How to Plant an Herbal Garden in a Box
Many herbs are suitable for growing in a box. Herbs are not opposed to growing in confined areas and enjoy full sun, but will tolerate a Southern-facing window during the winter. Herbs grow well in a window box indoors and out. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Potting soil
- Gravel
- Paper coffeepot filters
- Tray
- Trowel
- Liquid fertilizer
- Spray bottle
Instructions
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Choose a box that will sit on a windowsill for an indoor box. It can be made of wood, plastic or clay. The box should be at least 18 or 19 inches long, 6 inches wide and 6 inches deep. The box must have holes in the bottom for drainage. Boxes used indoors should have a tray to catch excess water.
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Cover holes with paper coffeepot filters. This prevents the soil from escaping the box.
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Place a 1-inch layer of gravel at the bottom of the box to ensure drainage. Fill with lightweight potting soil. Water lightly before planting. This will compact the soil, which should be about 1 inch below the rim of the box.
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Decide where each plant will be placed in the box and use a trowel to dig a hole and plant them. Place each plant in its hole and fill with soil, pressing down to stabilize its stem. Place plants that like more water in the back or middle of the box where the soil will stay wetter longer without directl sun. Place some trailing or drooping herbs like tarragon and thyme right at the edge in the front so it droops down over the box.
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Place the box in the area where it will grow. Water it well for the first few days, then water only when the soil feels dry to the touch. Boxes that are outside may need daily watering.
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Mix liquid fertilizer half strength using the package instructions. For example, if the instructions say to mix 1 tbsp. with a gallon of water, use only ½ tbsp. Water the box with the fertilizer once monthly.
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Mist leaves with water daily to deter pests like red spider mites or white fly.
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Tips & Warnings
Dwarf varieties of herbs like Blue Boy rosemary work well in boxes. Group plants that require the same amount of sun and water in one box, since they share the same soil. Culinary herbs are the best for a box garden. Use parsley, thyme, sage, rosemary, chives, marjoram, oregano, savory and basil. Throw in some lavender for color. Turn indoor boxes around every other week to provide even lighting.
Watch the size of some plants. A large basil like Genovese is inappropriate for box culture because it grows higher than 2 feet. Make sure one plant does not shade another from the sun's rays.
References
Resources
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