Growing herbs in containers is a great way to add fresh flavors to your cooking and brighten up your space. You can create your own herb garden, no matter the size of your home or yard. Container gardening makes it easy to manage and maintain herbs, whether you have a small balcony or a spacious patio.
Herb gardens in containers are flexible and allow you to grow a variety of plants. You can mix and match different herbs based on your cooking needs or personal preferences. This guide will explore 31 ideas for creating your own container herb garden, helping you enjoy fresh herbs year-round.
1) Basil in a Tin Can
Growing basil in a tin can is easy and fun. You can use any clean, empty tin can. Just make sure to poke a few holes in the bottom for drainage.
Fill the can with potting soil, and plant your basil seeds or seedlings. Basil loves sunlight, so place your can in a spot that gets plenty of bright light.
To add some flair, you can paint the can or wrap it with twine. Adding small flowers around the can can brighten up the look, too. With a bit of care, you’ll have fresh basil and a cute display!
2) Mint in a mason jar
Growing mint in a mason jar is a fun and simple way to add some freshness to your space. Start with a clean jar and some potting soil. Fill the jar about halfway with the soil.
Next, choose your favorite mint variety, like spearmint or peppermint. Gently remove the plant from its nursery pot and place it in the jar. Add more soil around the roots and water it lightly.
For a nice touch, you can decorate the jar with some twine or stickers. You might also add stones at the bottom for better drainage. Place the jar in a spot with bright, indirect sunlight to help it thrive.
Mint can also bring a lovely scent to your kitchen or balcony. You might want to enjoy fresh mint leaves in drinks or dishes. Just remember to pick leaves regularly to encourage growth.
3) Rosemary in a wooden box
Growing rosemary in a wooden box looks great and is easy to maintain. The natural wood adds a rustic touch to your space.
You can mix in some colorful flowers like pansies or marigolds to brighten things up. These flowers attract beneficial insects and enhance the garden’s overall appeal.
Make sure your wooden box has proper drainage to keep the roots healthy. Placing small stones at the bottom can help with this. Enjoy your fresh rosemary for cooking or adding to your drinks!
4) Thyme in a Teacup
Growing thyme in a teacup is a charming and fun idea. You can use an old teacup or find one at a thrift store. It adds a unique touch to your herb garden.
Start by filling the teacup with potting soil. Make sure it has a drainage hole. If not, add small stones at the bottom to help with water flow.
Next, plant the thyme seeds or a small thyme plant. Water it lightly and place it in a sunny spot. Thyme enjoys lots of light.
You can add small stones or even tiny flowers around the base for decoration. Miniature gardening accessories can also enhance the look. This teacup garden can be a great centerpiece for your kitchen or patio.
5) Cilantro in an old wine crate
Using an old wine crate is a great way to grow cilantro. The rustic look adds charm to your garden. Just make sure the crate has drainage holes.
Fill it with good potting soil and sprinkle your cilantro seeds on top. Water them lightly to help them sprout.
You can add small flowers like marigolds or nasturtiums around the crate. These will add color and attract helpful insects. Enjoy your fresh cilantro in your meals!
6) Dill in a colorful pot
Planting dill in a bright pot adds a cheerful touch to your garden. You can choose pots in vibrant colors like yellow, red, or blue to really stand out.
Mix it up by adding some marigolds or nasturtiums nearby. These flowers not only look great, but they can also help keep pests away from your dill.
Just be sure your pot has good drainage. Dill loves the sun, so place it in an area that gets plenty of light. Enjoy your colorful herb garden!
7) Oregano in a vintage bowl
Using a vintage bowl for your oregano can add charm to your garden. Look for bowls with interesting patterns or colors to complement your plants.
You can fill the bowl with rich soil for good growth. Add small stones at the bottom for drainage.
Consider adding bright flowers like marigolds or tiny succulents around the oregano. This will create a nice contrast and make your bowl even more beautiful.
Don’t forget to water regularly. With proper care, your oregano will thrive in this lovely setting!
