Planting herbs together in one container is a beautiful way to have the herbs you need at your fingertips, but be sure the ones you choose are compatible with one another.
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Growing fresh herbs at home is a great way to add flavor to your cooking. But each herb plant can take up valuable space in your garden or windowsill. An excellent solution is to plant multiple herbs together in one container. Combining compatible herbs allows you to maximize limited space while having a mini herb garden ready to harvest.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about successfully planting and growing different herbs together in the same pot
Which Herbs Can Be Planted Together?
Not all herbs make good companions in one container. The key is choosing herbs with similar needs for sunlight, water, soil, and nutrients.
Here are some classic herb pairings that grow well together
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Basil, oregano, thyme – These Mediterranean herbs like full sun and drier soil.
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Parsley, chives, sage – This combo likes consistent moisture and partial sun to full sun.
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Cilantro, dill, lemon balm – These herbs enjoy moist soil and partial shade to full sun.
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Rosemary, lavender, tarragon – Drought-tolerant herbs for full sun and drier conditions.
Mint is too aggressive to plant with other herbs. Give it its own container unless combining different mints.
Companion Planting Benefits
Beyond saving space, planting herbs together provides additional benefits:
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Certain herbs can enhance each other’s growth and flavor when paired. For example, basil and oregano are said to taste better when grown together.
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Mixing herbs mimics nature and creates a mini-ecosystem in one pot with biodiversity.
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Different growth habits can utilize space efficiently, with taller back plants and lower front plants.
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Herbs with shallow roots help retain soil moisture for those with deeper roots.
Choosing the Right Container
Select a container large enough to house the mature herb plants, at least 10-12 inches wide and deep. Make sure it has drainage holes to prevent soggy soil. For indoor growing, choose an attractive pot that complements your decor. Outdoors, terracotta, wood, plastic, and metal pots all work well.
Match the container size to the number and size of herbs. For example, three sprawling basil plants need more space than three compact thyme plants.
Potting Mix for Herbs
Use a high-quality potting mix formulated for containers and herbs. The mix should contain:
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Peat or compost for moisture retention
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Perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage
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Nutrients like compost or organic fertilizer
You can make your own by mixing equal parts peat and perlite or vermiculite. For indoor pots, choose a sterile soilless mix to prevent fungus gnats.
How to Plant Herbs Together
Follow these simple steps for planting herbs together in one pot:
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Fill the container about halfway with moistened potting soil.
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Remove each herb plant from its nursery pot, gently loosen any circling roots, and position in the container. Group taller herbs in back and shorter ones in front.
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Plant herbs at the same level they were growing in their nursery pots. The soil should come to just below the lowest set of leaves.
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Pack soil firmly around each plant to anchor it. Leave 1-2 inches of space below the rim for watering.
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Water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom drainage holes.
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Place the pot in a sunny spot indoors or outdoors in appropriate hardiness zones.
Caring for Herbs in One Pot
Though herbs are generally low-maintenance, combined pots will require a bit more care. Here are some tips:
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Check soil daily and water when the top inch is dry. Don’t let pots completely dry out.
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Pinch back leggy growth to encourage bushiness, especially for basil.
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Turn the pot periodically so all sides get equal light exposure.
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Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during active growth.
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Monitor for pests like aphids and diseases, isolating affected plants.
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Re-pot into a larger container as needed if herbs become overcrowded.
Common Problems and Solutions
Growing different herbs together can introduce some potential issues. Here are solutions to common problems:
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Poor drainage and soggy soil – Add more perlite/vermiculite to potting mix.
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Leggy, weak growth – Pinch back plants, move to sunnier location.
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Yellowing leaves – Check for dry soil and underwatering.
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Wilting/drooping – Increase watering frequency.
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White mold on soil – Allow soil to dry out between waterings.
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Spider mites – Isolate affected plants and spray undersides of leaves with insecticidal soap.
Enjoying Fresh Homegrown Herbs All Season
With the right herb combinations, potting mix, and care, planting herbs together in one container is an easy way to grow and harvest homegrown herbs. Mix and match your favorites for a beautiful pot bursting with culinary flavors. Soon you’ll be clipping fresh herbs to add bold taste to all your recipes. Get creative with herb companions and containers – the possibilities are endless!
