Container gardening herbs is a great way to jumpstart your call for home gardening. Herbs are wildly known not just for their aromatic benefits but as well as their savory tastes. Moreover, fresh herbs are best for preparing superb meals and accentuating the flavor of just about any dish.

If you can afford even at least a small amount of space, a few containers (old or new), a good potting mix, and some water, then there’s no reason for you not to start container gardening herbs!

Table of Contents:

• What are the easiest herbs to grow in pots?
• Tips to remember when container gardening herbs

Planting in itself is a very rewarding activity, bringing so many promising benefits. A recent study from the Netherlands even suggests that gardening can fight stress better than other leisure activities that are already known to be relaxing. Moreover, the most obvious benefit that you get from container gardening herbs is of course having a fresh supply of wondrous flavors readily available within your reach.

Now, let’s talk about choosing the right herbs to plant in your containers to achieve optimal results.

What are the easiest herbs to grow in pots?

1. Basil. Basil is a perfect herb to be grown in containers, be it indoors or outdoors. However, you should note that it doesn’t really like cold temperatures, thus, on cooler days, be sure to provide it with the protection it needs. Also, note that it thrives perfectly under warm, full sun and in well-drained containers. Avoid giving your basil plant too much water.

2. Chives. Chives are best known for their onion-like taste. If you’re one to make savory soups and dishes, it would be best to have your own Chive container plant on hand. Now, what makes Chives a good choice to plant at home is that they’re very low maintenance. Simply position them in areas receiving partial shade to full sun while ensuring that their soils are kept moist.

3. Mint. Mints tend to become unruly when planted on the ground. With this, growing them in containers should be a better option to try. They’re fast-growing, they’re very versatile, and their aroma is just amazing. To care for your mint plants, keep them out from direct sunlight in their first week in order for them to adjust to the new environment better, and then transfer them to bigger containers as they grow.

4. Oregano. Oregano is one of the most popular herbs we know. And just like most herbs, it grows perfectly well in containers. Additionally, what makes having this as a plant great, is that it doesn’t need so much attention. Just remember to avoid keeping it moist because unlike mints, oregano doesn’t appreciate so much water.

5. Parsely. Parsely thrives even in small containers, making it a perfect match for city dwellers or for anyone with limited space. It’s easy to grow, care, and maintain. Just remember to shower it with full to partial sun, and a lot of water—not too much, just enough to keep it moist.

6. Rosemary. Rosemary is a versatile herb, famous for its distinct contribution to many famous dishes we love today like Rosemary Chicken, Roasted Turkey, and more. It’s very simple to plant, grow, and nurture at home. Just be sure to expose it to full sun and place it in well-drained containers. Also, to ensure that you’re giving its roots enough space, place it in a container with a diameter of about 12 inches.

7. Sage. Growing sage is a perfect way to enjoy an aromatic herb for the whole year. They thrive pretty well even in little spaces and under limited sunlight. But, if you want to enjoy a stronger aroma, grow it under full sunlight.

Tips to remember when container gardening herbs

• Over-fertilizing may cause the weakening of your herb’s flavor.
• The more regularly these herb container plants are cut, the more productive they become.
• Herbs are best used fresh.
• Herbs are generally easy to plant in containers. Pick those you love and don’t forget to learn more about their needs before planting them.
• It would be best for you to water them during the day, as doing so at night would make it hard for the excess water to evaporate.

The aromatic perennial herb oregano, also known as origanum or wild marjoram, belongs to the Lamiaceae family of mints and is prized for its flavorful dried leaves and blooming tops. Oregano naturally occurs in several areas of Mexico and the United States. It comes originally from the hills of the Mediterranean region and western Asia. The herb is a staple of Mediterranean cuisine and is frequently used to season a variety of cuisines. 

Oregano scientific name

Oregano comes from the Greek words “oros” and “ganos,” which means mountain and joy. In simpler terms, the Greeks have long referred to it as the “joy of the mountain,” as it originates from their hilly countryside. And over the years, it has slowly paved its way around town and claimed its rightful position as part of almost every household’s kitchen and medicinal cabinets.

Thanks to its camphoraceous aroma and distinct taste, it has easily become one of the most popular and widely-used mints across the globe. It has long been used to add spice to different recipes and to treat specific ailments. It is native to temperate regions and a highlight of most Mediterranean dishes.

Its scientific name is, Origanum vulgare.

Oregano plant

The oregano is a bushy, rhizomatous, woody-branched perennial that typically reaches heights of 1-3 feet and widths of up to 2 feet. Summertime sees the blooming of axillary or terminal corymb-like spikelets that rise above the foliage. Each with a pair of tiny, two-lipped, pinkish-purple or white flowers (characteristic of the mint family), each with four projecting stamens. 

Native to Europe and Central Asia, the plants have naturalized in some areas of the eastern and far western United States and Canada after escaping gardens.

