Fresh herbs are one of the easiest and most rewarding things you can grow at home. Whether you have a large garden, a sunny patio or simply a doorstep with room for a couple of pots, a small collection of herbs can provide fresh ingredients throughout the growing season. I love nothing more than popping into the garden and picking a fresh handful of herbs for dinner!
One of the questions I'm asked surprisingly often is which pots work best for growing herbs. Whilst herbs will happily grow in a range of containers, I've always been a firm believer that traditional terracotta is hard to beat. Not only does it look beautiful, but it's also perfectly suited to many of the herbs we use every day in the kitchen.
WHY ARE TERRACOTTA POTS GOOD FOR GROWING HERBS?
Many popular herbs, particularly Mediterranean varieties such as rosemary, thyme, sage and oregano, dislike sitting in wet compost. Terracotta is naturally porous, allowing excess moisture to evaporate through the clay and helping to create healthier growing conditions.
Over time, terracotta also develops its own character, weathering beautifully and looking perfectly at home in any garden.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT POT FOR YOUR HERBS
Different herbs suit different containers, so it's worth thinking about how you'd like to grow them before planting.
For individual herbs, a traditional terracotta pot or bowl is ideal. Smaller herbs such as basil, parsley and chives look particularly at home in my Ciotola con Bordo Italian Terracotta Bowls, which offer plenty of room for healthy root growth while creating a beautiful display.
If you're planning to grow several herbs together, my Torricelli Italian Terracotta Troughs are an excellent choice. They're ideal for herbs that enjoy the same growing conditions, such as rosemary, thyme, sage and oregano, and look particularly lovely positioned beside a kitchen door or along a sunny wall.
For something a little different, don't overlook the Tom's Classic Terracotta XL Strawberry Pot. Although traditionally used for strawberries, the individual planting pockets make it an excellent choice for creating a compact herb garden, allowing you to grow several different herbs in one beautiful planter.
Whatever container you choose, always make sure it has a drainage hole to allow excess water to escape.
WHICH HERBS GROW WELL TOGETHER?
Grouping herbs with similar growing requirements makes looking after them much easier.
Some of my favourite combinations include:
- Rosemary, thyme and sage
- Oregano, thyme and marjoram
- Parsley and chives
These herbs all enjoy similar watering and light conditions, making them ideal companions.
Mint, however, is best grown in its own pot. It spreads quickly and can easily overwhelm neighbouring plants if given the chance.
PLANTING YOUR HERBS
Herbs are happiest in a good quality peat-free compost. Mediterranean herbs also benefit from a little added horticultural grit to improve drainage.
When planting:
- Cover the drainage hole with a small piece of crock or mesh.
- Fill the container part way with compost.
- Position your herbs at the same depth they were growing in their nursery pots.
- Backfill around the roots and firm gently.
- Water thoroughly.
It's a simple process, but taking a little extra care at the start will reward you with healthier plants throughout the season, trust me, it's worth it.
FINISHING YOUR POTS
Once everything is planted, I always think it's worth taking a little extra time over the finishing touches.
A layer of Crushed Whelk Shells creates a beautiful contrast against traditional terracotta whilst helping to suppress weeds, reduce moisture loss and prevent compost from splashing onto leaves when watering. It's a simple addition that really finishes a container beautifully.
POSITIONING YOUR HERB GARDEN
Most culinary herbs thrive in a sunny position, ideally receiving around six hours of sunlight each day.
Rosemary, thyme, sage and oregano all enjoy full sun, while parsley, coriander and chives are a little more forgiving and will happily tolerate partial shade.
If possible, position your herb pots somewhere close to the kitchen. You'll be surprised how much more often you cook with fresh herbs when they're only a few steps away.
WATERING AND FEEDING
One of the most common mistakes when growing herbs is overwatering.
Whilst newly planted herbs need regular watering, established Mediterranean herbs prefer the compost to dry slightly between waterings. Terracotta naturally allows moisture to evaporate through the clay, making it particularly well suited to these varieties.
Feed herbs every few weeks during spring and summer using a balanced liquid fertiliser to encourage healthy, leafy growth.
BRINGING YOUR HERB GARDEN TO LIFE
One of the things I enjoy most is helping customers choose the right pots for their gardens. Whether you're growing a few herbs outside the kitchen door or creating a larger collection for your patio, choosing the right container makes all the difference.
If you're unsure which pot would be best for your herb garden, do get in touch. I'd be more than happy to help you find the perfect fit.
