Unlocking the Benefits of
Growing Herbs in Small Pots
Tired of spending money on store bought herbs and would rather use fresh-picked ingredients (for flavor and cost savings)? Lucky for you, they can be grown in many different environments and small spaces. Simply select your plants, gather your soil and pottery, and get to gardening! Continue harvesting and drying all year round to create a collection of essential ingredients – perfect for soups, as well as roasted vegetables, meat, and fish. Before you know it, you’ll have a beautiful, freshly-potted herb garden available for all your culinary needs!
Growing Herbs in Small Spaces
For many, having a smaller apartment or home can be a deterrent to gardening. However, growing culinary herbs in small spaces is highly possible! All you truly need is soil, an herb plant, and a pot. Here at The Secret Garden, we have a wide selection of fresh herbs and pottery to choose from. From large rectangular shapes to spheres and bowls, we have a variety of ceramic, terracotta, and talavera options available. For inside the kitchen, we recommend our smaller 4” pots that will sit perfectly in any windowsill – protected from the weather while still receiving adequate sunlight and water.
No matter what you’re looking for, our team of expert gardeners are eager to assist you with any questions or concerns you might have. Once you’ve decided what to plant and where to plant it, we’ll help you grab any soil, fertilizer, and decorative rock that you may need. If you don’t want the hassle of putting it together yourself, we also have pre-planted terracotta herb arrangements complete with decorative rock; they’re great for both cooking and aesthetics, and perfect as gifts!
Selecting Your Herbs
Different plants have a higher chance of survival depending on where you live. According to the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, each geographic area is separated into zones depending on their average yearly temperature. Since Sacramento County has a warm summer climate and cold winter temperatures, we’re placed in zone 9. Meaning perennial herbs like chives, mint, rosemary and oregano will grow yearly here. Cilantro, parsley, thyme, sage, dill, and fennel will also thrive; specifically during the colder weather. Identify your zone on the map to determine what will make it through the winter months.
Always check when the first and last day of frost will be to ensure you’re prepared. Freezing temps can be harmful and deadly. For bigger potted arrangements, we have frost cloth available for purchase to protect them from freezing. Smaller pots can be brought inside and grown in a sunny window. When in doubt, check the nightly temperatures daily to see whether you’ll need to cover or bring plants in. As long as you’re aware and taking the appropriate steps, your herb garden should survive all seasons.
Harvesting and Drying Your Herbs
There are many benefits to having your own garden. Being able to utilize fresh ingredients when cooking is at the top of the list. Learning how to dry and harvest herbs is an easy three step process:
- Use pruning snips to cut off a couple inches of the plant – typically any excess growth that’s extending out from the pot.
- Hang to dry on a drying rack; this step allows the moisture to evaporate and prevents them from molding.
- Once dry, remove the leaves to add to your recipe. To do this, you’ll want to hold the top of the stem with one hand, and strip the stem by pulling down with the other hand; this step removes the bland stem so that all you have left are the flavorful leaves.
Harvesting regularly actually encourages continuous growth; meaning you save money in the long run by growing your own herbs year round rather than constantly purchasing store-bought packs. Many, like Thyme and Rosemary, can be added to soups, roasted chicken, and fish to elevate the flavors of the dishes. Homemade teas are another great way to use your ingredients.
Using Your Herbs
One of my favorite morning herbal teas includes a sprig of fresh rosemary, 1/4 cup of blueberries, and sliced lemon. Rosemary and blueberries are high in antioxidants. Rosemary aids digestion. Rosemary has been linked to improved cognitive function. Rosemary contains compounds with anti-inflammatory effects. Rosemary helps regulate blood pressure and improves circulation. That’s a lot of goodness in a small pot of rosemary!
Remember, while these ingredients have potential health benefits, individual responses may vary, and it’s always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
Ultimately, you can have a small space and still achieve big flavor by unlocking the benefits of growing herbs in small pots. Many think of a huge backyard garden when they consider growing their own ingredients. However, when you have fresh herbs available and small pots that fit in your home, anything is possible! Build your own potted garden or participate in the culinary spirit by gifting it to a loved one! Either way, these fresh plants deserve to be enjoyed! Come into the nursery today and check out our current stock. We’re open daily, Monday through Friday from 10am-5pm. Feel free to give us a call or contact us directly if you have any questions!
Special thanks to Courtney Giles for her work on this post.
