All You Can Eat Herbs

By Pamela Crawford, author, Easy Patio Veggies & Herbs
Photographs by Pamela Crawford

I found some trays of mixed herbs called “All You Can Eat” in a garden center. I loved them! I just alternated them in the side holes of the basket, planted lavender and salvia in the middle, and tucked a few of the mixed herbs around the edge. The basket is large enough to support the plants for a whole season - a full seven months - with no work other than watering! I planted them in May and took this photo in October.

The Plants

Annual salvia: 10 plants from a multipack

Lavender: 1 plant from a 6” pot

Mint: 4 plants from 4” pots

Tricolor sage: 5 plants from 4” pots

Golden oregano: 5 plants from 4” pots

Chamomile: 4 plants from 4” pots

Catnip: 4 plants from 4” pots

Purple sage: 5 plants from 4” pots

Silver-edged thyme: 5 plants from 4” pots

Cultural Information

Light: Full sun.

Season: Spring through fall for most warmer areas. This plant combination takes temperatures from about 60 degrees to the low 90’s and is equally happy in either extreme.

Lifespan: In this container, five to seven months.

Care: Fertilize on planting day with a slow-release mix. Repeat if the leaves look yellowish or washed-out, although the fertilizer should last from six to nine months.

Trim any plants as needed to keep the arrangement looking tight.

Water: Water thoroughly if the plants show signs of wilt, or the soil feels dry when you push your fingertip into the potting mix. I watered this one every day in midsummer (after it was about a month old) and every other day in cooler weather.

Troubleshooting: No problems at all.

Planting Plan: It might be hard for you to believe, but planting this container was easy. I simply alternated the seven small herbs around the side holes. Then I planted the lavender in the center and added some salvia around it. I tucked some more of the small herbs along the edge, and it was done!

Container: Kinsman’s 20” double basic basket, side-planted. The 36” border column is also sold as a kit from www.kinsmangarden.com.

This is an excerpt from Pamela Crawford’s book, Easy Patio Veggies & Herbs, available through Amazon and other online booksellers.

Pamela Crawford, author of 12 gardening books, is considered one of the most accomplished container gardening experts in the country. In addition to designing gardens for over 1500 residences, her work has been featured on the cover of Better Homes and Gardens publications as well as in Southern Living, HGTV Magazine, Fine Gardening, Country Gardens, and in over 300 newspapers. As an expert in her field, she has appeared on the Fine Living Network, GardenSMART, gardenloverstv.com and numerous local tv shows.

All articles are copyrighted and remain the property of the author.

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