Oregano leaves

Oregano leaves are typically round, dark green, and arranged in pairs across the stems. 

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Oregano uses

The herb, most specifically its dried leaves, is a staple of Mediterranean cuisine and is frequently used to season a variety of cuisines. 

Oregano is also used for medicinal purposes.

Oregano benefits

For sure, it won’t be coined by the Greeks as “joy of the mountain” for no reason. Let us discuss at least a few promising benefits it offers to support such a claim.

Culinary

Some of the most common culinary uses of oregano include tomato-based and olive oil-based dishes. Moreover, it’s often present in your favorite Italian vinaigrette, pizza, spaghetti sauce, and even chili. It is also an excellent spice for lamb, chicken, and beef marinades. Ultimately, it is a great garnish to add for plating—but in moderation, of course, to avoid coming out too overpowering.

Key takeaway: It’s best paired with olive oil or tomato!

What does oregano taste like?

Oregano has this savory flavor that the culinary world can’t resist. It has a distinct balance of being earthy and bitter simultaneously, making it an easy showstopper for just about any dish.

Unlike most herbs, oregano is more pungent when fresh than dried. With this, it is often produced in dried or powdered packs to give users more control.

Oregano for cough

In addition to its benefits in cooking, it’s also viewed as an excellent healing agent for many reasons.

This popular herb is packed with multiple helpful properties:

• vitamins (A, C, and K)
• minerals (calcium, iron, and manganese)
• dietary fiber
• antioxidants (which helps prevent cell damage), and
• further anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial compositions.

Extracted oil from the oregano plant may be a remedy for health concerns like nausea, cough, colds, sore throat, cold sores, nausea, and indigestion, among many others. You may apply this topically or through aromatherapy.

Note: Make sure to store in a clean and dry place, dilute with a carrier oil when necessary, and consult your doctor for optimal results.

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Oregano tea 

The flavor of oregano is spicy and marginally bitter. This results in a tea with a distinct flavor. However, most individuals do it for its potential health advantages rather than drinking oregano tea for its taste.

Oregano tea has traditionally been used to treat some health conditions, such as:

• sore throat
• cough
• nausea
• digestive problems
• irritable bowel syndrome

How to make oregano tea

Fresh oregano and water are the only two ingredients needed to make oregano tea. Summertime is the ideal time to make this recipe when fresh herbs flourish in your garden or pots. Nevertheless, you may still prepare it in the winter with fresh oregano from the supermarket. Here’s how you can make oregano tea:

1. Boil: Boil 1-1/2 cups of water in a pot. You can use an electric kettle (the one you could also use for your morning coffee).
2. Harvest herbs: Place fresh oregano sprigs in a mug; two would do but if you want a stronger taste, feel free to add more.
3. Steep: Pour the boiling water into a mug. 5 minutes standing time, then take pleasure in
4. Optional: Add a slice of lemon or orange and honey to add more flavor.

Oregano tea benefits

Although oregano tea has a long history and many reported health advantages, there aren’t many human studies to support such benefits. Instead of using oregano tea, most research to date has used laboratory samples (rather than human subjects) and oregano extracts.

These laboratory studies do, however, imply that oregano has some significant health advantages. Flavonoids and phenolic acids are two substances that are associated with several of these advantages.

How to grow and propagate oregano with container gardening?

With all its benefits laid out, we’re pretty sure you’re as pumped about getting your hands on it ASAP as most people. Forget about depending so much on your local markets, and why don’t you grow your supply at home? This way, you get to ensure they’re fresh and healthy.

Propagate in three methods:

• Seeds. You can begin by softly pattering the seeds on a pot and then covering them with a thin layer of soil after.
• Cuttings. You can also opt to take stem cuttings (about 7 to 10 inches long) from a healthy plant. After cutting them using a sterilized knife, remove the leaves from their lower half, and then place the cuttings in water afterward.
• Division. You can also try carefully splitting its roots and planting them in different pots.

Requirements:

• Pot. The size of your container depends on the variety of oregano you choose to plant. Generally, a wide and 8 to 10 inches-deep pot should be alright. Also, repot every three years to avoid woodiness.
• Soil. Use potting soil instead of garden soil. Potting soils ensure moisture, nutrients, and air, unlike the latter, which is too heavy and highly compacted.
• Temperature and light. It’s best when planted in temperate climates and positioned in areas that receive full sun. Although, you can still grow it in warmer climates, provided it won’t be overexposed to the sun’s heat. It would be best to provide them with shades in cases like this, especially during summer.
• Water. Water only when necessary. Avoid getting the soil too damped.
• Fertilizers. Fertilizers are great but remember that too many fertilizers can reduce scent and flavor.
• Maintenance. Harvest once it grows 4 to 6 inches tall. Prune and regularly trim to encourage more productivity.

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When is the best time to propagate oregano?