8) Chives in a hanging basket
Chives add a nice touch to any hanging basket with their vibrant green color. They grow tall and graceful, making them a perfect choice.
Mix chives with colorful flowers like petunias or geraniums to create a cheerful look. You can also add small decorative stones at the bottom for a fun effect.
If you want, place your hanging basket near your kitchen for easy access while cooking. Chives work great in salads, soups, and as a garnish. They are simple to care for and thrive in sunlight.
9) Lavender in a ceramic pitcher
Using a ceramic pitcher for lavender adds charm to your space. The soft purple flowers look beautiful against the glossy ceramic.
You can set the pitcher on a sunny windowsill. It creates a lovely focal point in the room.
Consider adding small stones or pebbles at the bottom for drainage. Pair it with some white daisies or yellow marigolds to brighten up the look.
10) Sage in a tin watering can
Using a tin watering can as a container for sage is a fun option. The rustic look of the tin adds charm to your garden.
You can plant sage directly in the can, adding some potting soil. Make sure the can has holes for drainage.
To complete the look, consider planting some colorful flowers around it. Bright blooms can create a lively scene with your sage.
11) Parsley in a recycled bucket
Growing parsley in a recycled bucket is a fun way to use old containers. Choose a bucket that is clean and has drainage holes. This helps your parsley grow well.
Fill the bucket with good potting soil. You can mix in some compost for extra nutrients. Plant your parsley seeds or small plants about an inch apart.
To make it look nice, add some flowers like marigolds around the parsley. They can help keep pests away. You can also place decorative stones on top of the soil for a great touch.
Place your bucket in a spot that gets plenty of sunlight. Water it regularly, but don’t let it get too soggy. Before long, you’ll have fresh parsley ready for your meals.
12) Lemon Balm in a Glass Jar
Growing lemon balm in a glass jar adds a fresh touch to your space. This easy-to-grow herb has a lemony scent that brightens up any room.
To create a charming look, try using a wide-mouth glass jar. Fill it with potting soil and plant your lemon balm seeds or small plants.
You can add small decorative stones or a tiny fairy figure for extra flair. Pair it with a few colorful flowers to enhance the beauty of your herb garden. It’s a great way to enjoy fresh herbs right in your kitchen!
13) Chamomile in a terracotta pot
Chamomile is a lovely herb to grow in a terracotta pot. The pot allows for good drainage, which chamomile needs to thrive. Plus, it adds a rustic touch to your garden.
You can plant chamomile alongside other herbs like thyme and basil. They complement each other well and look great together.
Consider adding small stones or decorative pebbles at the bottom of the pot for extra drainage. A saucer under the pot will catch any excess water, helping keep the area tidy.
With its small white flowers and feathery leaves, chamomile attracts bees and butterflies. This makes your container garden even more lively.
Enjoy your chamomile tea made from the fresh blooms or simply admire their beauty.
14) Tarragon in a Small Basket
Tarragon is a great choice for your small basket herb garden. It has a lovely aroma and adds a unique flavor to dishes like chicken and fish.
Using a small woven basket makes it easy to move your tarragon around. You can put it in sunny spots or even bring it indoors when needed.
Adding some colorful flowers, like marigolds, gives your basket a pop of color. You can also use pebbles or moss for decoration. This makes your herb garden not just useful but also pretty!
15) Bay leaves in a clay pot
Growing bay leaves in a clay pot is a great choice for your container garden. The clay helps with drainage, which bay trees prefer.
These leaves add a lovely touch to your cooking. You can also enjoy their dark green, glossy leaves and aromatic scent.
To enhance the look, consider adding some colorful flowers or trailing plants around the base. This will create a beautiful display.
Make sure to place your pot in a sunny spot, and water it regularly but not too much. Bay trees can thrive in various conditions, making them a hardy addition to your garden.
16) Peppermint in a steel container
Peppermint loves a bit of flair, and a steel container adds a modern touch to your garden. The shiny surface reflects sunlight, making your plants stand out even more.
