Herb gardens are lovely additions to any home – who does not like the idea of stepping outside and picking fresh herbs to include in your delicious meals?
An indoor herb garden is a great idea if you live in an apartment in the city, but if you are fortunate enough to have an Ecoscape Composite Deck (or any other deck for that matter), you will be able to create a mini herb garden in your own backyard.
For those of us without vast acres for planting herbs, potted herbs on the deck will suffice. But even a potted herb garden can be home to multiple herbs.
We have gathered all the information, tips and tricks needed to grow your own herbs in pots on your deck. Read on for some herb garden ideas to get you inspired to start planting your favourite food accompaniments!
Where To Begin?
If you do not have the space for raised beds, herbs planted in herb pots around or on the deck are a brilliant idea.
Starting a herb garden may be easier than you think. Most herbs do very well when grown from seeds, or you can purchase young plants from your local nursery and repot them into your herb planter.
It really is as easy as picking the herbs you want, preparing your seed trays, allowing the seedlings to grow, and replanting them into planters on your deck.
Different herbs grow during different seasons, so make sure to consult the nursery employees about the requirements of each of the herbs you wish to include in your herb garden.
Here is what you will need to begin your herb garden on your deck:
- Your herb seeds of choice, or alternatively young herb seedlings
- Seed trays or biodegradable pots
- Compost and potting soil
- Watering can
- Small shovel or trowel
- Small pots or planters
- Liquid plant food
- Scissors or trimming shears for when you need to prune
Tips For Growing Herbs On Your Deck
Now that you know where to begin, here are some tips and herb garden ideas to get you started with growing herbs on your deck.
Choose your herbs
Choosing herbs is the first step, and can also be the most fun. Make sure to not get carried away, and rather only choose herbs that you frequently use in your cooking.
Parsely, coriander, basil, chives, thyme, oregano, mint, rocket and rosemary are all good beginner herbs as they are most often found in popular dishes, or can be included in homemade pesto.
Just take note that some of these herbs tend to die during winters – such as mint, oregano and chives – but don’t worry, they will come back in the warmer months.
Choose the right planters
Whether you are planning a kitchen herb garden or want to grow the herbs on your deck, the containers you use will play a big role in your garden.
Container gardening is fun, and you can get creative with which herbs you plant where. You can plant one herb per pot, or combine several herbs in a large planter. Try to keep in mind how large the herb will become and choose a suitable container to match the size or height of the plant.
Containers tend to dry out faster than flowerbeds, especially in full sun, so instinctively you may want to go for a container without drainage. The trick to successful container gardening is actually choosing planters with good drainage, and frequently wetting the soil.
Decide on the location
Plenty of herbs do well in full sun, so make sure to find a sunny spot on your deck where you can place your planters. It will be convenient to have them right by the door for easy picking or decorate the edges of your deck with the planters if that is where the sun is.
Move your potted plants inside if you experience freezing winters, and place the pots on the windowsill or another place where there is plenty of natural light.
Understand what your herbs need
Broadly speaking there are two types of herbs: those that love sunshine and those that enjoy the shade.
Take a look at the sun and shade in your backyard, and decide based on that which herbs would do best in your herb garden.
Oregano, thyme, rosemary and sage love the sun, while parsley and sorrel prefer shady nooks. Do your research thoroughly, and then group sun-loving and partial shade-seeking herbs together.
Control fast-growing herbs
Some herbs grow faster than others and have the potential to overcrowd the other plants if they are all planted in the same pot.
Mint is great for herbal teas, but several mint varieties are very fast growers and can choke out other herbs growing in pots.
Either plant fast-growing herbs in a separate pot or cut back these herbs regularly to prevent them from overcrowding their planters.
Don’t overcrowd your herb garden
Speaking of overcrowding, don’t go over the top and plant too many herbs in a single pot. This will cause the soil to dry up quickly, and result in bolting. Bolting occurs in overcrowded pots and causes herbs to taste bad and eventually die.
Rather regularly sow and trim your herbs, and make sure each plant has adequate space.
Trim the herbs
Some herbs will need to be cut after producing flowers, such as chives and mint. Cut the flowers off as this will encourage more growth in the leaves. Woody herbs should also be trimmed to retain their shapes in the planters.
