When it comes to gardening, we believe in mimicking the plant’s native habitat as closely as possible. Fortunately, herbs typically fall into two categories: those that thrive in rocky, dry soil, and those that prefer rich, moist soil. In this guide, we’ll explore the best planters for each type, ensuring your herbs stay healthy and productive. Let’s dive in!
Herbs That Like Moist Soil
Store-bought herbs often don’t last long, ending up wilted in the fridge before they’re fully used. Instead, growing your own herbs at home allows you to pick what you need, when you need it. This approach not only reduces waste but ensures you have fresh herbs on hand. However, success in growing these tender herbs relies on providing them with enough water, nutrients, and light.
What Are Tender Herbs?
Tender herbs like Basil, Parsley, Mint, and Lemon Balm thrive in rich, moist soil. These low-growing plants are often found near riverbanks, where the soil is consistently damp. In the kitchen, they are typically used fresh and added to dishes at the end of cooking to preserve their delicate flavors. While these herbs are often seasonal, there are indoor gardening tricks to keep them productive for longer periods.
Choosing the Best Planter for Tender Herbs
Free-Draining Pot vs. Self-Watering Planter
These herbs need consistently moist soil to thrive. If you can commit to daily watering, a simple pot might work. However, for most of us, a self-watering planter is a more practical choice. It maintains consistent soil moisture and requires less frequent attention, making it ideal for busy lifestyles. We recommend ceramic-based self-watering planters for their precision and cleanliness, but wick-based planters can also work for these herbs.
Because these plants are more resistant to root rot than Mediterranean herbs, they can thrive in various self-watering planters. If you prefer a hands-off approach, this is the way to go!
Self-Watering Planter vs. Hydroponics
While tender herbs can grow well in hydroponic systems, we find that self-watering planters offer similar benefits with less complexity. However, if you’re keen on growing a lot of Basil, hydroponics might be worth considering, as it can double the growth rate.
How To Grow Leafy Greens in a Ceramic Self-Watering Planter
Our upcoming Self-Watering Planter, set for release in summer 2021, is designed to provide the perfect environment for growing leafy greens. Until then, options like Wet Pots and COSWIP offer excellent alternatives.
Water Level
Adjusting the water level in your planter is key to maintaining the right soil moisture. For tender herbs, keep the soil consistently wet by refilling the reservoir whenever the top ½ inch of soil starts to dry out.
Soil Type
Use a regular potting mix for these plants. To get started, mix in a slow-release fertilizer to feed your herbs for the first three months. This ensures they get all the nutrients they need to grow strong and healthy.
When to Add Nutrients
Tender herbs are moderate feeders, so they need additional nutrients to support their rapid growth. If you notice pale leaves or slower growth, it’s time to fertilize. Options include water-soluble fertilizers for quick feeding, granular for medium-term support, or slow-release for long-term nourishment. Just be careful not to get liquid fertilizer on the leaves.
Companions
Mint and Lemon Balm can be aggressive growers, so it’s best to plant them alone. Basil and Parsley, however, make excellent companions for leafy greens and vegetables.
Herbs That Like Dry Soil
While most plants thrive in moist soil, some herbs actually prefer dry, nutrient-poor conditions. These Mediterranean herbs have adapted to such environments and will reward you with robust growth and intense flavors when grown under similar conditions.
What Are Mediterranean Herbs?
Mediterranean herbs like Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, and Oregano fall into the “hard” category due to their woody stems and gray-green foliage. These herbs are commonly used in cooking and add deep, rich flavors when cooked. On the other hand, “soft” herbs like Dill, Cilantro, and Chives, although not native to dry environments, also benefit from limited water, enhancing their flavor and growth.
Choosing the Best Planter for Mediterranean Herbs
Free-Draining Pot vs. Self-Watering Planter
For Mediterranean herbs, the challenge is avoiding soggy soil, which can lead to root rot. While a large, free-draining pot filled with the right soil mix can work, a well-designed self-watering planter offers more consistent moisture control with less maintenance. This is especially important if you’re growing herbs in a small space where a large pot isn’t practical.
Wicking vs. Ceramic Self-Watering Planters
Wicking self-watering planters can lead to soggy soil, which Mediterranean herbs dislike. Instead, opt for a ceramic-based self-watering planter that controls moisture levels more effectively, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. This setup prevents roots from sitting in water, ensuring healthier growth.
Hydroponics vs. Soil
While these herbs can be grown hydroponically, their preference for drier conditions makes soil-based systems a better fit. If you want to explore hydroponics, be prepared to manage the specific needs of these herbs to avoid issues with root health.
How To Grow Mediterranean Herbs in a Ceramic Self-Watering Planter
Our upcoming Self-Watering Planter, available summer 2021, is designed to replicate the dry, well-drained conditions Mediterranean herbs love. In the meantime, products like Wet Pots and COSWIP are great alternatives.
Water Level
For these herbs, let the soil surface dry out completely before refilling the reservoir. This will ensure that the roots aren’t sitting in water, which can lead to rot. The goal is to mimic the dry conditions these plants are used to in their native environment.
Soil Type
Mediterranean herbs prefer chalky, porous, and alkaline soil. A cactus mix is a good off-the-shelf option, but you can also create a DIY mix by adding ⅓ vermiculite or perlite to regular potting soil.
Additional Nutrients
These herbs are light feeders, so they don’t need much fertilizer. Depending on the richness of your soil, you might not need to fertilize for up to a year. When you do, use a slow-release fertilizer and follow the manufacturer’s “light feed” recommendations.
Companions
Mediterranean herbs prefer to be planted alone, as they thrive in open areas with plenty of air circulation and space for their roots to spread.
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