The best herb planters and boxes
Grow your own culinary herbs at home with our selection of herb planters for the kitchen as well as outdoors.
Culinary herbs are both easy and inexpensive to grow. A fresh, home-grown supply of basil, parsley or thyme will cost much less than shrink-wrapped packs from the supermarket and when harvested just before use will likely have a higher nutritional value, too.
Herb boxes and planters are ideal for cultivating your own herb garden. There are many styles available depending on what you're growing and where you're growing it, as we explain in more detail, below. Some herb planters are also available as starter kits for first-time growers. Others are 'statement' pieces for design-conscious gardeners, with outdoor options for a patio, terrace or balcony and on-trend choices for stylish interiors.
In this short video guide, the experts at Kitchen Garden Plant Centre share their top three herbs to grow on a windowsill, and how to care for them.
If you're looking for more garden shopping inspiration, take a look at our guides to the best indoor greenhouses, the best indoor plant pots and the best garden gadgets.
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Browse our pick of herb planters below:
The best herb planters
Vegepod kitchen garden
Ideal for growing a range of herbs, microgreens or small salads crops right on your kitchen work surface, this contemporary styled planter has a self watering reservoir and wicking system as well as LED lights that can adjust in height. It's easy to use, simply add compost and seeds and is available in gloss white or black.
Price: £249.00
Buy Vegpod Kitchen Garden from Vegepod
Vegtrug Herb Garden
This raised, outdoor herb garden is made by popular brand Vegtrug. The durable wooden planter includes a preformed liner, so it has everything you need to start planting. It's worth noting that the Vegtrug requires home assembly. This herb planter is also on the large side, so will suit a more spacious garden or patio space.
Price: £99.99
Buy vegtrug herb garden from Amazon
Cole & Mason Burwell Self-Watering Potted Herb Keeper
This clever indoor herb garden uses self-watering technology which the manufacturer claims can keep herbs fresh for up to 10 days longer than standard planters. Simply add the felt pads supplied to the base of the planter and keep it topped up with water - the planter will take care of the rest. There are 12 pads included.
Price: £40.00
Buy the Cole & Mason Burwell self watering potted herb keeper from Amazon
Zinc Black Planter
This stylish, modern planter by Primrose is made from steel that's been electroplated with zinc for strength and durability. The Zinc Black Planter can be used both indoors and outdoors. Clean it with a metal-safe cloth or brush after heavy rain to keep it looking good.
Price: £42.99
But Zinc black planter from Primrose
Higgledy Troughs Water Feature & Planter
This plant-cum-water feature doubles as an unusual garden ornament. Made from UV- and frost-resistant polyresin, it comes with a water pump.
Price: £242.99
Buy the Higgledy Troughs water feature and planter from Primrose
Vertical Scottish Larch Garden Ladder Planter
This multi-layered wooden planter is made from Scottish larch wood, sourced locally by the independent maker. The larch will age naturally into silver over the year or you can oil it to preserve the original shade. There are various sizes to choose from depending on how many herbs you'll be growing and each box has drainage holes in the base.
Price: from £70
Buy the Vertical Scottish larch garden ladder planter from Etsy
Outsunny garden rectangular wooden raised bed
This raised wooden planter is ideal for outdoor use and would work well on a patio or in a space with limited planting room. Made from fir wood, the elevated planter is also ideal for gardeners who need to minimise back and knee strain. It has enough space for a combination of herbs, veg crops and flowers. Home assembly required.
Price: £93.99
Buy the Outsunny garden rectangular wooden raised bed from Amazon
EarlyGrow urban grow table raised planter
This raised planter comes with a cover, protecting your herbs from pests and extreme weather. Built-in recesses channel water to plants within the micro-climate created by the cover. You can also remove the legs to lower the planter to the ground, if preferred.
Price: from £69.95
Buy the Early Grow Urban Grow Table raised planter from Amazon
How to choose the best herb planter
When choosing the best herb planter for your home or garden there are various points to consider:
- Decide whether you want to grow herbs indoors or outdoors. Some herb boxes are suitable for both locations but others aren't, so bear in mind the practicality as well as the aesthetics of the materials used.
- Size is also a key factor. Some herb planters are designed to fit onto windowsills, which might be useful for crops you cook with often. And how many different herbs will you be growing? Think about how much space you'll need for each.
- Bear in mind the height of your planter. Larger, outdoor planters may be raised, while others will be ground level, sitting directly on a surface.
- Some products can be personalised - perfect if you're buying them as a gift.
Types of herb planters
There are various types of herb planter available, outlined below:
Windowsill planters
If you'll be growing herbs indoors, opt for a compact planter that can fit on a kitchen windowsill, for ready access while you're cooking. Choose one with space for a few types of herb that you'll use often. Windowsill planters are also often available as kits, which include compost and seeds. These could make great gifts for foodies or beginner gardeners.
Outdoor herb planters
These planters are usually larger than indoor products and they may also be suitable for growing other types of plants. Some planters are raised, making them easy to access and maintain without needing to bend down or kneel on the ground - very useful for gardeners with limited mobility. This style of planter would work well in a paved area or where ground space is at a premium.
Smart herb planters
Do you ever forget to water your plants? A 'smart' planter that automates the watering process could be the best option for you. Simply fill up a built-in reservoir and leave the planter to dispense water as needed.
This review was last updated in July 2023. We apologise if anything has changed in price or availability.
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