How To Make A DIY Herb Garden For Your Deck
A vertical planter is perfect for herbs to grow in, especially on a deck with limited space. You can easily make vertical planters from discarded pallets:
- Take a pallet, and create troughs with each slat by using wood from a second pallet.
- Line the through with a liner and use a drill or hammer and nails to create drainage holes in the bottom of the trough and liner.
- Place the pallet upright against a wall and fill the troughs with soil.
- Use wooden boards to write down the names of each herb, or write it directly on the pallet wood with a waterproof marker.
FAQs
Which herbs can be planted together?
Ideally, you want to avoid planting mint with other herbs in your herb planter as mint varieties have the ability to overcrowd.
Plants that do well together are rosemary, lavender, oregano and sage.
The best idea is to grow herbs in the same container that enjoy the same conditions (sun versus shade), grow at the same pace, and have the same watering needs.
How deep must containers be to grow herbs?
Herp planters must be between 15 to 30 centimetres deep to give our culinary herbs enough space to grow.
What is the best way to grow herbs outdoors?
Different herbs have different requirements, but all herbs require soil that drains well and shelter from the wind. Place herbs that enjoy sunlight in sunny spots, while shade-loving herbs should be placed in the spotty shade. Give your herbs liquid food or organic fertiliser, and enjoy watching them grow.
Final Thoughts
Now you know how to transform your outdoor space into a herb oasis! Although we recommend starting out with the herbs you use the most while cooking, you can extend your herb garden to include some unusual herbs to make your garden unique.
Just make sure you provide your herbs with well-draining soil and the right amount of sunshine and soon you will have the best herbs in the neighbourhood.
Comments (26)
“Growing herbs on your deck is a great way to add some freshness and flavor to your meals. This article provides helpful tips and tricks for creating a mini herb garden in your own backyard, even if you have limited space. I am interested in trying this out, but I have a question about purchasing the product. Overall, this post has inspired me to start planting and I look forward to trying out some herb garden ideas. Thank you for sharing this informative piece!”
“Growing herbs on your deck is a fantastic way to have fresh, homegrown ingredients right at your fingertips. This article provides great tips and ideas for creating a mini herb garden on your deck, perfect for those of us without a lot of space. I especially appreciate the suggestion to purchase young plants for those of us who may not have a green thumb. However, I am curious about where to purchase the Ecoscape Composite Deck mentioned. Overall, a great read for any herb lover!”
This article is a great resource for anyone looking to start a herb garden on their deck. The tips and tricks provided are helpful for those with limited space, and the idea of using potted herbs is a convenient and practical solution. I would love to try this out on my own deck, but I am curious about where to purchase the Ecoscape Composite Deck mentioned. Overall, a well-written and informative piece.
This article is a great introduction to growing herbs on your deck. It’s a fantastic idea for those of us without a lot of space for gardening, and the tips and tricks provided make it seem easy to get started. I’m particularly interested in the Ecoscape Composite Deck and would love to know more about where to purchase it. Overall, this article has inspired me to start my own herb garden on my deck.
“Growing herbs on your deck is a fantastic way to add freshness and flavor to your meals. This blog post offers great tips and ideas for creating your own mini herb garden, even if you don’t have a lot of space. I love the idea of using potted herbs on the deck, and the information provided is very helpful. I’m interested in purchasing the product mentioned and would love to know more about where to find it. Thanks for sharing this informative post!”
“Growing herbs on your deck is a fantastic way to bring fresh, flavorful ingredients right to your doorstep. This blog post provides great tips and tricks for creating a mini herb garden on your deck, perfect for those of us without much outdoor space. I am interested in purchasing the Ecoscape Composite Deck mentioned, and I appreciate the helpful ideas for planting and maintaining herbs in pots on the deck. Looking forward to trying out some new herb garden ideas!”
As an expert in composite building materials, I must say that I am thrilled to see the mention of using a deck as a space for growing herbs. Not only is it a practical use of the space, but it also adds a beautiful and functional element to any deck.
One thing I would like to add is that when choosing pots for your herb garden, it is important to consider the material they are made of. As we all know, decks are exposed to different weather conditions and can get quite hot during the summer months. Therefore, using durable and weather-resistant pots, such as those made from composite materials, can ensure the longevity of your herb garden.
