Growing herbs in pots is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to start gardening at home. Whether you have a spacious backyard, a small balcony, or just a sunny windowsill, potted herbs can thrive in almost any environment. They’re practical, fragrant, and delicious—perfect for enhancing your cooking while adding greenery to your space.
This guide covers the best herbs to grow in pots, how to care for them, and tips to ensure your potted herb garden flourishes year-round.
Why Grow Herbs in Pots?
Pots are ideal for growing herbs because they allow you to control soil quality, water, and placement. You can move them for better light exposure, bring them indoors during colder months, and easily manage pests or diseases. Even if you live in an apartment with no garden access, a few pots on a balcony or kitchen counter can give you a constant supply of fresh herbs.
Benefits of growing herbs in pots:
- Space-efficient for small homes or apartments
- Portable and easy to manage
- Better control over watering and soil
- Can be grown indoors or outdoors
- Fresh, flavorful ingredients at your fingertips
What to Look for in Potted Herbs
When choosing herbs for containers, look for varieties that:
- Stay relatively compact
- Have shallow roots
- Tolerate partial shade (if indoors or on a shaded balcony)
- Grow well in confined spaces
Now, let’s explore the best herbs for growing in pots.
1. Basil
Basil is a kitchen favorite, especially for Italian and Mediterranean dishes. It thrives in warm temperatures and full sun.
- Light: Full sun (6+ hours per day)
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy
- Tips: Pinch off flower buds to extend leaf production. Harvest regularly to promote bushy growth.
There are many types of basil, including sweet basil, Thai basil, and purple basil—all of which grow well in pots.
2. Parsley
Parsley is a versatile herb used in many cuisines. It’s easy to grow and does well in both full sun and partial shade.
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Water: Water when the top inch of soil is dry
- Tips: Harvest the outer leaves first to encourage continuous growth. Flat-leaf and curly varieties both grow well in pots.
Parsley grows slowly at first but produces abundantly once established.
3. Mint
Mint is one of the best herbs to grow in containers because it can be invasive in garden beds. In a pot, it’s contained and easy to manage.
- Light: Partial shade to full sun
- Water: Keep soil evenly moist
- Tips: Mint spreads quickly—use a wide pot or trim frequently. Ideal for teas, salads, and desserts.
Spearmint and peppermint are the most popular types, but you can also try chocolate or lemon mint.
4. Thyme
Thyme is a low-maintenance herb that thrives in pots and adds flavor to roasted dishes, stews, and marinades.
- Light: Full sun
- Water: Let the soil dry out between waterings
- Tips: Harvest stems regularly and prune after flowering to encourage new growth. Perfect for dry, well-draining soil.
It’s also a beautiful trailing herb, great for hanging pots or the edges of container gardens.
5. Chives
Chives are easy to grow and return year after year. Their mild onion flavor makes them ideal for soups, eggs, and potatoes.
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist
- Tips: Trim leaves regularly to prevent flowering and promote new shoots. Great for indoor or outdoor pots.
You can also eat the purple chive flowers—they’re edible and pretty.
6. Oregano
Oregano is a hardy herb that thrives in containers and adds robust flavor to pizza, pasta, and grilled meats.
- Light: Full sun
- Water: Let soil dry between waterings
- Tips: Prune regularly to keep it compact and avoid legginess. Use fresh or dry for culinary use.
Greek oregano is the most common culinary type, but other varieties also do well in pots.
7. Rosemary
Rosemary is a fragrant, evergreen herb that grows beautifully in pots and adds bold flavor to savory dishes.
- Light: Full sun
- Water: Let soil dry between waterings
- Tips: Use a deep pot and well-draining soil. Avoid overwatering, especially in cooler months.
It’s sensitive to cold, so bring it indoors if you live in a region with harsh winters.
8. Cilantro (Coriander)
Cilantro is fast-growing and popular in Latin American and Asian cuisine. However, it has a short life cycle and bolts quickly in heat.
- Light: Full sun to light shade
- Water: Keep soil moist but not wet
- Tips: Sow seeds every few weeks for a continuous harvest. Harvest the leaves young for best flavor.
If it bolts and goes to seed, the seeds become coriander, which is also a spice.
9. Dill
Dill has a unique flavor and is often used in pickling, sauces, and fish dishes. It grows well in containers if given enough space.
- Light: Full sun
- Water: Keep soil moist but not soggy
- Tips: Needs a tall pot due to its taproot. Harvest leaves early for fresh use, or let it flower for seeds.
Dill attracts pollinators and beneficial insects, making it great for outdoor container gardens.
10. Sage
Sage is a hardy herb with earthy flavor, commonly used in holiday dishes, poultry, and roasted vegetables.
- Light: Full sun
- Water: Water when soil is dry
- Tips: Avoid overwatering and prune regularly to keep it from getting woody.
Sage grows best in warmer climates and can overwinter indoors in cold regions.
Best Containers for Herbs
When choosing containers for your herbs, consider the following:
- Drainage: Always use pots with holes at the bottom to avoid root rot.
- Size: Most herbs do well in 6–12 inch pots, depending on their root depth.
- Material: Terracotta, plastic, ceramic, and fabric pots all work—just adjust watering based on how quickly they dry out.
You can also group herbs with similar water and light needs in one larger container for a mini herb garden.
Care Tips for Potted Herbs
To keep your herb garden productive and healthy:
- Water consistently: Check the soil regularly. Most herbs don’t like to be waterlogged but also shouldn’t dry out completely.
- Harvest regularly: Snipping off leaves encourages new growth and keeps the plant bushy.
- Fertilize lightly: Use an organic fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
- Protect from pests: Check for aphids or spider mites and use natural remedies like neem oil if needed.
- Bring indoors if needed: Many herbs can overwinter indoors if given enough light.
Final Thoughts
Herbs are some of the easiest and most satisfying plants to grow in pots. They’re beautiful, fragrant, and useful in everyday cooking. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gardener, creating a container herb garden is a fun, low-maintenance way to enjoy fresh, homegrown ingredients year-round.
Start with a few of your favorite herbs, choose sunny spots, water wisely, and enjoy the convenience of having fresh flavors always within reach. Once you experience the joy of clipping basil or mint from your own plant, you’ll never go back to store-bought herbs again.