What Is A Portable Herb Garden?

A portable herb garden(or herb garden in a basket) is a great way to have access to fresh herbs at all thymes!

Are you searching for a way to bring some edible greenery into your life, but don’t have the space for a full garden? Don’t let the space constraints of small space living keep you from enjoying growing your own herbs.  A portable herb garden may be the solution! 

With a herb garden in a basket, you can grow a variety of herbs in a compact and convenient way. Whether you have a small balcony, limited yard space, or even just a sunny windowsill, this method is perfect for those who want to enjoy the benefits of fresh herbs without the commitment of a full-scale garden. Let me show you how to create your own portable herb garden, including which herbs to choose, the best materials to use, and how to care for your plants. Get ready to add some flavor and freshness to your life with by creating a herb garden in a basket!

 

Let’s Create a Portable Herb Garden

Creating a portable herb garden is simply one form of container gardening.  It is a great way to maximize small space.  Not only will it allow you to have fresh herbs at your fingertips, but it can also be an incredibly rewarding experience.  You can create a beautiful and functional herb garden that will thrive in even the smallest of spaces.  By implementing the following tips for growing an herb garden in a basket, you will soon be able to enjoy fresh herbs, no matter where you live!

Advantages of Portable Herb Gardening

Before we actually get into the specifics of how to create your own portable herb garden, let’s talk about the advantages of planting your herbs using this method. 

One of the biggest advantages of portable herb gardening is the flexibility it offers. You can grow your herbs in a small space, such as a balcony or windowsill, and easily move the basket to follow the sun. This allows you to experiment with different locations until you find the perfect spot for your plants.

Another advantage of portable basket gardening is the ability to control the soil and growing conditions. With a portable basket garden, you can choose the perfect soil mix for your herbs and ensure they have the right amount of moisture and nutrients. This can lead to healthier plants and a better harvest.

Finally, portable basket gardening is a great option for those who want to start small. With a small investment in materials, you can create a portable basket garden and experiment with growing different herbs. This is a low-risk way to start gardening and can be a great stepping stone to a larger garden in the future.

Choose the Right Container

When creating a portable herb garden, choosing the right container is imperative.  Be sure to select a container that is large enough to accommodate your herbs and easy to move around.  To help prevent issues surrounding overwatering, think about using a container with drainage holes.   If your chosen container doesn’t have drainage holes, a layer of rocks or pieces of broken terra cotta pots can be added to the bottom of the container to help with drainage. 

Popular options for containers for portable herb gardens include baskets, window boxes, and small pots. Make sure to choose a container that fits your space and aesthetic preferences.  A willow or wicker basket with or without a handle is a favorite choice of mine.  This type of basket is sturdy enough to hold up for several growing seasons, yet lightweight enough to be easily moved from one spot to another. 

 

Select the Right Herbs

When selecting herbs for your portable herb garden, consider how you will be using the herbs (cooking or crafting for example). This will help ensure that you are growing herbs that you’ll actually use and enjoy.  Popular herbs for cooking include basil, thyme, rosemary, and parsley.  Lavender is a popular herb to use in crafting.  

Another thing to consider when choosing the herbs is the growing conditions. Some herbs, such as basil and parsley, prefer full sun, while others, such as mint and chives, can tolerate partial shade. Make sure to choose herbs that will thrive in the location where you plan to keep your basket.  If you have the space, you might consider planting two herb baskets: one for sun and one for shade. 

Finally, consider the size of the herbs when fully grown. Some herbs, such as rosemary and thyme, can become quite large and may not be suitable for a small basket garden. Stick to smaller herbs, such as basil, parsley, and chives, for best results.  Pruning the herbs can also help keep them at a size that will work in the herb basket. 

Choose the Right Soil

Choosing the right soil is crucial for the success of your portable herb garden. Look for a high-quality potting mix that is specifically designed for container gardening. Avoid using garden soil, as it can be too heavy and may contain pests or diseases. Make sure the soil is well-draining and has a good balance of nutrients.  Look for a potting mix that contains a blend of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite for best results. Additional organic matter like compost can be added to improve the soil’s fertility.

Planting Your Herb Basket

There are two ways to plant your portable herb garden.  The easiest way is to follow the concept of a European Dish Garden where the plants are left in their individual pots and then placed into a basket or container.  I share all the details in the link underneath the next photo but it is just as simple as it sounds: a basket and several plants with something to catch the excess water. Plants placed in basket… done!

Grow An Herb Garden In a Basket 

The second way to plant your portable herb garden is to actually plant the plants directly into the basket or container.  I feel this method works best if you are going to leave the basket outdoors.  It can be a little messier than the first method.  Before filling the basket/container with soil, line the basket with plastic or add a plastic liner.  Add a layer of rocks, gravel or broken pots to help with drainage. Fill the basket about 2/3 of the way full with potting mix.  Plant the herbs directly in the soil, making sure to space them out evenly. Water the herbs well after planting, and place the basket in a sunny location.  

Care Of Your Portable Herb Garden

Now that your portable garden is planted, let’s discuss how to care for it. It is very important to monitor the moisture level of the soil. Most herbs prefer to be kept moist but not waterlogged, so make sure to water them regularly but avoid overwatering. Overwatering them can lead to root rot.  The frequency of watering will depend on the type of herb and the size of the container. 

You can also add a slow-release, balanced fertilizer to the soil  every two to three weeks to provide your plants with the nutrients they need to thrive.  Simply follow the directions on the package.  You can also use organic fertilizers like fish emulsion or compost tea for a more natural approach if you prefer. 

Another tip for maintaining a healthy portable herb garden is to prune your plants regularly. This will encourage new growth and prevent your herbs from becoming too leggy or overgrown. Finally, make sure to keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and treat them promptly if they occur.  You can use a spray bottle to gently mist the leaves of your herbs, which can help prevent pests and diseases.

Using Your Herbs From Your Portable Herb Garden

Once your herbs have grown to a suitable size, it’s time to start harvesting and using them. When harvesting, be sure to only take a small amount from each plant to avoid stunting its growth. Use sharp scissors or pruning shears to make clean cuts. A;ways clean your scissors or shears before trimming your herbs.  Using rubbing alcohol is an inexpensive way to clean your tools.

You can use your herbs fresh or dry them for later use. To dry your herbs, tie them in small bundles and hang them upside down in a dry, well-ventilated area. Once dry, store them in airtight containers. Use your herbs in cooking, teas, or for crafting. The possibilities are endless!

There are endless ways to use fresh herbs in your cooking. Add basil to your favorite pasta dish, sprinkle parsley on a salad, or use chives to flavor scrambled eggs. The possibilities are endless, and fresh herbs can add a delicious and healthy twist to any meal.

 You can also use them to create homemade herbal condiments such as herbal honeys, sugars and infused vinegars.

Make Your Own Herbal Condiments

You might also enjoy crafting your own teas to enjoy either hot

Let’s Craft a Caffeine Free Herbal Tea Blend

or iced!

Herbal Infused Iced Tea

Creating a portable herb garden is a great way to bring fresh flavor into your life, even if you have limited space. By creating a portable basket garden, you can easily grow a variety of herbs in a compact and convenient way. Choose a sunny location, select the right herbs, and use high-quality soil and materials to ensure your portable herb garden thrives. With a little care and attention, you’ll be enjoying fresh herbs in your life in no thyme!