Additionally, when it comes to choosing the right herbs for your deck garden, I would suggest considering the amount of sunlight your deck receives. Some herbs, like rosemary and thyme, thrive in full sun, while others, like parsley and cilantro, prefer partial shade. Knowing the sunlight conditions of your deck can help you choose the right herbs and ensure their success.
I am excited to see more people incorporating herb gardens into their decks, and I hope my insights have added value to this informative article. Happy planting!
“Growing herbs on your deck is a fantastic way to add freshness and flavour to your meals. This blog post provides great tips and ideas for creating a mini herb garden on your deck, even if you have limited space. I am excited to try out these suggestions and create my own herb garden. However, I do have a question about purchasing the Ecoscape Composite Deck mentioned in the article. Can you provide more information on where to buy it? Thank you for the informative post!”
“Growing herbs on your deck is a wonderful way to bring fresh, delicious flavors to your meals without needing vast acres of land. This article provides great tips and ideas for starting your own herb garden on your deck, making it accessible for those living in apartments or with limited space. As someone interested in purchasing the product, I would love to know more about where and how to buy it. Overall, a great read for herb enthusiasts!”
I love the idea of having an herb garden on my deck! It’s so convenient to step outside and pick fresh herbs for cooking. I live in a small apartment, so an indoor herb garden is not an option for me. But now I’m excited to learn that I can still have a mini herb garden on my deck. The tips and tricks provided in this article are very helpful. I’m definitely going to try growing my own herbs in pots on my deck. Thank you for the inspiration!
Thank you for your comment! We’re glad to hear that our article has inspired you to try growing your own herb garden on your deck. With the right composite building supplies, such as our durable and low-maintenance decking and cladding, you can easily create a beautiful and functional space for your mini herb garden. We hope you have a successful and enjoyable gardening experience on your deck!
“Herb gardens are not only beautiful but also practical, providing fresh ingredients for your meals right at your fingertips. This article is a great guide for those looking to start their own herb garden on their deck, whether you have a large backyard or a small apartment balcony. It’s filled with helpful tips and ideas to get you started, and I’m excited to try some of them out. I do have one question though – where can I purchase the Ecoscape Composite Deck mentioned in the article?”
This article provides great tips and ideas for growing herbs on your deck, even if you don’t have a lot of space. I love the convenience of having fresh herbs right outside my door, and this seems like a simple and easy way to achieve that. I’m curious about the Ecoscape Composite Deck mentioned – where can I purchase one? Overall, a helpful and informative read for anyone interested in starting their own herb garden.
As an expert in the field of composite building materials, I couldn’t agree more with the idea of growing herbs on your deck. Not only does it add a beautiful touch to your outdoor space, but it also provides easy access to fresh herbs for your cooking needs.
One thing to keep in mind when starting a herb garden on your deck is the type of material your deck is made of. With an Ecoscape Composite Deck, you can rest assured that your herbs will have a stable and durable surface to grow on. Other decking materials may not provide the same level of support for your plants.
Another tip I would add is to consider the placement of your herb pots on the deck. Some herbs thrive in full sun, while others prefer partial shade. It’s important to take this into account when deciding where to place your pots for optimal growth.
Additionally, for those without a lot of space, don’t be discouraged. Potted herb gardens can still be home to multiple herbs, and with careful planning and organization, you can create a diverse and flourishing herb garden on your deck.
I’m excited to see more people incorporating herb gardens into their outdoor spaces, and I hope this blog post inspires others to do the same. Happy planting!
“Great article on growing herbs on your deck! I love the idea of having fresh herbs right at my fingertips for cooking. I have a small deck and was wondering if there are any specific herb pots or containers that work best? Also, where can I purchase the Ecoscape Composite Deck mentioned? Looking forward to starting my own mini herb garden!”
“Growing herbs on your deck is a fantastic way to add freshness and flavor to your meals. This blog post provides great tips and ideas for creating a mini herb garden in your own backyard, even if you have limited space. I especially appreciate the suggestion of using herb pots on the deck for those without raised beds. However, I do have a question about purchasing the Ecoscape Composite Deck mentioned. Overall, a great read!”
