Container Herb Gardening: Two Gardens in Small Spaces

No yard? No problem. Container gardening lets you grow herbs on a balcony, patio, windowsill, or kitchen counter. Almost any vessel works—terra cotta, fabric pots, repurposed tins, colanders, even old boots—if it drains.

Prep Your Pots

Scrub all containers (new or used) with 10% bleach solution to kill pathogens. Rinse well. Add drainage holes if missing.

Indoor Herb Garden

Best candidates: Basil, chives, parsley, cilantro, mint, thyme, rosemary (needs max light).
Placement: Windowsills, open shelving, hanging from curtain rods or tension rods.
Light schedule: Rotate for even sun; some (geranium, rosemary) need periodic outdoor time.
Aromatic bonus: Lavender by the bed, mint in the bathroom—steam releases essential oils.

Outdoor Container Garden

Best candidates: Perennials (oregano, sage, lavender), evergreens (bay laurel), heat-lovers (basil in summer).
Tiered design: Large pots bottom, medium middle, small top. Match pot depth to root habit—deep for taproots (parsley), wide for spreaders (mint).
Group by water needs: Drought-tolerant together; thirsty together.

Universal Care

• Quality potting mix (not garden soil)
• Slow-release organic fertilizer at planting
• Water when top inch is dry
• Harvest often to prevent bolting

Two container gardens—one inside, one out—give you fresh herbs for every meal, all year.