Customize your container garden by planting favorites together.
Growing flowers and herbs in the same pot, also referred to as container gardening, can be a fun and interesting hobby with a huge benefit for your culinary tastes: delicious and nutritious ingredients for your favorite recipes.
Planting in Combination
Planting flowers and herbs together for a particular use also means you have everything in one place when you want to create a recipe. It also helps with harvesting, so you make the most of what you have planted by regularly pinching the herbs to encourage growth. Gently snip the top portions of the plants to use them fresh, or to dry for later use. The more you “play” with your plants, the better they will grow.
Click here to read more on harvesting and drying herbs.
Try the following arrangements in your own containers to create vibrant gardens and tasty recipes.
Barbecue Herb Garden
If you enjoy the taste of food hot off the grill, these herbs can be used to add even more flavor to all of your grilling favorites: Oregano, Rosemary, Tarragon, Leeks, Sage, and Thyme.
Culinary Delight
Designed for those who crave the flavor of fresh herbs in everyday cooking, this arrangement includes all the herbs needed to take your cooking to the next level. Sweet Basil, Chives, Sage, Oregano, Flat-Leaf Parsley, Rosemary and Cilantro (Coriander).
Italian Mix
Spice up your Italian dishes with a classic mix including: Sweet Basil, Marjoram, Oregano, Rosemary, Garlic Chives and Thyme.
Mexican Herb Garden
If you love Mexican food, this container garden will keep you supplied with all the essentials. Plant together: cilantro, oregano, parsley (either curly or flat leaf, which has a stronger taste) and thyme.
Oriental Theme
Herbs have been used throughout Asia for centuries and this arrangement is designed to highlight the exotic flavors and aromas of the orient: Basil, Cilantro (Coriander), Flat-Leaf Parsley, Curry (Helichrysum), Thyme and Lemongrass.
Refreshing Tea Blend
Whether you wish to be soothed, invigorated, or just want something yummy to drink, this arrangement is designed so you can flavor a refreshment for any mood. Try planting together: Roman Chamomile, Lemon Balm, Peppermint, Lemon Verbena, Spearmint and Stevia.
Gardens for Kids
Container gardening can be a really fun project for kids. Let them plant and tend to gardens with you! Following are a few kid-friendly garden ideas:
Ice Cream Flower Garden
You can make your own delicious ice creams and sorbets using edible flowers and herbs. In a 20-inch or larger pot, plant anise hyssop, lemon verbena mint, thyme, and rose geranium. Note that mint will take up as much room as you give it, so plant it in a smaller pot first and then transfer to the container.
Lemonade Garden
There’s nothing more refreshing and fun in the summertime than homemade lemonade. Enhance its taste and appearance with herbs. Try: lemon balm, mint, and lemon basil. For an interesting twist, try chocolate mint.
Pizza Garden
This outdoor container garden is sure to be family favorite, and it’s another great way to get kids involved! Get a large pot and place it close to a wall or a trellis. Add bush tomato plants, which will eventually start to grow upwards on the trellis. Add parsley, oregano, and basil for all the makings of your own homemade sauce for pizza and pasta.
See also our Edible Flowers post for ideas on how to use your flowers and herbs!
