How to Care for a Mixed Herb Planter

Caring for Multiple Herbs in One Pot

Now that you've decided to grow a mixed herb container, you're probably read for the next step...learning ow to care for it!

Wait, you can plant more than one type of herb in the same container? YES! Learn how: Can You Plant Multiple Herbs In One Pot? Here's The Answer

What Size and Type of Container?

A container that is 18-inches in diameter (across the top of the pot) will nicely fit a mixed herb garden. If you are growing a mixture of dwarf herbs, such as thyme and dwarf basil, you can get away with smaller pots in the 10- to 15-inch diameter range. Or, you can use long balcony or patio planters and plant your herb companions side-by-side. 

We highly recommend using containers with a self-watering reservoir or pots with drainage holes and water catching trays.  

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What Type of Planting Mix or Soil Should You Use for Your Herbs?

When potting up a mixed herb garden, look for organic herb and vegetable potting mixes, premium potting mix labeled for edibles, or a mix formulated for outdoor containers. These usually contain organic compost, coir, composted bark and ideally some composted worm castings or other natural source of nutrients. These types of mixes can both retain enough moisture and drain well outdoors for all your herbs. For moisture sensitive herbs that like living life on the dry side, consider mixing in a little extra expanded shale or LECA. 

How Much Light Do You Need for Your Herbs?

When growing outdoors, you generally need about six hours of direct sunlight to grow herbs, although some - especially the Mediterranean herbs - prefer even more (think rosemary, oregano, sage, basil, and thyme). Some herbs, especially those that prefer cooler temperatures - such as cilantro, parsley, dill, and mint - tolerate less light and can still do well with 4-5 hours of direct light in the outdoor garden. 

Even with a bright windowsill, most gardeners don't have enough natural light indoors for big herb harvests. Grow lights can provide ideal conditions if you’re ready to grow herbs indoors or want to start herb transplants indoors for your garden.  If you’re not sure about your lighting situation, our lighting for indoor herbs blog has a straightforward guide to getting you all set up. 

How Much Water Do You Need for Your Herbs?

Water needs are incredibly tricky to get right, especially as a novice gardener. That’s why we recommend using self-watering planters because it just makes your life so much easier. However, some tips to keep in mind are to let the soil dry slightly in between waterings for the Mediterranean herbs and maintain moisture in the soil at all times for the moisture-loving herbs.

Pinching and Pruning Your Herbs

Of course, we can’t forget about pinching and pruning our herbs. Pinching and pruning are more than just maintaining aesthetic purposes and keeping your plants looking nice and clean. Snipping your herbs at the right time will enable you to continually produce all the herbs you need and maximize your tiny herb garden. If you want to know more about pruning your herbs, read this detailed guide on pruning.