So we hear you want to start growing your own herb garden...in a container? But you don't want just one kind of herb, you want them all! AND you're limited on outdoor space so you need to make the most out of each square foot.
We're often asked “Can I plant multiple herbs in one pot?,” and the answer is yes, you can! You can grow different types of herbs together in one container as long as they share a growing season, and require the same amount of light, water, and nutrition.
In this blog, we’ll tell you more about what herbs you can grow together in the same pot.
Get FREE herbs on us! 3-Pack of Herbs on special now
Benefits of Companion Planting
Aside from saving space, did you know that planting herbs in one pot can also benefit the plants’ health? Companion planting is one of the simplest ways to create a mini-ecosystem where different herbs help each other grow to their full potential. Here are a couple of awesome advantages to companion planting:
Companion Planting Saves Space
Well, duh! This one is a no-brainer. The first and most apparent benefit of planting herbs in the same pot is that it saves up tons of space, which is perfect for those living in urban areas trying to make the most out of their tiny gardens - especially all you balcony gardeners and fire escape farmers!
Companion Planting Improves Moisture Retention
When you bundle up herbs together in one pot, this means you will have less exposed soil. When you have less exposed soil water evaporation slows down and your pots won't dry out as fast. That means less watering per plant and less maintenance for you.
Companion Planting Reduces Disease Issues
When plants of the same species are planted next to each other, diseases spread quicker. But when you plant different kinds of herbs beside each other, it can help break up your garden and slow down the spread of the disease. More importantly, countless testimonies have noticed that planting certain crops together can make them healthier and taste better.
What Herbs Can You Plant Together?
Know Your Local Gardening Climate
First, you need to get to know your local gardening climate. If you live in a mild to cool climate, like New York, you can often grow a variety of herbs together on the same container during the same growing season. In areas with such climates and with shorter growing seasons, warm- and cool-season herbs may grow happily together in the same container; think basil and parsley.
If, however, you live in a hot climate, where you grow warm-season herbs and veggies in the summer and cool-season herbs and veggies in the fall and winter, summer temperatures are perfect for basil but too hot for parsley. In a hot climate a mixed container of basil, oregano and sage would be a happier summer container combination.
Moisture-loving Herbs
Like we said earlier, you can plant herbs together as long as they have the same growing needs, so if you’ve got some basil, parsley, and lemon balm seeds lying around your home, don’t hesitate to plant them all in one container, given that they’ve got the proper spacing, of course. Although these herbs like their H2O, remember that they also don’t like wet feet! The soil should only be moist to the touch consistently, but not soggy or waterlogged. Think the dampness of a wrung out sponge. Basil, parsley, and lemon balm also thrive under a good amount of sunlight (full sun conditions) and good drainage, so be sure to put your well-drained container in a sunny spot. Oh, and to make your life easier, did we mention we’ve got a Culinary Garden Kit that contains these herbs, too?
Mediterranean Herbs
Mediterranean herbs such as rosemary, cilantro, thyme, oregano, sage, chives, dill, and lavender love lots of sunlight and generally drier soil. These herbs also thrive with a bit of extra nutrient content so your potting mix should be rich, dark, and crumbly when you touch it. Unlike the moisture-loving herbs mentioned above, rosemary, cilantro, thyme, oregano, sage, chives, dill, and lavender prefer to have their soil dry between waterings. You can also have a look at our Mediterranean Garden Kit for a no-fuss mini herb garden right on your kitchen counter.
Mints
Mint herbs are notorious for being invasive and overtaking your whole garden when planted on the ground. But that's exactly why container growing is perfect for mint! It'd best to plant mint in a separate container from most herbs, however, you can plant different varieties of mint together. Mints such as spearmint, peppermint, catmint, orange mint, and lemon balm can all be grown together in s good sized container. An ideal spot to put your mixed mint would be by a part shade/part sun location (mint is one of the few herbs that is pretty shade-tolerant). That means mint plants are also good candidates foe indoor windowsill growing, or anywhere indoors with a grow light.
What Herbs to Plant??
If you’re still undecided about what to grow, we recommend planting herbs that you like to cook with or have sprinkled on top of your dish as a fancy garnish. Basil is always a crowd favorite that can liven up any pasta dish, and it grows well with parsley and oregano. If you’re a meat-lover, then rosemary, thyme, and oregano are perfect for flavoring juicy steaks, roast chickens, and hearty stews. Remember the golden rule: you can only plant herbs together if they have the same growing needs. Otherwise, get more pots!
Growing herbs in the comfort of your own space isn’t that complicated if you’re equipped with the right knowledge. If you'd also like to learn more about how to grow edible plants indoors, consider grabbing a FREE copy of our eBook below.
Read on to our next blog if you're Ready to learn how to care for your mixed herb planter!
