15 Best Potted Herb Garden Ideas for Fresh Flavors

Every single time I buy those plastic packets of basil from the grocery store I regret it. The leaves turn into black slime within twenty four hours. It is practically a guarantee. Why do we keep doing this to ourselves when growing herbs is actually quite easy? I decided a long time ago that having fresh flavors on hand was worth a little bit of dirt under my fingernails. If you are ready to stop throwing money away on sad supermarket herbs then you are in the right place.

I firmly believe that anyone can grow a massive amount of food in small spaces. You do not need a farm or even a backyard. All you need is a sunny spot and a container that holds dirt. That is it. Plus there is something deeply satisfying about snipping fresh rosemary for your roasted potatoes while wearing your pajamas. I have gathered the best potted herb garden ideas to help you get started.

15 Creative Ways to Grow Herbs in Pots

1. The Classic Terracotta Tower

I love the look of standard terracotta pots but they take up so much floor space. A stacked tower solves this problem beautifully.

You take three or four pots of varying sizes and stack them from largest to smallest using a center rod for stability.

I plant sprawling herbs like thyme and oregano in the lower tiers because they look amazing cascading down the sides. It creates a lush fountain of greenery that fits perfectly in a tight corner of a patio or balcony.

2. Upcycled Vintage Tea Tins

This is hands down one of the cutest ways to grow small herbs on a windowsill. I scour thrift stores for old metal tea tins because they have so much character. You just need to hammer a few holes in the bottom for drainage.

I usually plant slow growing herbs like chives or parsley in these. IMO they look fantastic lined up on a kitchen ledge.

It adds a pop of color and a bit of history to your decor while serving a practical purpose.

3. The Vertical Shoe Organizer

Do not laugh but a hanging shoe organizer is actually brilliant for gardening.

I use a canvas one over a sunny door or on a railing. The pockets are the perfect size for individual herb plants. You fill each pocket with potting mix and stick your plants right in. It keeps the herbs off the ground away from pests.

I find this method works exceptionally well for leafy greens like cilantro or basil that need good air circulation. It is a total space saver.

4. Mason Jar Wall Garden

Mason jars are everywhere for a reason. They look clean and simple. I mounted a few clamps to a wooden board and snapped the jars right in to create a living wall piece.

Because glass jars do not have drainage holes you have to be very careful with watering. I put a thick layer of gravel at the bottom before adding soil.

This setup is perfect for bright kitchens. Just make sure you do not overwater them or the roots will rot quickly.

5. Gutter Garden on a Fence

If you have a boring wooden fence I highly recommend attaching rain gutters to it. You can paint them to match your house or leave them silver for an industrial look.

I drilled small holes along the bottom of the gutter lengths for drainage. These long shallow containers are ideal for herbs because most herbs have shallow root systems.

It creates long rows of greenery that look professional but cost next to nothing to assemble. It is a smart use of vertical space.

6. Hanging Macrame Planters

Macrame is back in style and I am here for it. Hanging planters allow you to use the empty space near your windows without cluttering up the sill.

I like to put trailing rosemary or mint in these pots. The vines hang down through the knot work and look absolutely magical.

Just ensure your ceiling hook is strong enough to hold the weight of wet soil. FYI watering can be a bit tricky so take them down to the sink to soak them.

7. The Tiered Ladder Stand

I have an old wooden ladder that I repurposed into a plant stand. I placed wooden planks across the rungs to create shelves.

This setup gives you vertical height and allows every single plant to get adequate sunlight without shading its neighbor.

I arrange my sun loving Mediterranean herbs like lavender and sage on the top shelves. The structure adds a rustic farmhouse vibe to any porch. It is incredibly sturdy and holds a surprising number of pots.

8. Indoor Window Box

Who says window boxes only belong outside? I installed a narrow planter box on the inside of my kitchen window frame. It allows me to grow my most used herbs right above the sink.

I can wash and chop them without taking more than two steps. I usually keep my basil and dill here because I use them almost daily. It brings so much life into the kitchen.

Just make sure the box has a saucer underneath to catch any drips.

9. Rolling Kitchen Cart Garden

This is one of the most practical ideas on this list. I turned a three tier metal utility cart into a mobile garden.

I can wheel it out to the balcony during the day to catch the sun and roll it back inside if the weather gets nasty. Line the mesh shelves with coco liner or just place saucers under the pots.

It is perfect for people who deal with unpredictable weather or limited light. You chase the sun with this one.

10. Strawberry Pot for Herbs

Those classic ceramic pots with the little pockets on the sides are not just for strawberries. They make excellent herb gardens.

