Starting your first garden in an urban planter box is exciting and rewarding. The key is to begin with hardy, low-maintenance herbs that thrive in containers and forgive a beginner's learning curve. Here are five fantastic herbs to get you started.
First, Basil is a must-grow. It loves warm sunshine and regular watering. Pinch off the top leaves frequently to encourage a bushier plant and prevent it from flowering too soon. Next, Mint is incredibly vigorous—so much so it's best grown alone in its own pot to prevent it from taking over. It tolerates some shade and always bounces back.
Chives are wonderfully resilient. These grassy, onion-flavored stems grow back quickly after you snip them. They produce lovely purple flowers that are edible too. Parsley is a slow but steady grower, perfect for a patient beginner. Both the flat-leaf and curly varieties do well in pots with moderate sunlight.
Finally, consider Oregano. This Mediterranean herb prefers drier soil, so it's perfect if you occasionally forget to water. It spreads nicely in a planter box, offering a bounty of flavorful leaves.
For success, ensure your planter box has drainage holes and use a good quality potting mix. Place it where it gets at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and harvest your herbs regularly to promote more growth. Happy gardening