Select and Arrange Your Herbs
Group Herbs by Need
Group plants with similar water needs together. This practice simplifies care and creates a healthier garden. You can create two main planting groups.
- Drought-Tolerant Group: These herbs thrive in drier, grittier soil. They are native to the Mediterranean region. This group includes rosemary, thyme, sage, oregano, and lavender. Plant these together in one or more pots.
- Moisture-Loving Group: These herbs prefer soil that stays consistently moist. This group includes basil, mint, parsley, and cilantro. Plant these together in a separate container. Always plant mint by itself. Its roots are aggressive and will quickly crowd out other plants in the same pot.
Create a Layout for Sun and Airflow
Arrange your pots to give each plant what it needs. A layered design works well. Place tall herbs like dill or a shrubby rosemary at the back. This position prevents them from shading smaller plants. Use bushy herbs like basil, parsley, and chives in the middle layer. Place low-growing or trailing herbs like creeping thyme and oregano at the front edge of your pots or railing planters. This arrangement creates a full, lush look. Good spacing between plants ensures proper air circulation. Airflow is the best defense against fungal diseases like powdery mildew. Check a reliable source like the Royal Horticultural Society for specific plant information.
Herb Spacing Chart
Use this chart to plan how many plants will fit in your containers. The recommendations assume a standard round pot.
| Herb | Minimum Container Diameter (Inches) | Plants Per Pot | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basil | 10 | 1 | Needs consistent moisture. Do not let it dry out completely. |
| Rosemary | 12 | 1 | Prefers to dry out between waterings. Needs excellent drainage. |
| Thyme | 8 | 1-2 | Drought tolerant. Let soil dry before watering. |
| Oregano | 10 | 1 | Spreads easily. Prefers dry conditions. |
| Mint | 12 | 1 | Keep in its own pot. Spreads aggressively. Likes moist soil. |
| Parsley | 10 | 1-2 | Prefers rich soil and consistent water. |
| Chives | 8 | 1 clump | Easy to grow. Keep soil moderately moist. |
Support Pollinators
Your herb garden can be a vital resource for bees and butterflies in an urban setting. Allow some of your herbs, such as chives, thyme, and oregano, to produce flowers. These blooms provide nectar and pollen for beneficial insects. The University of California Cooperative Extension offers lists of plants that support local pollinators. Adding a native flowering plant to your collection will also help sustain regional insect populations.
