10 Herb Garden Planter Ideas

An herb garden planter is a container that is specifically designed to grow herbs in. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be made from a range of materials including wood, terracotta, plastic, or metal.

Some herb garden planters are designed to be placed on the ground, while others can be hung from a wall or ceiling. A great option for those with limited outdoor space or for those who want to grow herbs indoors.

They can also be a convenient way to keep herbs close at hand for cooking and other uses. When choosing an herb garden planter, it’s important to consider factors such as drainage, sunlight, and the size of the container needed for the herbs you want to grow.

Here’s 10 Herb Garden Planter Ideas

Terracotta Pot Herb Garden Planter… A classic terracotta pot is perfect for growing herbs. You can use one large pot or several smaller ones and arrange them in a cluster or line. Terracotta pots are durable and can add a rustic touch to your garden.

Hanging Gutter Planter… Using a gutter as a planter is an innovative way to grow herbs. Simply drill holes in the bottom for drainage, fill it with soil and your favorite herbs, and hang it from a wall or fence.

Tiered Herb Planter… A tiered planter is a great way to maximize space and create a visually appealing herb garden. You can buy a pre-made one or create your own using wooden crates or pallets.

DIY Wine Barrel Planter… Repurposing a wine barrel as a planter can add a unique touch to your herb garden. Cut out holes in the top, fill it with soil and your favorite herbs, and place it in a sunny spot.

Kitchen Counter Herb Garden Planter… If you’re short on outdoor space, consider creating a small herb garden planter for your kitchen counter. You can use a shallow container or a set of individual pots and arrange them in a cluster.

Wooden Box… A wooden box planter can add a rustic touch to your herb garden. You can use a pre-made box or create your own using scrap wood and fill it with soil and your favorite herbs.

Mason Jar Planter… Mason jars can make adorable herb garden planters. You can hang them from a wall or fence using wire or twine or place them on a windowsill.

Teacup Herb Planter… Teacups can be repurposed as cute and quirky herb garden planters. Fill them with soil and your favorite herbs and arrange them on a tray or saucer.

Vertical Pallet Planter… A vertical pallet is perfect for small spaces. You can create your own DIY planter using a wooden pallet or buy a pre-made one. Simply attach planters to the pallet, fill them with soil and your favorite herbs, and hang the pallet on a wall or fence.

Clay Pot Herb Garden Planter… Clay pots come in a variety of sizes and can be used to create a charming herb garden. You can use one large pot or several smaller ones and arrange them in a cluster or line. Clay pots are porous and allow for good airflow, which can help your herbs thrive.

What Type of Planter is Best for Herbs?

When it comes to choosing a planter for herbs, there are several options to consider.

Here are some of the best types of planters for growing herbs:

Clay Pots… Clay pots are a classic option for growing herbs. They are porous, which allows for good drainage, and they also provide good airflow to the roots. However, they can dry out quickly, so be sure to water your herbs regularly.

Hanging Planters… Hanging planters are a great option if you have limited space. They can be hung from a balcony or a window and can be used to grow a variety of herbs.

Window Boxes… Window boxes are another space-saving option that can be mounted outside your window. They provide ample room for herbs to grow and can add a touch of greenery to your home.

Raised Garden Beds… If you have space in your backyard, a raised garden bed is an excellent option for growing herbs. They provide ample space for herbs to grow, and you can easily customize the soil to suit the needs of your plants.

Self-Watering Planters… Are a convenient option for those who tend to forget to water their herbs regularly. They have a reservoir that stores water and slowly releases it to the plants over time.

Do Herbs Need a Deep Planter?

The depth of the planter required for herbs depends on the specific type of herb you are growing. Some herbs, such as basil and parsley, have shallow root systems and do not require a deep planter. Other herbs, such as thyme and rosemary, have deeper root systems and may benefit from a deeper planter.

In general, it’s best to choose a planter that is at least 6-8 inches deep for most herbs. This allows for adequate root growth and ensures that the plants have enough soil to support their growth. However, if you are growing herbs with deeper root systems, such as sage or lavender, you may want to choose a planter that is at least 12 inches deep.

What Herbs Should Not be Planted in the Garden?

There are some herbs that may not be suitable for planting in a garden for various reasons such as being invasive, toxic to other plants or humans, or attracting pests.

Here are some examples:

Mint… Can be invasive and take over a garden quickly. It’s best to grow it in a container to keep it contained.

Lemon Balm… Can also be invasive and take over a garden. It’s best to grow it in a container.

Comfrey… Comfrey has deep roots that can penetrate the soil and make it difficult for other plants to grow. It’s best to grow it in a container or in an area where it won’t compete with other plants.

Poisonous Herbs… Some herbs, like hemlock, foxglove, and poison ivy, can be toxic to humans and should not be planted in a garden.

Invasive Herbs… Other herbs, like Japanese knotweed and garlic mustard, can be invasive and take over a garden quickly.

It’s always a good idea to do research on any herbs you plan to plant in your garden to make sure they are appropriate for your climate and growing conditions and won’t cause any problems for other plants or wildlife in the area.

What is the Best Layout for an Herb Garden Planter?

The best layout for an herb garden depends on various factors such as the size of your garden, the types of herbs you want to grow, and your personal preferences.

Here are some general tips that can help you design a functional and visually appealing herb garden layout:

1] Consider the Sun Exposure… Most herbs need at least 6 hours of sunlight a day, so make sure to place your herb garden in an area that receives enough sun. If your garden is partially shaded, choose herbs that can tolerate shade.