I love the idea of having an herb garden on my deck! It’s the perfect solution for those of us with limited space but still want to enjoy fresh herbs in our cooking. This article provides great tips and ideas for creating a potted herb garden on your deck, and I can’t wait to try it out. My only question is, where can I purchase the Ecoscape Composite Deck mentioned in the article? Thank you for sharing this informative and inspiring post!
“Great read! I’ve always wanted to start my own herb garden, but living in an apartment made it seem impossible. This article has given me hope and inspiration to try growing herbs on my deck. I’m curious about where to purchase the Ecoscape Composite Deck mentioned – do you have any recommendations? Looking forward to trying out some of the tips and tricks shared in this post. Thank you for sharing!”
Hi there! As an expert in composite building supplies, I’m thrilled to hear that this article has inspired you to start your own herb garden on your deck. It’s a great way to bring some greenery into your urban living space. As for the Ecoscape Composite Deck mentioned, I highly recommend checking out our website for a list of authorized dealers. They will be able to provide you with the best quality and selection of composite decking for your project. Best of luck with your herb garden and happy decking!
This blog post is a great introduction to growing herbs on your deck. It’s a fantastic idea for those of us who don’t have a lot of space for a traditional herb garden. The tips and tricks provided are very helpful and make starting a herb garden seem easy. I’m interested in trying this out on my own deck, but I have a question about where to purchase the Ecoscape Composite Deck mentioned. Overall, this article is informative and has inspired me to start my own potted herb garden.
“Growing herbs on your deck is a fantastic way to bring fresh, flavorful ingredients right to your doorstep. This blog post offers valuable information and tips for creating a mini herb garden on your deck, perfect for those of us with limited outdoor space. I especially appreciate the suggestion to use herb pots, making it easy to grow multiple herbs in one convenient location. I am excited to try this out and add some homegrown herbs to my meals!”
As a seasoned expert in composite building materials, I couldn’t agree more with the idea of growing herbs on your deck. Not only does it add a touch of greenery to your outdoor space, but it also provides easy access to fresh herbs for your cooking needs.
One thing I would like to add is that when choosing pots for your herb garden, it’s important to consider the material. Pots made from composite materials, such as Ecoscape, are not only durable and weather-resistant, but they also provide proper drainage for your herbs to thrive. Plus, they can be easily matched to your deck’s design, creating a cohesive and visually appealing look.
Another tip I have learned over the years is to be mindful of the placement of your herb pots. While herbs do need sunlight to grow, too much direct sunlight can actually be harmful to some varieties. Consider the direction of the sun and the shade provided by your deck’s structure when deciding where to place your pots.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to get creative with your herb garden. Mix and match different herbs in one pot to create a unique and flavorful blend. And don’t limit yourself to just culinary herbs, there are many medicinal and aromatic herbs that can also be grown on your deck.
In conclusion, I highly recommend starting a herb garden on your deck, and with the right materials and placement, it can be a successful and enjoyable experience. Happy gardening!
“Great article! I’ve always wanted to start a herb garden but never knew where to begin. This post gave me some great ideas for utilizing my deck space and creating a mini herb garden. I love the convenience of having fresh herbs right outside my door. I’m definitely going to look into purchasing the Ecoscape Composite Deck mentioned. Do you have any recommendations on where to purchase it? Thanks for the helpful tips and inspiration!”
“Growing herbs on your deck is a fantastic way to have fresh, flavorful ingredients right at your fingertips. This article provides great tips and ideas for creating a mini herb garden on your Ecoscape Composite Deck or any other deck. I am interested in purchasing the product, but I am wondering about the availability and cost. Nonetheless, this post has inspired me to start my own herb garden and I can’t wait to try out some new recipes with my homegrown herbs!”
“Growing herbs on your deck is a great way to bring fresh, flavorful ingredients to your meals without needing a large outdoor space. This blog post provides helpful tips and ideas for creating your own mini herb garden on your deck. I’m excited to try out some of these suggestions, but I do have a question about purchasing the Ecoscape Composite Deck mentioned in the article. Can you provide more information on where to find it? Thank you for sharing this informative post!”
“Growing herbs on your deck is a fantastic way to bring freshness and flavor to your meals. This article provides great tips and ideas for creating a mini herb garden on your deck, perfect for those with limited space. However, I’m curious about how to purchase the Ecoscape Composite Deck mentioned in the article. Overall, a helpful and informative read for anyone looking to start their own herb garden!”