A kitchen herb garden for the sunny side of life
Grow a few useful herbs in containers close to your kitchen.
Grow a few useful herbs in containers close to your kitchen. Start small, pay attention to your space, and let a few thoughtful choices lead the way.
Start with what you cook
Choose two or three herbs you regularly use, such as basil, thyme, or chives. Read the plant labels for their light needs and expected size. Give mint its own container so its spreading growth is easier to manage.
Use the right container
Pick pots with drainage holes and enough root space for the mature plant. Use a container potting mix instead of compacted yard soil. Group herbs with similar moisture needs, or grow them separately so each is easier to water.
Harvest gently and often
Take modest amounts once plants are established. Snip above a leaf pair where appropriate and avoid removing most of the plant at once. Frequent light harvesting encourages useful growth while leaving enough foliage to keep the plant healthy.
Adjust through the seasons
Basil dislikes cold, while some perennial herbs handle cool weather better. Use your local forecast and plant-specific cold tolerance to decide when to move pots or replace annuals. Indoor winter growing usually requires a bright location and a fresh assessment of watering needs.
Original Vernap starter editorial. General inspiration for home gardeners; plant needs and local conditions vary. Read our editorial policy.
