by Elizabeth M Young

Created on: April 09, 2010   Last Updated: May 01, 2010

For the ultimate bit of greenery that will enhance a small space, herbs are the way to go! These beautiful and varied plants will grow readily and will provide a tasty, nutritious addition to your food at the same time. There are herbaceous plants that grow as large as a small shrub, and there are some that have beautiful leaves and even delicate flowers.

For a great set of herbs to grow, think Italian, English, and Specials. The Italian herb set can include flat leaf parsley, rosemary, oregano, fennel and basil. The English set can include English parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme. The specials include tarragon, a selection from the huge variety of mints that are available, cilantro, and even some small pepper plants.

The herbs provide a wide variety of foliage and leaf shapes that can be supplemented with flowers that also live well in containers. Alyssum, Pansies, Begonias, Salvia, Coleus, Snapdragons, Zinnias, Impatiens, Nasturtiums, Marigolds and Lobelia all take well to container gardening.

Container gardening does require more attention and careful water management. Using water retention pellets, sphagnum moss, keeping the pots out of direct sunlight that might burn the roots and using a water meter will ensure that your herb collection stays properly hydrated and healthy.

Container plants require good drainage to prevent rot, fungus and root drowning. The containers should have good drainage holes and saucers to catch the drips.

The type of container is important too. Glazed ceramic pots are the best, since they retain water and have an incredible array of  colors and finishes. Unglazed ceramic pots are less expensive, but they dry out very quickly as the water leaches through the clay. The quick drying means that the plants will need regular attention to ensure that they stay properly hydrated.

Plastic pots are an economical choice if long periods of hot, direct sunlight is not an issue. Plastic deteriorates quickly when exposed to UV radiation from the sun. 

Wooden planters have two considerations: that the wood is not treated with substances that are toxic to the plantsand that they are of redwood or cedar, which are less susceptible to rotting. Custom built wood planters hang well and are a creative way to plant in an oddly shaped or very small space.

Container gardening requires very little space. If a balcony, sunlit window, staircase landing or any well lit bit of space is available, then there is no reason not to hurry to the garden center this Spring. 

A lovely little herb and flower garden will provide beautiful color as well as a tasty and nutritious reward for all of your efforts!

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