Growing Herbs in Planters: Annual vs. Perennial Varieties

Growing Annual Herbs in Containers

Basil, lemongrass, and cilantro complete their lifecycle in one season. These herbs are sensitive to frost and cold temperatures and often thrive best in warmer climates. As temperatures drop, they need protection, usually by being brought indoors or placed in a sheltered location.

Common tender herbs include:

1. Basil – A staple in many cuisines with varieties like sweet basil, Thai basil, and lemon basil.
2. Cilantro (Coriander) – This herb is frequently used as a seasoning in Mexican, Indian, and Asian dishes; both the leaves (cilantro) and seeds (coriander) are edible.
3. Dill – Known for its feathery leaves and used in pickling, as well as flavoring fish, salads, and soups.
4. Chervil – A mild herb similar to parsley, often used in French cuisine and delicate dishes.
5. Summer Savory – With its peppery flavor, savory is great for seasoning meats, beans, and stews.
6. Parsley – Technically, it's a biennial, but it is often grown as an annual for its fresh leaves in salads and garnishes.
7. Chamomile – Used for herbal teas, it has a mild apple-like flavor and soothing properties.
8. Marjoram – A sweet, delicate herb often used in Mediterranean cooking, ideal for soups and sauces.
9. Lemongrass – Common in Thai and Southeast Asian cuisine, it has a fresh, citrusy flavor.
10. Borage – Known for its blue flowers and cucumber-like flavor, it's often used in salads or as a garnish.

Growing Perennial Herbs in Planters

Herbs like thyme and sage come back year after year. Hardy herbs are easy to grow and are resilient to cold. They can often withstand winter temperatures outdoors, especially with minimal protection. These herbs might enter a dormant phase in winter but will bounce back as the weather warms up.

Understanding this difference is especially useful when growing herbs in planters. First, it provides insights into companion planting. For example, you'll likely want to pair annuals with other annuals. Second, it signals you to take tender herbs indoors during winter for continuous harvests.

Common hardy herbs include:

1. Thyme – This popular culinary herb has a savory, earthy flavor and is used widely in Mediterranean, French, and Middle Eastern cuisines.
2. Oregano – Known for its bold flavor, especially in Italian and Greek dishes, oregano grows as a perennial in warmer climates.
3. Sage – With its robust, slightly peppery taste, sage pairs well with meats, especially poultry and sausage.
4. Rosemary – A hardy, aromatic herb with needle-like leaves, rosemary is a favorite for roasting meats and potatoes.
5. Chives – A mild onion-flavored herb, it produces beautiful purple flowers and is ideal for garnishes and salads.
6. Mint – This includes spearmint and peppermint. It is invasive, so it’s best grown in a gardening container.
7. Lavender – Known for its fragrant flowers, lavender can be used in cooking or for teas. It is also popular for aromatherapy.
8. Lemon Balm – A Member of the mint family, this herb has a mild lemon flavor and is great in teas, salads, and desserts.
9. Tarragon – A staple in French cuisine with a mild anise flavor, it pairs well with chicken, fish, and eggs.
10. Lovage – A celery-flavored herb used in soups, stews, and salads, and can grow quite large in the garden.

Using Herb Planters for Seasonal Flexibility

Planter boxes make it easy to adapt to seasonal changes. With planters, you can bring tender herb plants indoors for the winter while keeping hardy herbs outside or in a sheltered area. In spring, swap them back to create an efficient year-round setup.

Best of all, container gardening provides access to fresh herbs even in winter.

Choosing Planter Boxes for Easy Winter Care

For both tender and hardy herbs, the right herb garden box can simplify winter care:

• Size and Material: Choose lightweight containers or smaller planters if you plan to bring tender herbs indoors. These containers make moving your herb garden much more manageable. Materials like plastic or lightweight ceramics are often more practical for mobility.
• Drainage Holes: Drainage is crucial for indoor and outdoor plants to prevent root rot. Many herbs prefer drier soils, so drainage is essential.
• Mobility: Consider planters with handles or planter stands with wheels. These allow you to quickly move your herbs to an ideal location. For example, EarthBox has planter boxes with casters.

Overwintering Tips for Herb Gardens

Keeping herbs healthy through winter, regardless of their type, requires a few shared practices:

• Growing Season: As winter ends, gradually introduce tender and hardy herbs to outdoor conditions to avoid shock. Begin by setting them outside during warmer daytime temperatures and bringing them in at night.
• Pruning and Cleaning: Prune any dead or damaged leaves from hardy herbs before winter and from tender herbs as they grow indoors. Removing damaged leaves helps prevent disease and promote strong growth.
• Pest Management: Indoor herbs can attract pests like aphids and spider mites. Use organic pest control methods like neem oil or insecticidal soap. These methods protect your herbs and are safe for the environment.

Caring for Tender Herbs in Winter

Growing annual herbs requires a bit more attention to survive winter. Plants like basil can wither and die in temperatures around 50. But the effort is worthwhile when you can continue enjoying fresh herbs in colder months.

• Bringing Tender Herbs Indoors: Before temperatures drop, acclimate tender herbs to indoor conditions by gradually reducing light exposure. This transition will help them adjust without shock.
• Indoor Lighting Requirements: Most tender herbs, like basil, need ample light to stay productive. Place them near a sunny, south-facing window, or use grow lights if natural light is limited.
• Humidity and Temperature Control: Indoor air can be dry, especially with central heating. Placing a humidity tray (a shallow dish of water) under or near your herbs can increase moisture in the air. For optimal growth, keep indoor temperatures consistent—around 65-75°F (18-24°C).

Caring for Hardy Herbs in Winter

As mentioned, hardy herbs naturally handle colder temperatures. With a few precautions, you might be able to keep them outdoors.

• Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to insulate roots and maintain moisture.
• Moving Plants Indoors: Even hardy herbs like rosemary may benefit from indoor care in cold climates. Move these herbs indoors if temperatures dip below their tolerance level. Plants like rosemary can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°F.
• Minimizing Watering Needs: Hardy herbs enter dormancy in winter, reducing their need for water. Water sparingly, only when the top inch of soil feels dry, to avoid root rot.

EarthBox - The Smart Choice for Container Gardening

Growing herbs in planters is a popular activity. After all, who doesn't enjoy having ready access to add some spice to their favorite dishes?? The good news is that most herbs thrive in gardening containers.

For added insurance, look to EarthBox and its proven growing system. Backed by lab testing, the company's planter boxes have been a favorite among gardening enthusiasts for 30 years.

You can pick up an herb garden kit for only $34 to make things even easier. It has everything you need to grow herbs in containers:

• Planter box
• Fertilizer
• Dolomite lime
• Aeration screen
• Mulch covers
• Fill tube

So start planning your herb garden with confidence. Embrace the flexibility that container gardening offers for both tender and hardy herbs! And remember, EarthBox is your green thumb solution for container gardening.