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Growing Herbs in Containers
Container gardening continues to be popular, so consider adding a few aromatic herbs to your pots.
Growing herbs in containers requires soil that drains well and a pot with a hole in the bottom to allow for adequate drainage. Some northern European herbs like parsley, chives, and oregano require more moisture than Mediterranean herbs such as sage, rosemary and thyme. As with any container place them near a hose for easy watering and apply enough water to drain out the bottom for preventing salt build-up.
Consider planting several herbs together for maximum impact. Plant a "kitchen garden" with thyme, sage and tarragon; a "scented garden" might include mint, scented geranium, lemon balm; or plant an entire container of different sages like common, tri-color, golden, purple, clary and pineapple.
Always plant herbs together that have similar water and light needs. Some herbs benefit from light afternoon shade. Containers are perfect for planting mint that will spread aggressively in an open garden. Some herbs, like cilantro, don't do well in containers and are best planted in the garden. By taking care to meet the needs of the plants, container herb growing can be very successful and rewarding
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Updated Friday, April 19, 2013
