There's nothing like having an abundance of fresh herbs that you've grown yourself to add to your cooking.
Unfortunately, many people believe that herbs are hard to grow and that you need a lot of space to have a productive herb garden.
This is not the case.
How do you grow a mini herb garden?
Watch my video below on putting together a miniature herb garden that you can create. This little pot can be situated close to the kitchen door and you'll find it so easy to pop out and harvest a few fresh herbs for your meals.
Don't make things too difficult for yourself. If you can't (or don't want to) source a small herb planter, then look at a large pot, or a selection of pots that you can group together to create a microclimate for your herbs.
It's especially important if you live in a warm climate (like I do) to keep your herbs together, so that the soil has some respite from the heat of the sun. If you're in a cooler climate, then it's just as important for the soil in the pots to retain the heat that it's gathered during your cool nights.
What can you plant in a mini herb garden?
In this garden I've included:
Sage
Rosemary
Oregano
Thyme
Tarragon
Chives
Parsley
Mint
But there are many more herbs you can include in your own garden. If you're unsure about what will grow in your area, take a visit to your local garden centre and have a look at the herbs that are available.
You can get a download setting out the information about the herbs I've planted by following the link here or clicking on the picture below. I've also included a handy herb combination food guide for lots of different herbs to give you some great culinary ideas.
Do herbs grow well in pots?
Absolutely herbs grow well in pots. I've written about growing herbs in containers before and set out some of the DIY containers you can use.
How much sun do they need?
Herbs do best when they get 6-8 hours sun a day. However, there are plenty of herbs that will grow with less than that amount of sun, mint and parsley come immediately to mind. Also coriander/cilantro does not like it too hot, or like too much sun, because she will bolt when she gets too hot.
What about watering?
Some herbs require less water than others. That's why I chose this combination herb planter with different levels. The water-loving herbs can be planted at the bottom of the pot and the hers which prefer drier conditions can be planted at the top.
I've written about some common mistakes to avoid when first starting out with your herb garden.
My miniature herb garden recipe
Choose your pot or pots based on your climate;
Make sure you have good container mix that has plenty of nutrients and water holding capabilities;
Choose strong, healthy herb plants from your local nursery;
Start small--I can't stress this enough. Most people begin with too many plants and don't get to know them. Herbs can be used for so many things and it's best for you to get to know a few herbs well, than try to grow everything all at once;
Pick small amounts often. Herbs respond well to picking/pruning. This also helps you get to know your herbs and means that you're constantly observing your small garden as it grows;
Regularly feed and water your plants. If they stay healthy and strong, then they will reward you with months (and even years!) of production.