I plant a different variety in each pocket. The trick is to water from the top and ensure the water trickles down to the side pockets.

I put a PVC pipe with holes drilled in it down the center to help distribute water evenly. It is a compact way to grow six or seven different plants in one single footprint.

11. Chalkboard Paint Pots

I am terrible at remembering which plant is which when they are seedlings. That is why I paint the rims of my pots with chalkboard paint.

You can write the name of the herb directly on the pot with chalk. It looks trendy and is super helpful.

If you decide to swap the plant out next season you just erase the name and write a new one. It is a fun weekend project that helps keep your garden organized.

12. Self Watering Wine Bottles

You can make a self watering planter out of an empty wine bottle.

I cut the bottle in half carefully using a glass cutter. You flip the top half upside down and place it into the bottom half.

Run a piece of cotton string from the water in the bottom up into the soil in the top. The soil wicks up moisture as it dries out.

I think this looks sophisticated and it saves you from having to water every single day.

13. Railing Planters for Balconies

If you live in an apartment your railing is prime real estate.

I use saddle planters that straddle the railing securely. They do not require any screws or drilling which is great for renters.

I fill these with hardy herbs that can handle a bit of wind. It turns a boring metal railing into a lush green border. Plus it frees up the floor space on your balcony for a chair and a glass of wine.

14. Teacup Herb Garden

If you have chipped teacups do not throw them away. I drill a tiny hole in the bottom of each cup using a diamond drill bit. They make the most adorable tiny planters for slow growing herbs like thyme.

I group them together on a tray for a centerpiece. It is definitely more decorative than high yield but it sparks joy every time I see it. It is a sweet way to give new life to broken dishes.

15. Pallet Vertical Garden

Pallets are usually free if you ask the right businesses. I stapled landscape fabric to the back and bottom of a pallet to create pockets between the slats.

You lean it against a wall and fill the slats with soil. It creates a massive vertical wall of herbs. I recommend sanding it down first to avoid splinters.

It looks rustic and holds a huge amount of soil which helps keep the roots cool and moist.

Guide to Caring for Potted Herbs

I want you to succeed with these ideas so we need to cover the basics. I have killed enough plants to know exactly what goes wrong. Growing in containers is different than growing in the ground. You are the only source of water and nutrients for that plant so you have to pay attention.

The Right Soil Matters

Do not go outside and dig up dirt from your yard. I am serious. Garden soil is too dense for pots and it will suffocate the roots. It turns into a concrete block when it dries out. You need a fluffy potting mix.

The University of Maryland Extension suggests using a commercial soilless mix that drains well. I like to mix in a little extra perlite to ensure the water flows through quickly. The roots need oxygen just as much as they need water.

Let There Be Light

Herbs are not shade plants. I see people putting basil in a dark corner and wondering why it dies. Most culinary herbs need sun.

The University of Minnesota Extension states that most herbs require at least six hours of direct sunlight to grow well. If you are growing indoors a south facing window is your best bet.

If your plants look leggy or pale they are starving for light. I use an LED grow light during the winter to keep them happy.

Water Wisely

Watering is where most people fail. They either drown the poor thing or let it turn to dust. I use the finger test. Stick your finger into the soil about an inch deep. If it feels dry then water it. If it is damp then walk away.

Indoor herbs need to dry out slightly between waterings. However outdoor pots dry out incredibly fast in the summer heat. You might need to water them every single day if it is hot and windy.

Fertilizer Facts

Potted plants cannot reach out into the soil to find more food. You have to feed them. But do not go crazy. I use a liquid fertilizer at half strength every few weeks.

Too much fertilizer makes the plant grow huge leaves that have very little flavor. You want the plant to struggle just a tiny bit to produce those essential oils that taste so good.

Drainage is Non Negotiable

I cannot stress this enough. Your pot must have holes in the bottom. If the water has nowhere to go the roots will sit in soup and rot. If you fall in love with a container that has no holes you have two choices.

You can drill a hole yourself or you can use it as a cachepot. That means you keep the plant in a plastic nursery pot with holes and set that inside the decorative pot.

FAQs

Bring the Garden Into Your Life

I hope these ideas have inspired you to get your hands dirty. Growing your own food is a rebellion against the tasteless produce at the supermarket. It saves you money and it makes your food taste incredible. You do not need a massive estate to be a gardener. You just need a pot some soil and a little bit of patience.

So go grab a container and start planting. Your dinner guests will be impressed and your taste buds will thank you. Why wait another day to start growing?