Propagating can be done at any time of the year. However, for best results, it would be best to do so when its stems are still soft, preferably during spring and early summer.

Where to buy oregano?

Choosing where you source your seeds or plants is a crucial consideration. You must get them from trusted nurseries to ensure your plants’ health, safety, and productivity.

It is also best to buy plants locally, knowing they have better chances to survive and grow.

Sources:

• https://www.masterclass.com/articles/a-culinary-guide-to-oregano-benefits-and-11-uses-for-oregano#how-to-dry-oregano
• https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/why-is-oregano-good-for-me#1
• https://balconygardenweb.com/how-to-grow-oregano-in-containers-pots-plant-care/
• https://www.nparks.gov.sg/florafaunaweb/flora/5/1/5191
• https://www.britannica.com/plant/oregano
• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266259
• https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-644/oregano
• https://www.almanac.com/plant/oregano
• https://www.healthline.com/health/oregano-tea
• https://www.acouplecooks.com/oregano-tea/

If you don’t have enough space—let alone enough sunlight to peak through your place—yet still want to incorporate some greenery into your area at the least, tapping on container plants for shade is the way to go. Although most plants need full sunlight as their energy source, this isn’t always the case for all. Not all gardens receive enough sun, and that’s fine because not all plants need full sunlight to grow. There are few of those that thrive even under partial shade.

Interested to learn which of these I’m referring to? Read on.

Table of Contents

• Container plants for shade: vegetables
• Container plants for shade: herbs
• Container plants for shade: flowers
• Tips on how to make the most out of your shade-loving container garden

Container plants for shade: vegetables

Leafy greens: kale, lettuce, spinach, swiss chard

On the top spot for shade-loving vegetables would have to be leafy greens. Generally, they are the most tolerant when it comes to growing under shades and cooler temperatures. With just 3-4 hours of sun exposure a day, you can already enjoy your own fresh supply of leafy greens. However, this case would mean slower production but smaller, sweeter, and more tender, harvests.

Root crops: beets, carrots, potatoes, radishes

Second on the list for shade-tolerant veggies are root crops. Growing root crops in partial shades would help prevent them from bolting too quickly. Bolting is described as the sudden vertical growth of a plant entering seed production, usually followed by the plant’s death. Additionally, partial shades work well for root crops like beets, carrots, potatoes, and radishes because 4-5 hours of sun daily is already enough for them to thrive. Radishes specifically prefer shades, especially during the hot summertime. Generally, root crops may be harvested even before they fully mature. Just make sure to water them regularly to avoid woodiness.

Peas and beans

Peas and beans, like leafy greens, love cooler weather and are adaptable to shade. In fact, growing them under cool partial shades will help prolong their growing season. These vegetable varieties work with just 4-5 hours of daily sun. Remember to harvest as regularly as you can to encourage more production!

Container plants for shade: herbs

Although herbs usually need more sun to grow, this doesn’t mean they can’t grow under the shade too. Four (4) hours of sun daily is enough for them to prosper. Take note that this would mean, however, slower and less dense production compared to those grown under fuller sun exposure. But, no need to worry since most culinary herbs are naturally fast growers—faster than lettuce. Moreover, when finally established, herbs like mint, chives, oregano, and cilantro, will flourish even with only 3 hours of sun a day.

Container plants for shade: flowers

Different flower varieties grow best even on shady balconies or covered patios. Examples are:

• Begonias. Most begonias grow best when not exposed to full sun. Placing them on filtered sun or partial shade for about 4 to 6 hours is usually the best estimate to experience them at their best. Moreover, most begonias grow fine even under full shade (no direct sun), but expect fewer flower blooms. Water them at a minimum for they don’t like soggy soils.
• Impatiens. Impatiens are ideal for containers and they grow best under partial shade. At least 2-4 hours of filtered sun should be enough for their successful growth. Moreover, impatiens placed in heavily shaded areas usually grow taller with fewer blooms.
• Lenten rose. The shade tolerance of lenten roses makes them perfect for city gardeners. Just like all the other woodland plants, they grow best under partial shade. Do not—unless it’s winter and the sun is extremely mild—expose them to full sun, ever. Just remember to protect them from harsh winter winds.

Tips on how to make the most out of your shade-loving container garden

• Instantly brighten up your shaded spaces by planting light-colored plants
• All container plants, whether they require shade or not, need good soil to start. Do not use soil garden soil as they tend to be denser.
• Do not overwater your container plants, especially those placed under the shade, as the lack of sun exposure would mean a longer period for water to sit on the soil

Check out this good read: Container Gardening Ideas: The Best Guide for You

Sources:

• https://www.swansonsnursery.com/blog/shade-friendly-veggies-herbs
• https://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/gardens/garden-to-table/fruits-and-vegetables-that-grow-shade-pictures
• https://www.gardenersworld.com/plants/container-plants-for-shade/