Herb Garden Kits: The Easiest Way to Grow Fresh Herbs

Advantages of Herb Garden Kits

Herb garden kits are popular for several reasons:

1. Convenience: Kits typically include everything you need, reducing the guesswork and effort involved in gathering supplies. They're virtually a one-stop shop for starting an herb garden.
2. Space Efficiency: Many kits use small pots to grow herbs individually, occupying little space. Even an herb planter box, generally a foot long, can work anywhere, from a windowsill to a small balcony space. So, their size makes them ideal for apartment dwellers and those with limited garden space. Even if you have space, an herb garden kit creates an easily accessible mini-garden.
3. Ease of Use: Typically, the garden kit comes with step-by-step instructions, making it easy for beginners to start and grow herbs successfully. Some kits include a self-watering planter box, removing worries about watering your herb garden.
4. Cost-Effective: Buying a kit can be cheaper than purchasing all the components separately.

Whether you're an experienced gardener or looking to try herb gardening, garden kits make growing easy.

What to Look for in the Planter Box

Don't let cute pots tempt you when selecting an herb garden kit. They offer limited space for your herbs to grow and lack the depth for plant roots.

Whatever kit you select, make sure its pots or planter box are at least six inches deep. Most herbs need at least that depth for root development. Some herbs, like dill, cilantro, or parsley, benefit from an even deeper planter of 12 inches.

Herb Garden Kits with Self-Watering Planter Boxes

One of the biggest threats to your herb garden is water. Too much and plant roots suffocate and die. Too little, and plants wilt and produce little.

If you're concerned about watering, look for an herb garden kit featuring a self-watering planter box. These boxes have a reservoir that supplies steady water to the plants, ensuring your plants get the right amount without worry.

Plant Compatible Plants

If you choose a single planter box, remember that not all herbs thrive together. You need to group plants based on similar needs. So, select plants with similar water, light, and soil requirements for optimal growth. For example:

• Basil, parsley, and cilantro: These herbs prefer similar conditions, including full sun and regular watering.
• Thyme, rosemary, and sage: These Mediterranean herbs thrive in well-drained soil and require less water.

You also need to consider plant sizes or risk having one overtake others. For instance, mint is aggressive and can easily take over the planter box.

Light Conditions for Your Herb Garden

Most herbs prefer full sun, which means at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. However, some herbs can tolerate partial shade. Here are a few examples:

• Full Sun (6-8 hours): Basil, thyme, rosemary, sage
• Partial Shade (3-6 hours): Mint, parsley, cilantro

If growing indoors, placing your planter box near a south-facing window usually provides adequate light. Alternatively, consider using grow lights.

The #1 Herb Garden Kit

You have many options when selecting a garden kit, but EarthBox is a recognized leader in container gardening solutions.

Its herb garden kit has everything you need to make gardening work like clockwork. The planter box fits nicely on a countertop or windowsill at just under two feet. The container is also plenty deep to house your favorite herbs.

As you'd expect, you'll get everything you need in the kit:

• Container
• Aeration screen
• Reversible mulch covers
• Drip tray
• Fertilizer and dolomite
• Water fill tube

Add your favorite potting mix, seeds, or starter plants, and you're off to the races. Plus, thanks to the self-watering system, you'll never have to worry about watering.

For only $34, you can have everything you need to grow herbs year-round, and you'll even get a one-year guarantee.