How to keep herbs growing in above ground pots?

Eileen
by Eileen

I purchased a few herbs Mint and basil

planted them in a pot and put outside on deck Very sunny area

they didn't do well

what am I doing wrong?

am I suppose to be cutting them as they grow ?

I need some help

thank you

  5 answers
  • To Work With My Hands To Work With My Hands on May 24, 2019

    Hi Eileen,


    Growing herbs like mint in a pot is a great idea - it's what I do too to control their growth and keep them from taking over the entire garden space. When you plant in pots, however, you'll need to make sure you water more frequently - especially since you mentioned they are in a very sunny spot. Container plants will dry out much faster than those planted in the ground. Also, be sure your pot is large enough. Basil (as well as mint) has a large root system and although they don't go extremely deep, they do like to spread out. They needs plenty of room for the roots to live. So my suggestions are to use larger pots and water more frequently. Mint, by the way, will almost always come back if it dries out (experience speaking). Unless you ignore it for weeks on end, after you give it a good, deep watering, you'll see new growth within a few days. The dried mint won't revive, but new growth will pop up from the runners just below the surface of the soil. Hope this helps!

  • Sharon Sharon on May 24, 2019

    You can also add a small drip irrigation system, I got mine for like $24 at a home store. Or you can use plastic/glass bottles with a water spike on the opening to drip water in or make your own.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qeTXrj4qgE

  • In full sun, on a deck, they may need water more than once a day. Herbs are intended for use in cooking and baking. You have them, use them!

  • TheHoneycombHome TheHoneycombHome on May 29, 2019

    Mint loves full sun, but requires lots of water. You could try moving it to a partially shaded area.

  • Deb K Deb K on Jul 02, 2021

    hello Eileen, you have to water a lot in full sun, especially when its hot hot, check on them and if they are starting to wilt add water