What’s the best soil for herbs in pots?

QUESTION: What’s the best soil for herbs in pots? I want to grow some container herbs this year and I’d like to give them a good chance of succeeding. – Janet B

ANSWER: When growing herbs in containers, well-draining is the keyword for everything from the soil to the container they grow in.

Many gardeners who grow herbs in pots go with terracotta pots because of their natural drying ability. It ensures your herbs aren’t left in an oversaturated state.

You should also be mindful that the container you grow your herbs in is large enough to support the number of plants you’re growing. This should avoid issues with the plants becoming root bound.

As far as which soil you should use, it’s important to use a premium potting soil or potting mix. Premium soil is that which is fluffy, loaded with nutrients, and drains adequately.

These characteristics will ensure the plants receive what they need (including moisture) without being left in an oversaturated state.

One thing you shouldn’t do is dig up garden soil and use it in your containers. The issue with planting in typical soil is that it’s heavy and dries out quickly.

The major risk of using a heavier soil is that it will become compacted. When soil compacts, it can smother the roots of your plants causing eventual death.

Next, you need to take moisture into consideration. When planting in a container, you need a lighter soil that allows excess moisture to drain away from the plant quickly.

However, you also need soil that can hold on to necessary moisture and nutrients. You’ll have to water potted plants more frequently than plants grown outdoors.

If you have soil that has little capability of holding the needed moisture, you’ll either be watering constantly or your plants will suffer from dehydration.

The only time you may wish to stray away from this general rule of soil, when growing herbs in containers, is if you’re growing herbs from the Mediterranean region.

This includes herbs such as sage, thyme, rosemary, lavender, and oregano. They prefer a loamier soil. Therefore, when you purchase a higher-quality potting soil, you may want to add a little sand to make it ideal for these plants.

It’ll be up to you whether you want to go with potting soil or a potting mix. The benefit of the mix is that it’s soilless. Therefore, it reduces your risk for soil-borne diseases.

You now have a few basic guidelines for growing herbs in containers. If you go with soil or a mix that’s high in nutrients, fluffy, and well-draining you should have a winner.

If you plant in something lower-quality that becomes dry and easily compacted, your herbs may struggle. Use these tips to start your herbs on the right foot.