Growing herbs in pots or containers is an easy and rewarding way to cultivate fresh, flavorful ingredients and enjoy the beauty of greenery even in small spaces. Certain herb pairings not only thrive together but also complement each other in the kitchen. In this article, I’ll share 15 of the best herb pairings to grow in pots, with detailed tips on planting and caring for them to ensure a healthy, abundant crop.
1. Basil and Tomatoes for a Flavorful Duo
Basil and tomatoes grow exceptionally well together because basil deters pests that commonly target tomatoes. Choose a large, deep pot (at least 12 inches in diameter) with good drainage. Fill it with nutrient-rich potting soil, and plant a tomato seedling in the center, spacing basil plants around the edges. Keep the soil consistently moist, and place the pot in a sunny spot where it will receive at least 6–8 hours of sunlight daily. Prune regularly to encourage bushy growth.
2. Mint and Lemon Balm for Refreshing Drinks
Mint and lemon balm both thrive in moist soil with partial sun. Use a wide, shallow container to give their spreading roots room to grow while preventing them from overtaking your garden. Fill the container with slightly acidic potting soil, and water frequently to maintain consistent moisture. Harvest often to encourage new growth, and place the pot in a shaded or partially sunny area.
3. Parsley, Cilantro, and Dill for Fresh Garnishes
These herbs share similar water and sunlight needs, making them a perfect trio for a container garden. Choose a rectangular or long container at least 8 inches deep, and fill it with loamy soil. Space the seeds or seedlings about 6 inches apart. Keep the soil evenly moist, and position the container in a location with 4–6 hours of sunlight daily. Regular harvesting will prevent bolting and promote healthy growth.
4. Thyme and Rosemary for a Mediterranean Feel
Thyme and rosemary are both drought-tolerant herbs that thrive in sunny, dry conditions. Use a medium-sized terracotta pot, which helps prevent overwatering by allowing excess moisture to evaporate. Plant rosemary in the center and thyme around the edges. Use well-draining soil mixed with sand or perlite for aeration. Water sparingly, letting the soil dry out between waterings, and ensure the pot receives 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
5. Lavender and Chamomile for Aromatic Bliss
Lavender and chamomile love sunny, well-drained environments. Choose a large, decorative container with excellent drainage, and use a light, sandy soil mix. Plant lavender in the center for height and chamomile around the edges for a layered look. Place the pot in full sun, and water sparingly, ensuring the soil is never waterlogged. Deadhead flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooms.
6. Oregano and Marjoram for Italian Recipes
These two herbs thrive together because they prefer similar dry, sunny conditions. Use a pot that’s 10–12 inches wide and fill it with well-draining soil. Plant oregano in the center and marjoram around the edges. Place the pot in a sunny location and water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Pinch off flowers to keep the herbs producing fresh leaves.
7. Chives and Garlic for Dual Use
Chives and garlic complement each other in appearance and growing needs. Use a deep container, at least 12 inches, to allow garlic bulbs to develop underground. Plant garlic cloves 2 inches deep and 4 inches apart, and sow chive seeds or plant seedlings around them. Place the pot in a sunny spot, and water consistently to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
8. Sage and Tarragon for Bold Flavors
Sage and tarragon thrive in dry, sunny conditions, making them ideal companions. Use a well-draining potting mix in a medium-sized container, and plant sage on one side and tarragon on the other. Keep the pot in full sun and water sparingly, ensuring the soil dries out slightly between waterings. Harvest leaves regularly to encourage growth.
9. Mint and Basil for a Versatile Duo
Mint and basil both love moist soil and frequent harvesting. Choose a large pot and plant basil in the center with mint spaced around the edges. Keep the pot in a sunny spot with partial afternoon shade. Water daily to keep the soil consistently moist, and pinch off flowers to encourage leafy growth.
10. Lemongrass and Ginger for Asian Dishes
Lemongrass and ginger prefer warm, humid conditions, making them ideal companions. Use a large, deep container filled with well-draining soil mixed with compost. Plant lemongrass in the center and bury ginger rhizomes 2 inches deep around it. Place the container in a sunny, sheltered location and water regularly. Harvest lemongrass stalks and ginger roots as needed.
11. Parsley and Mint for a Fresh Touch
Parsley and mint share a love for rich, moist soil. Use a wide, shallow pot, and plant parsley in the center and mint near the edges. Water frequently to maintain consistent moisture, and place the container in partial sun. Harvest both herbs regularly to encourage bushy growth.
12. Cilantro and Basil for Global Cuisines
Cilantro and basil thrive together in pots with rich, well-draining soil. Use a container at least 10 inches wide, and plant cilantro and basil seedlings evenly spaced apart. Place the pot in a sunny location, and water consistently to keep the soil moist. Trim leaves regularly to prevent bolting and encourage fresh growth.
13. Thyme and Oregano for Hardy Herbs
Thyme and oregano are hardy, low-maintenance herbs that do well in dry soil. Use a small container with sandy, well-draining soil, and plant thyme and oregano on opposite sides. Place the pot in full sun, and water sparingly. Harvest frequently to prevent the herbs from becoming woody.
14. Lavender and Lemon Thyme for Sweet Scents
Lavender and lemon thyme create a fragrant and visually appealing pairing. Use a medium-sized pot filled with sandy soil, and plant lavender for height with lemon thyme cascading over the edges. Place the pot in full sun, and water lightly, ensuring the soil doesn’t stay wet. Prune regularly to maintain their shape.
15. Fennel and Dill for Feathery Foliage
Fennel and dill add a unique texture to container gardens with their feathery foliage. Use a deep pot with nutrient-rich soil and plant fennel seeds in the center, spacing dill plants around it. Place the container in a sunny spot and water consistently, keeping the soil slightly moist. Harvest leaves often to encourage continued growth.
Tips for Growing Healthy Herb Pairings
- Choose pots with good drainage to prevent root rot.
- Use high-quality potting mix and amend it with compost for nutrients.
- Match herbs with similar sunlight, water, and soil needs for optimal growth.
- Rotate pots to ensure even sunlight exposure.
- Prune and harvest herbs regularly to promote bushy growth and prevent bolting.
Growing herbs in pots or containers allows you to enjoy fresh, fragrant flavors right at your fingertips, whether you have a sprawling garden or a small balcony. With these tips, your herbs will thrive and provide an abundant, healthy crop.