Your Questions About Grow Herbs In Pots

Michael asks…

What are easy herbs to grow in pots?

I don’t have a garden, only a very small balcony area outside my apartment, but I’d love to start growing some herbs (even easy vegetables?). The balcony only gets sunlight during the morning, then the afternoon it’s pretty much in full shade.
Any advice would be appreciated! I’m a complete beginner to this
Probably should have added that I live in Queensland so it’s obviously hot here most of the year! That may affect the types of herbs I can grow I’m guessing.

HerbGardenGuy answers:

Virtually all of the herbs will grow in pots. Pick your favorites and plant them in pots or window boxes.

Lisa asks…

can i grow herbs in plastic pots?

i just want to know if i need to transfer herbs that im growing in plastic pots to teracota pots? or if there big enuf can they stay in the plastic ones?

HerbGardenGuy answers:

Herbs can be grown in any type of container, they make excellent container plants. Most herbs are easy to grow whether it be from seed or nursery pots. It all depends whether or not the herbs need to be transferred . If the plants are to big for the pots they are currently in ( if the height is not proportioned to the size of the container) then the herbs will need to be transferred to the next size larger container ( a 4 inch to a 6 inch pot) you may need to add more potting soil as necessary. Herbs can grow very well in terra cotta or plastic containers as well.

Linda asks…

What plants/herbs to grow in pots during Sydney winter months?

HerbGardenGuy answers:

Http://gustoso.wordpress.com/2009/05/19/growing-better-indoor-air/

http://www.thistlebrook.com.au/grow-fresh-air-with-houseplants/

http://www.ehow.co.uk/how_6593119_grow-herbs-home.html

Richard asks…

Growing herbs in pots outdoors in the UK?

I have a small patio and want to grow a lot of different herbs in various pots…I am in the UK and the patio is sunny and also shaded…what would be good? Do I buy them as small plants from the garden centre? What soil? Any tips and advice is much appreciated!

HerbGardenGuy answers:

Growing herbs in pots in pots is a great way to enjoy them year round. For the same price as a single plant you can buy a whole bag of seeds. When your present plant dies just plant another seed and in a couple of weeks your back in business. In our herb club each member buys a package of seed and grows enough for everyone. We exchange plants and everyone gets an opportunity to have as many different varieties as we have members. The herb seeds will stay plant-able for up to 10 years.
Most herbs are pretty tolerant of drier soil. However, container gardening requires more frequent watering. The pots tend to wick off the moisture. I purchased a moisture meter to keep track of my plants when I first started growing in pots. You may need to water at least once every day. Make sure your soil lets the water flow out rather quickly. Standing water will quickly kill most herbs. I did see an excellent product while I was visiting in the UK called hypertufa.. Its a pot made from cement, sand and moss or other available light weight materials. Although it wicks moisture into the air it holds a lot of moisture from watering and greatly increases the chance succes by absorbing a great deal of excess moisture when it is watered. Most herbs enjoy lots of sun. Some will appreciate some respite from the sun on hot days. Moisture will be the thing you will need to monitor the most to keep your herbs healthy. Most herbs came from soils that were considered less than ideal. They can tolerate some pretty miserable conditions. Don’t overwater, watch for them to show signs of drooping leaves etc then water fully. Some herbs will last for years. Most will die after they flower and set seed. One way to extend their time is to cut off the flowers. The plant will continue to try and set seeds; But, then again, they are easy to grow from seed.

Ruth asks…

What are some vegetables that are easy to grow in pots and tubs?

I live in a cool, temperate, alpine region. The soil is too poor and rocky for a vegetable garden (I grow herbs in that bed instead).

I have a large verandah that gets full sun for most of the day and is very sheltered, so I was hoping to grow some vegetables in big tubs and planters along it.

Any suggestions from experienced gardeners? Most vegetables will grow here, unless they are tropical or subtropical.

HerbGardenGuy answers:

You can grow virtually any veggie in a big enough pot or container. I grow a tangerine tree in a very large pot so I can move it to shelter when it gets cold. It grows very good quality, tasty tangerines. Obviously that’s a fruit, not a veggie, but I use it as an example of how you can use a pot to grow a large plant that would usually be planted in the ground.

Since you live in a cool climate, you should be able to grow all sorts of salad greens – lettuce, arugula, spinach, chard, cabbage, etc. You can also grow broccoli and cauliflower. If you have a deep pot or container, you can grow root vegetables and tubers such as carrots, beets, potatoes, onions, and garlic. Peas also like cool weather – you might want to look for ones that are labelled “dwarf” or “self-supporting” – or you could put a trellis in a large container and let the standard type of pea vine grow up it. I especially like snow peas, since you can eat the pod as well as the peas.

Be sure that the pot has enough room for the root ball to develop, and keep it well-watered (but not soggy.) Use a good quality potting soil. You will have to give the plants some kind of fertilizer, too, since the roots can’t seek out soil nutrients as they would if they were planted in the ground. Just experiment – if it grows well in the ground in your area, you should be able to grow it in a pot.