Small Spaces: Container Herb Gardens

Officeoriginair for Royal VKB

Starting a container garden is an ideal way to maximise growing space in a small backyard or balcony. Even if you can only fit in a few herbs, you'll avoid being subjected to buying the prepackaged bunches of lifeless slops at the supermarket. And it's SO easy! You just buy the plants, buy the pot, buy some potting mix, plant the herbs, water them in. Done! Anyone can do it! Instant gratification at it's peak.

Buuuut, if you would like your herbs to survive, and you even have the audacity to expect them to thrive, read on. There's a whole lot more to guaranteeing the survival of your newest edible garden members.

Your personal situation: If you travel a lot, or are lacking in the memory department (aren't we all?), or any other reason why your plant might be neglected of water and attention, you might be better off choosing either a self watering pot, a really B I G pot, or a herb that will thrive on neglect like Rosemary.

Location: Choose where you would like to have your pot, and choose plants accordingly. If you have a dark, cool spot, then you'll be quickly met with disappointment if you planted something like basil. If you're looking to fill a large container, make sure all the plants you choose share the same interests, lest they get bored with each other and jump ship. You wouldn't want the rosemary drowning while the mint's lusting for more liquids.

Watering: Again, you need to be aware of the individual plants you're growing. On the most part, herbs don't like to be sitting in wet soil. Plants like parsley will rot off at the base in no time at all. You'll see the leaves yellowing, leaves dropping and some erectile dysfunction. And that's sad for everyone. At the same time, as we all know, dry soil is a killer for the non-hardy herbs.

Feeding: If you expect to be feeding from your plants, you'll need to feed them too. Potting mixes are mostly horrible like that. Mixing an organic slow release fertiliser and some well rotted compost in with the potting mix is a good start. Container gardens also lose a lot of nutrients because of watering - all the goodies end up spilling out onto the ground. Regular watering with a liquid fertiliser or worm 'tea' will keep them going.

Design: The fun part! Mess around with textures, colours and height. Groups of three, five, seven etc are more attractive to the eye. Try variegated and coloured varieties or edible flowers like nasturtiums. Think about the herbs you actually use the most, and some new ones to experiment with. If they'll be near a doorway, try ones that will smell yummy when it's brushed against. Chocolate mint comes to mind...