So what about containers for your potted herb garden?   The variety is large and is virtually dictated by your own imagination.  So have fun.   Be as creative as you’d like to be.   It’s your garden, after all.    Make it fun and the little bit of effort needed to sustain a wonderful array of fine herbs will never be a chore.
 
So to the actual materials of your pots.
Terracotta pots are perfect for Mediterranean-style herbs such as Parsley, Sweet Basil, Thyme, Oregano, etcetera.   These perform exceptionally well in Terracotta, as these containers both breath and drain really well.  

However, they are partial to drying out quickly simply because they are porous.    A glaze can fix that, of course.  As can a good coat of waterproof paint.  But bare terracotta will allow that precious moisture to evaporate through.

Plastic pots and containers will hold moisture for a longer time.   They’re less prone to drying out than Terracotta, but they will dry out, evaporating their moisture through their tops, mainly. These days, plastic containers come in a wide variety of design and color and some look absolutely stunning. They are my preferred container choice for most herbs.   Reason?   I don’t need to worry as much about the potting mix drying out.

The soil mixture content of pots will dry out much faster than similar amount of soil-mix in a garden. This why it’s good idea to buy potting mixes that contain water crystals.   Or if they don’t, add the crystals in yourself.   Don’t overdo it though, or they will spill out of the container once they expand.    One way around this is to mix them in a water container first, then add them to your pots later.

If your Potted Herb Garden is looking like the Scottish weather on a bleak day, here is a checklist of common problems.
Firstly, are there ants crawling all over your herbs?   Is there scale or aphids present?  
Ants like to farm these pests, and they’ll eventually spread all over your herbs, and possibly move to other plants as they continue to forage.

Solution?  - Flood the container with water to remove the ants.  Remove infected areas. If the plant is really heavily infested - throw it in the bin and start again.
TIP: If ants are crawling upon your herbs or veggies, smear Vaseline at the base of the stem where they crawl up.   Additionally, make sure there is no other point of entry where they can re-enter.   For example, across from another plant, a fence or tree.
Another thing which commonly causes problems!
Is the soil too dry?
Check by dipping your finger halfway into the container.  If you can feel moisture, then it is fine.    If it’s dry, then water as needed.  

Solution 1: Water well and add water crystals to the medium.

Solution 2:  In extreme cases, where the pot is so dry that the water is passing straight through, saturate by placing the container in a bucket of water until all the bubbles have disappeared. This will help the potting mixture retain moisture again.
Tip of the leaves are curling or going brown?
This is likely to be caused by either not enough water, or by the fertilizing method you are using being too strong.
Solution: Water the herb more often and reduce the amount of fertilizer on application.

Herbs raised in containers and pots can be grown in a variety of places: full sun, semi-shade; on top of a wall, in that odd corner - even on a windowsill.
The advantage of a Herb garden is that you can keep those plants close by. 
What about a window box in the kitchen?   No need to walk the length of the yard.   Have ‘em right under the eye, so to speak.   That way you’ll not only tend to their needs more often, they’ll be there for you.    They’re growing so you can use them.  

How wonderful is that!

"When planning your Potted Herb Garden you’ll probably find it better to go for variety rather than quantity." 

Have as wide a range as you think you’ll probably use.   And when I say, ‘use,’ remember, some species can be kept simply for appearance.  Herbs of all types can be kept: for their flowers, their aromas...Many herbs are used for their essential oils. 
Perfumed soaps can come for Lavender and Lemon grass, for example.   So don’t necessarily exclude what you’re unlikely to eat.   Feast, instead, on their scents and color!
You will need to give some thought to what you’re doing.  Each species has its own particular optimum environment.  
So if you want them to grow and display at their best, try to find out what will suit each type best. 
For example, Lemon grass needs a sub-tropical to tropical environment.   It won’t be happy with the cold, if it can survive at all.

I hope you enjoyed this article Potted Herb Garden.   If so, please share the love and pass it on to friends via Facebook, Twitter or Digg.
Also, remember to visit our Blog and have your say.  We really do look forward to your comments.
Happy Gardening
Marty and Karin

potted herb garden