and brings a slightly sweeter, anise-like flavor with a hint of spice. An added bonus is that it produces vibrant yellow flowers in the fall that attract pollinators to the garden. Though not a true tarragon (it’s technically a type of marigold), this hardy herb has earned its name due to its similar anise-like flavor and culinary uses.
Learn more about growing tarragon here.
Thyme
This subtle powerhouse adds depth and earthiness to stews, soups, and roasts. I also add it to my rice and quinoa to give it a little something special.
Thyme is an attractive plant with small, gray-green leaves that release a burst of fragrance with even a light touch. Lemon thyme is another beautiful option with a hint of yellow on the leaves. That is my personal favorite variety of thyme to grow.
Thyme prefers drier conditions, so allow the soil to dry out between thorough waterings to prevent root rot. Harvest thyme regularly by cutting off sprigs as needed. It will grow back quickly, making it an excellent herb for continual use in the kitchen.
Expert Container Gardening Tips for Herb Enthusiasts
When it comes to growing herbs in containers, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Each herb has its own unique needs—some thrive in full sun while others prefer a bit of shade, some require well-draining soil, while others can handle a bit more moisture. To create a thriving container herb garden, it’s essential to understand the specific requirements of each plant and cater to them accordingly.
With that said, here are some great general tips for successful container gardening with herbs.
Choosing the Right Pot and Soil
Select pots that are at least 12-inches deep and have drainage holes. Avoid using larger pots than necessary, as this can lead to overwatering. A well-draining potting mix designed for herbs is optimal, though you can amend regular potting soil with sand or perlite to improve drainage.
Sunlight and Water
Most herbs prefer a sunny spot, so aim for at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. So it’s essential to learn about your herbs so you’re providing the proper amount of each. Water your herbs regularly and consistently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. It’s best to check the moisture levels by sticking your finger into the soil about an inch deep. Some people use a moisture meter as well – I prefer the more straightforward option!
Fertilizing and Maintenance
During the growing season, feed your herbs every few weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Prune your herbs regularly to keep them from becoming leggy and to encourage bushy, healthy growth. Deadhead flowering varieties like chives and basil promote continuous leaf production.
Harvesting Prowess
The rule of thumb for harvesting herbs is to never take more than one-third of the plant at a time. This encourages rapid regrowth and ensures a steady supply of fresh herbs. For the most flavor, harvest leafy herbs like parsley and cilantro before they flower, as the taste can become bitter afterward.
Overwintering
For tender perennial herbs, such as rosemary and sage, consider overwintering them indoors to protect them from harsh weather. Bring the pots in before the first frost and place them in a sunny window or under grow lights, maintaining regular care to prevent plant stress. If you’re in a warmer climate like me, bringing them inside isn’t usually required unless you have a cold snap.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for pests like aphids and spider mites, which can be easily managed with a blast of water or by introducing beneficial insects to your garden. Root rot can be a concern in containers, so ensure pots have adequate drainage and avoid overwatering.
Cultivating the Perfect Home for Your Herbs
Container gardening makes it easy to cultivate fresh herbs no matter your space—whether it’s a screened porch, balcony, patio, or even a sunny windowsill. No matter where you plant them, tending to a small herb garden offers a slice of tranquility that can be a grounding escape from the hustle of daily life.
So grab a pot, pick your favorite herb, and start growing—because fresh flavors and a little piece of nature are only a container away! The beauty of growing herbs isn’t just in the final harvest but in the journey of nurturing them as they flourish in your care. Happy planting!