To make it visually appealing, pair your peppermint with colorful flowers like marigolds or pansies. They will bring brightness and contrast to the green leaves of the peppermint.
Make sure to choose a container with drainage holes. This helps prevent water from pooling, keeping your peppermint healthy and vibrant.
17) Marjoram in a porcelain cup
Growing marjoram in a pretty porcelain cup adds charm to your space. The bright green leaves look great against the delicate cup, making it a lovely addition to your herb garden.
You can place it on a sunny windowsill where it can get enough light. Make sure to water it regularly but avoid overwatering, as this can harm the plant.
Consider adding small stones or colorful pebbles in the bottom of the cup for extra style. Pair it with tiny flowers like white alyssum for a nice touch that brings life to your indoor garden.
18) Catnip in a planter box
Planting catnip in a planter box is a fun idea. This herb is known for attracting cats, making it a unique addition to your garden.
Choose a medium-sized box to give the catnip room to grow. You can mix it with flowers like daisies or marigolds for added color.
Catnip prefers sunny spots, so place your planter where it will get plenty of light. Don’t forget to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Adding decorative stones or garden gnomes can also enhance the look of your catnip planter. Your cats will love the new space, and it will look great in your garden.
19) Fennel in a window box
Fennel is a great choice for a window box. Its tall, feathery leaves add height and texture to your space. You can enjoy its unique taste in cooking, too.
To make it even more appealing, plant colorful flowers like marigolds or geraniums alongside your fennel. They create a bright contrast and attract beneficial insects.
Use a mix of soil that drains well, and don’t forget to water regularly. Fennel likes sunlight, so place your window box where it can soak up those rays.
20) Sorrel in a coconut shell
If you want a fun and unique way to grow sorrel, try using a coconut shell. This natural container looks great and gives your plants a tropical vibe.
Start by cutting a coconut in half and hollowing it out. Fill it with potting soil and plant sorrel seeds or seedlings. Sorrel loves well-drained soil.
You can add some small stones at the bottom for extra drainage. Place your coconut shell in a sunny spot for best results.
For added charm, decorate your coconut with colorful flowers or small plants around the base. Make sure to water it regularly, but don’t let it sit in water. Enjoy fresh sorrel right from your fun container!
21) Stevia in a tiny vase
Growing stevia in a tiny vase is a fun and sweet idea. You can keep it on your windowsill or table.
Choose a small, stylish vase that lets the light in. This helps the plant grow strong.
Add some small pebbles at the bottom for drainage. You can also include tiny decorative stones or shells around the base.
Mix in some colorful flowers, like small daisies, to bring a pop of color. This makes your mini garden even more inviting.
Remember to water your stevia regularly, but don’t let it sit in water. A little care will keep it happy and healthy!
22) Echinacea in a stylish urn
Echinacea, also known as coneflower, looks great in a stylish urn. Choose an urn that matches your garden decor, whether it’s modern or classic. The bright purple and pink flowers add a pop of color.
To enhance the look, mix in some trailing plants like ivy or sweet potato vine. These plants soften the edges of the urn and add depth. You can also place small rocks or decorative gravel around the base for a polished finish.
Echinacea thrives in full sun, so keep your urn in a bright spot. Regular watering and well-draining soil will keep your plants healthy. Enjoy watching the butterflies and bees visit your beautiful urn garden!
23) Lemongrass in a tall jar
Growing lemongrass in a tall jar is a great way to add a tropical vibe to your space. The tall jar allows this plant to thrive, as it has deep roots.
You can pair lemongrass with colorful flowers like marigolds or petunias. These will add beauty and attract helpful insects.
Selecting a decorative jar enhances the look, too. Choose one that complements your indoor or outdoor decor.
Place your tall jar in a sunny spot. Lemongrass loves light and warmth, which makes it grow better.
24) Arugula in a shallow dish
Growing arugula in a shallow dish is a fun and easy gardening project. You only need a dish that’s a few inches deep.
Choose a bright spot that gets plenty of sunlight. Arugula loves light and will thrive with it.
