Starting your first herb garden in urban planter boxes can be both exciting and rewarding. The key to success as a beginner is choosing herbs that are forgiving, fast-growing, and adaptable to container life. Here are the five easiest herbs that will thrive in your urban planter boxes and provide fresh flavors for your kitchen.
Basil is arguably the perfect starter herb. It grows quickly from seed and responds well to frequent harvesting. Place your basil in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight and keep the soil consistently moist. Regular picking of the leaves will actually encourage the plant to become bushier and more productive.
Mint is famously resilient and almost impossible to kill, making it ideal for beginners. However, it's best grown in its own container as it can aggressively spread and overtake other plants. Mint tolerates partial shade and prefers moist soil. Use it fresh in drinks, salads, and desserts for a refreshing burst of flavor.
Chives are one of the most low-maintenance herbs you can grow. These hardy plants produce delicious onion-flavored stems and beautiful edible flowers. They grow well in both full sun and partial shade, and will reliably return year after year in many climates. Simply snip what you need with scissors.
Parsley is slower to germinate but very hardy once established. Both the flat-leaf and curly varieties grow well in planter boxes with moderate sunlight. It's a biennial plant, meaning it will last for two growing seasons. Parsley is incredibly versatile in cooking and makes a beautiful garnish.
Thyme is a wonderful woody herb that thrives on neglect. It prefers well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight, but is drought-tolerant once established. Thyme grows as an attractive low-spreading plant that can even trail over the edges of your planter boxes, adding visual interest to your urban garden.
When starting your urban herb garden, ensure your planter boxes have adequate drainage holes and use quality potting mix. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and place your boxes in locations that receive at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily. Begin by harvesting small amounts from each plant, and you'll soon enjoy the satisfaction of growing your own fresh herbs.