2] Plan for Easy Access… Place your herb garden close to your kitchen or cooking area to make it easy to harvest herbs when you need them. Also, consider creating pathways or steppingstones to allow easy access to each plant.

3] Grouping Herbs… Some herbs like to be watered frequently while others prefer drier soil. Grouping herbs based on their water and soil needs can help you avoid over or under-watering your plants.

4] Mix and Match… Consider planting different herbs with contrasting colors, textures, and heights to create an attractive and diverse herb garden. You can also mix herbs with flowers and other plants to add interest and variety.

5] Use Raised Beds or Containers… If you have limited space, you can create a herb garden in raised beds or containers. This can also help you control the soil quality and drainage and prevent soil-borne diseases.

Remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to designing an herb garden layout. Experiment with different layouts and designs to find the one that works best for you and your garden.

Can You Mix Herbs in the Same Planter?

Yes, you can mix different herbs in the same planter as long as they have similar growing requirements such as sunlight, water, and soil conditions. This method of growing herbs in the same container is called companion planting and has several benefits.

Companion planting can help conserve space, reduce the risk of pest and disease problems, and make harvesting easier. Some herbs, such as basil and parsley, also benefit from being grown alongside other herbs because they repel certain pests or attract beneficial insects.

However, it’s important to choose herbs that have similar growing requirements and not overcrowd the planter. Overcrowding can lead to competition for resources such as water and nutrients, which can negatively affect the growth and health of your herbs.

It’s also important to consider the eventual size of each herb when fully grown and to leave enough space between each plant to allow for proper airflow and sunlight exposure.

Will Herbs Survive the Winter in Pots?

Whether herbs will survive the winter in pots depends on several factors such as the type of herb, the pot size, the potting mix, and the climate in your area.

Some herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, and sage, are more cold-hardy and can survive mild winters in pots outdoors, while others, such as basil and cilantro, are more sensitive to cold temperatures and may not survive the winter in pots.

To increase the chances of your herbs surviving the winter in pots, you can take some steps to protect them from the cold. These include:

Choose the Right Pot… Use a large pot that is at least 12 inches in diameter and 12 inches deep. The larger size of the pot will provide better insulation for the roots.

Use the Right Potting Mix… Use a high-quality potting mix that is well-draining and contains perlite or vermiculite to improve aeration and drainage.

Protect the Pots… Place the pots in a sheltered location that is protected from strong winds, and elevate them off the ground using pot feet or bricks to prevent waterlogging and frost damage.

Mulch the Soil… Cover the soil surface with a layer of mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, to help insulate the roots and prevent them from freezing.

Water the Herbs Appropriately… Water the herbs when the soil is dry to the touch, but avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.

Consider Bringing Indoors… If your climate is very cold, consider bringing your potted herbs indoors during the winter, where they can be placed in a sunny windowsill or under grow lights.

How do You Start a Herb Garden for Beginners?

Starting an herb garden is a great way for beginners to get started with gardening, as herbs are relatively easy to grow and care for.

Here are some steps to follow to start your own herb garden:

Choose a Location… Choose a sunny location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight a day for your herb garden. If you don’t have access to a sunny outdoor space, you can also grow herbs indoors in a sunny windowsill or under grow lights.

Decide What Herbs to Grow… Choose herbs that you enjoy using in your cooking and that are suitable for your climate. Some easy-to-grow herbs for beginners include basil, parsley, mint, chives, thyme, and oregano.

Select Containers… Choose containers that are at least 6-8 inches deep with good drainage holes for planting herbs. You can use pots, hanging baskets, or even repurpose containers like mason jars or tin cans.

Choose Potting Soil… Use a high-quality potting mix that is well-draining and nutrient-rich. Avoid using garden soil as it may be too heavy and compact for container gardening.

Plant Your Herbs… Plant your herbs in your chosen containers and water them thoroughly. If you’re planting different herbs in the same container, make sure they have similar growing requirements.

Care for Your Herbs… Water your herbs regularly, but make sure not to overwater them. Fertilize them with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. Prune your herbs regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent them from becoming too leggy.

Harvest Your Herbs… Once your herbs have grown to a sufficient size, you can start harvesting them. Pinch off the leaves or stems as needed, but make sure not to harvest more than one-third of the plant at a time.

What Time of Year Should you Start a Herb Garden?

The best time of year to start an herb garden depends on the climate and the specific herbs you want to grow. In general, herbs can be planted outdoors after the last frost date in your area, which typically occurs in the spring.

For warm-season herbs like basil, cilantro, and dill, it’s best to wait until the soil has warmed up to at least 60°F (15.5°C) before planting them outdoors. This usually happens in late spring or early summer, depending on your location.

For cool-season herbs like parsley, chives, and thyme, you can plant them earlier in the season, as they can tolerate cooler temperatures. In fact, some cool-season herbs can even be planted in the fall for a second crop.

If you’re planning to start your herb garden indoors, you can start seeds any time of year. However, keep in mind that you’ll need to provide adequate light and warmth for the seeds to germinate and grow. You can use a grow light or a sunny windowsill to provide the necessary light, and a heat mat to provide warmth if needed.

The best time of year to start an herb garden depends on the climate and the specific herbs you want to grow. Generally, it’s best to plant herbs outdoors after the last frost date in your area, which typically occurs in the spring for most regions.

Conclusion

Having your very own Herb Garden Planter will provide you with fresh herbs whenever you need them, without having to run to the store. You may also want to consider a indoor greenhouse which will give you fresh herbs all year round.