Herb container display
Create a stylish container display using a selection of edible herbs. We show you how.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At its best | yes | yes | yes | yes | ||||||||
| To do | yes |
Most herbs originate in hot, dry climates and dislike our cold, wet winters. Growing them in pots is therefore perfect because they can be brought under cover for the winter. You can also keep them near your kitchen, where you can access them easily. Herbs look fantastic in containers, too – here we've combined red-veined sorrel with geranium, basil, calendula and salad burnet.
You Will Need
- Red-veined sorrel, Rumex sanguineus
- Pelargonium 'Attar of Roses'
- Sweet woodruff, Galium odoratum
- Calendula
- Basil plant
- Salad burnet, Sanguisorba minor
- Old tin bath or bucket
Total time: 20 minutes
Step 1
Drill drainage holes in the base of the container, if necessary, add crocks and then fill two-thirds with compost. Cover the bottom of the pot with crocks, then fill it two-thirds with compost, mixed with a few handfuls of horticultural grit or sand.
Step 2
Arrange the plants in the pot in any order you like.
Step 3
Top up with compost, firming it around the roots with your fingers, then add a mulch of gravel to conserve moisture.
Step 4
Water the container well and allow to drain before moving to its final position.
Kevin Smith says...
Combine herbs with edible flowers to create a container display that provides good looks with a tasty harvest. Calendula, violas and nasturtiums all make a colourful addition to fresh salads.
Festive subscription offer
Save 51% on the shop price. Subscribe to BBC Gardeners' World Magazine today and get 6 months of free seeds for Spring 2025.
Year Planner 2025 on sale
Starting to plan your gardening year? The Year Planner 2025 is packed with expert advice from the Gardeners’ World team, to ensure you have your best gardening year yet.
Discover our new digital travel brochure
Whether it's a thrilling Arctic cruise or a charming getaway to historic Bath, our NEW travel brochure has exciting options for everyone.
Discover Dangerous Plants
From witchcraft to murder mysteries, uncover the power of plants in the new BBC Gardeners' World Magazine podcast series.