You can add flowers like pansies or violas around the edges to make it look pretty. They add a splash of color while growing alongside your arugula.
Keep the soil moist but not soaked. This will help your arugula grow quickly and stay fresh for harvesting. Enjoy your tasty greens!
25) Watercress in a table planter
Watercress thrives in cool and moist conditions, making it perfect for a table planter. Choose a shallow container with good drainage. You can fill it with soil that retains moisture well.
Adding small pebbles at the bottom can help with drainage.
You might also want to include some decorative stones or small flowers around the edges. This adds a nice touch while keeping the watercress the main focus.
Watercress enjoys partial sunlight. Position your table planter where it can get a few hours of sun each day. With a little care, you can enjoy fresh, peppery watercress right from your own garden.
26) St. John’s Wort in a flower pot
St. John’s Wort is a great choice for your container garden. It has bright yellow flowers that bloom all summer long. This plant loves sunshine, so pick a spot where it can soak up the rays.
Use a pot that has good drainage to prevent water from sitting. A mix of potting soil and sand works well for this plant. It likes well-drained soil.
You can pair St. John’s Wort with other sunny plants. Consider adding marigolds for more color. Herbs like rosemary can also work well. This will make your pot look full and vibrant.
Remember to water it moderately. This plant doesn’t like to be too wet. With some care, your St. John’s Wort will thrive in its flower pot.
27) Spearmint in a glass bowl
Planting spearmint in a glass bowl is a fun way to enjoy this fragrant herb. The transparent sides let you see the roots and soil, adding an interesting touch to your decor.
You can mix in small stones or colorful pebbles at the bottom for drainage. This helps keep your mint healthy and makes the bowl look beautiful.
To complete the look, add small decorative stones or even some tiny flowers around the edge. This adds color and texture to your herb garden.
Spearmint likes a lot of light, so place your glass bowl in a bright spot. Water it well, but avoid overwatering. Enjoy your fresh spearmint for teas, salads, or garnish.
28) Vietnamese Coriander in a tin tray
Vietnamese coriander is a great choice for a container garden. You can grow it easily in a tin tray. This herb has a unique flavor and adds a fresh touch to your dishes.
For a fun look, plant your Vietnamese coriander with some colorful flowers. Marigolds or petunias can brighten up your tray. They attract butterflies and add beauty.
Ensure your tin tray has good drainage. This way, the roots won’t sit in water. Water your coriander regularly, but avoid overwatering.
With some care, you’ll have a tasty herb ready for your cooking. Enjoy the fresh flavors in your meals!
29) Salad Burnet in a wooden tub
Salad burnet is a charming herb that adds a mild flavor to salads. Plant it in a wooden tub for a rustic look. The tub not only looks good but also helps with drainage.
Adding bright flowers like marigolds around the edges can enhance the visual appeal. You can also plant some trailing vines to create a fuller garden aesthetic. Make sure to place your tub in a spot with plenty of sunlight.
Water the salad burnet regularly, but avoid overwatering. This herb is quite hardy and easy to maintain. Enjoy snipping fresh leaves for your salads right from your garden!
30) Winter Savory in a Funky Mug
Growing winter savory in a funky mug can add charm to your kitchen. Choose a colorful or quirky mug to brighten up your space.
Winter savory has small, green leaves and can produce tiny white flowers. It’s great for cooking and has a pleasant aroma.
Make sure your mug has drainage holes. Use potting soil that drains well. You can also add small pebbles at the bottom for extra drainage.
Pair your mug with small herb markers or a cute spoon. These accessories can enhance its playful look. Enjoy your fresh winter savory in your dishes!
31) Chervil in a basket pot
Chervil is a lovely herb that adds a delicate flavor to your dishes. Plant it in a basket pot for a charming look.
Choose a basket with good drainage to help the roots stay healthy. You can line the basket with a plastic liner for extra protection.
Adding some colorful flowers around the chervil can brighten up the pot. Consider petunias or pansies to complement the soft green of the chervil.
This combination not only looks great but also enhances your cooking. Enjoy the fresh taste right from your garden!