Cooking with fresh herbs provides flavors unmatched by their dried counterparts sitting on the shelves of your local grocery store. Whether you're a culinary novice or a seasoned chef, you know that fresh is always best and herbs are no exception. You don't have to have a green thumb to grow them yourself. You don't even need to have a backyard! With a little know-how and a bit of patience, you can grow your own container herb garden in no time. Here's how!
Herb Garden Table
Enjoy this decorative table indoors as you care for your herbs during colder months, then move outdoors for the spring and summer, adding a natural focal point to your deck or patio.
Getting Started
What You'll Need:
• Sturdy wooden table
• Plastic container to fit opening (Our project called for a 12X17” bin)
• Pea gravel
• Compost or organic potting mix with good drainage (compost is free from your local recycling center)
• Organic liquid fertilizer (We used TerraCycle All Purpose, which surprisingly is comprised of worm droppings!)
• Selection of your favorite herbs, $1.99 each (We were able to fit 9 herbs in our table.)
Construct your own reusable plant markers using thin wooden dowels, pieces of wood, chalkboard paint and chalk.
Putting it all together
Start by pouring a layer of pea gravel into container about two inches high.*
Then pour in a layer of compost or organic potting mix about two inches high.*
* Height may vary based on size of container.
Spray soil with fertilizer and work through using your fingers.
Remove herb plant from its container and gently break up roots with your fingers.
Using your hands, dig a small well in the soil, place plant inside and cover roots. Make sure that the top of the root ball is about level with the soil.
Plant herbs a few inches apart so they have room to grow and spread out. Tall herbs should be placed toward the back of the container and shorter ones toward the front so they can get the most sun.
Water container thoroughly.
Position container inside table opening and label herbs using plant markers. Place your herb garden near a south or southwest-facing window.
Styling by Abigail Nittle