Tips For Planting Herbs Together In One Container
Almost everyone has space for a potted herb or two or even container herb garden combinations. Planting herbs together not only makes a planter look lush but is also a great way to maximize limited space. The question is what herbs work to plant together – what herbs grow well in the same container? Herbs that grow well together generally have similar growing requirements. Read on to learn what herbs grow well together in the same container.
Herbs are fairly resilient and can be container grown indoors, out in the garden or even together in a container outdoors. The important consideration when growing herbs together in a pot is to group like-minded herbs that have similar growing requirements. This means that herbs planted together should have similar soil, water, light, and fertilizer needs.
Soil and light are easy since all herbs require well-draining soil and all need 4-6 hours of sunlight, often more, per day. If you only have limited light, your best options are parsley, chives and mint. You can purchase a well-drained potting mix or create your own using equal parts peat moss and perlite.
Water requirements is where things get a little dicey since not all herbs require the same amount of water. Many are hardy and drought tolerant but not all of them. Choose like-minded herb groupings such as basil, tarragon and oregano, or lavender, rosemary and thyme – the former being tender herbs that require more irrigation and the latter more drought tolerant.
As far as fertilization goes, supplemental nutrients are not commonly needed however a bit of light, dilute fertilizer, especially for any potted herbs is beneficial.
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You can group herbs in combination to suit a repertoire such as Italian cuisine wherein you plant basil, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage and thyme together.
You may want to group aromatic herbs such as chamomile, hyssop, lavender, lemon verbena, and pineapple sage.
The one herb that shouldn’t be mixed with other varieties is mint. Mint has a rather voracious habit and will likely take over the entire herb garden combination. If you group different members of the mint family together be aware that one will likely out-compete the others.
Planting Herbs in Containers: Oregano, Chives, Thyme, Mints, Basil, Sage, Rosemary, Lavender
FAQ
What herbs can you plant together in one pot?
- Herbs that like the soil to remain moist are chervil, cilantro, lemongrass, mints, and parsley.
- Herbs that like to just barely dry out before being watered again are basil, chives, and dill.
- Herbs that prefer the soil to be on the drier side are oregano, rosemary, and thyme.
Which herbs cannot be planted together?
- Basil and Rue: Rue can inhibit the growth and flavor of basil.
- Basil and Sage: Sage prefers drier conditions, while basil thrives in more moist environments, potentially hindering the growth of one or both.
- Cilantro and Fennel: Fennel releases compounds that can stunt cilantro’s growth, and they also compete for nutrients.
- Mint and Fennel: Mint is a fast-growing herb that can quickly take over the garden space, so it’s best to avoid planting it with fennel.
- Parsley and Cilantro: They have similar flavor profiles, which can make the flavors of both herbs less distinct.
- Mint and Parsley: Mint’s invasive growth habit can overwhelm parsley.
- Chives and Garlic/Onions: These plants compete for nutrients, potentially stunting chives’ growth.
- Lavender and Hostas: Hostas are shade-lovers that need consistent moisture and rich soil, while lavender prefers full sun and dry soils.
- Oregano and basil: Oregano is more drought-tolerant than basil and may get overwatered as you try to keep up with the basil’s needs.
- Cilantro and Tarragon: Cilantro likes cooler temperatures and can flower quickly in warmer weather, while tarragon thrives in warm, dry conditions.
Can I plant all my herbs in the same pot?
Yes, you can grow herbs and flowers in a single pot, but you will need to make sure that the soil is well-drained and that there is enough room for the plants to grow. If you are growing herbs or flowers, it is recommended that you use a pot that is at least 8 inches in diameter.
How many herbs can you put in one pot?
Herbs like to put down long roots, so make sure you pick a generous container to bed your scented stars into. To plant 3 herbs together, we recommend a pot of at least 30cm in diameter. To plant 5 herbs together, we recommend a pot of minimum 40cm in diameter.