They look so nice. They smell divine. They’re everything you could possibly want in one tiny bucket. But don’t be tempted by that lush smelling harlot, because herb planters are crap.
But why!? you might moan. I have only a little space available, and it’s so pretty when it’s all together in this beautiful container.
Maintain your willpower.
I’ll tell you why: some cosmic comedian decided to give some of the kitchen herbs we love the most completely opposing needs.
Take two of my absolute favorite herbs– Rosemary and Thyme. In the kitchen, they go together like peas and carrots, and you will never find a better example of this than on a lovely roast like Giada’s pancetta-wrapped pork roast. (I love this recipe)
In the planter… they do not.
Rosemary is like a hot but high-maintenance girlfriend. If you neglect her for one instant, she will never, ever let you forget it. She’s a definite bikini babe, and she loves the water. As long as you feed her cravings but don’t go all Samara on her and leave her in a pit of water, everything will be just fine.
Thyme, on the other hand, is more akin to a rabid dog when it comes to water. If you water it too much, it has some pretty horrifying consequences. The leaves will drop, the roots will rot, and you’re going to have a bad time.
Basil and Dill are in a similar sitch…Basil is a Mediterranean plant. It likes it hot, and likes it kinda dry. Although I’ve never seen a Basil plant pout about being overwatered, it will reward your attentions with a taste that’s pretty meh. And, well, Dill… if you’ve ever seen a Dill plant growing, then you know, if there’s no water, there’s not much plant either.
By all means! Don’t deprive yourself of an herb garden. Just be warned… you might want to plant them in more than one container. And be wary of the weather too… you might find them back inside with you if you try to sneak them out a couple weeks too early (like I did).
