A decorative barrel of hardy herbs will provide flavourful pickings throughout autumn and into winter – ideal for salads, soups and stews.
If you often use herbs when cooking, then creating a herb planter is an easy, economical way to source them. Planters are perfect for herbs as their growth will be contained and they can be brought indoors in cold weather with little fuss.
Mediterranean herbs such as rosemary, sage and thyme prefer a sandy soil, so try using a sand or pebble mulch around the plants to create the ideal conditions. Planting multiple herbs in the same container gives an attractive aesthetic but it is wise to group plants according to their needs. Moisture-lovers such as basil, coriander and parsley grow best in full sun, whereas bay, sage and oregano require drier, leaner soil.
Deadheading plants regularly promotes new growth and also keeps the plant small and bushy, the perfect build for a container plant. Herbs that grow sideways, such as mint, are better off potted alone in a wide-set container so they have room to spread.
Regular watering is key for any container garden, as potted plants dry out very quickly. However, Mediterranean herb species, such as rosemary (left), can drown in excess water, so take care to research the needs of specific herbs in case you are over-generous with irrigation. Move tender herbs such as basil undercover when temperatures fall. Hardy herbs, such as rosemary and thyme, can stay out – and be picked – all winter long.
