Growing Herbs in Outdoor Containers: Pots, Soil & Year-Round Care

Growing Herbs in Containers Outdoors

Pot and Mix

Any container with drainage works. Use a container-specific potting mix—garden soil compacts and harbors disease.

Planting

Moisten mix, fill pot ¾ full. Arrange plants: tallest in center, mounding around, trailers at edge. Top off to 1″ below rim, firm, water thoroughly.

Water and Fertilizer

Containers dry fast—daily watering in heat. Mix in superabsorbent gel to reduce frequency. Incorporate timed-release fertilizer at planting; supplement with half-strength 20-20-20 every other week for annuals. Deadhead and prune vigorous growers.

Winter Prep

In freezing climates, dismantle in fall. Bring tender plants in or compost; plant hardy perennials (tarragon, thyme) in ground. Empty and store pots under cover (only plastic/fiberglass survive outdoors). In zone 8+, hardy plants can stay out.

Growing Standards in Containers

Stake securely, pinch to shape, fertilize as other pots, repot when rootbound (2″ larger). Overwinter tender standards (rosemary, abutilon, fuchsia, heliotrope, lantana) indoors in cool, bright spot; water sparingly, no fertilizer.