How to group herb plants

If you’re getting a herb garden on the go, wither in a dedicated patch in your plot or in a large planter, it will help to group your herbs according to the growing conditions that they require. Here are a few pointers to get you started with some of the most popular herbs.

Herbs that love dry soil and lots of sun:

Plant these together in pots with good drainage, or in fairly arid soil in a spot that gets as much sunshine as possible. They will do well with little watering and do not like to get waterlogged.

  • Lavender
  • Rosemary
  • Thyme
  • Sage
  • Marjoram
  • Oregano

Plant quick-spreaders separately in pots:

These herbs can be fairly invasive, so are better planted in their own pots. You could then sink the pots into the ground if your herb bed is in the ground.

  • Mint
  • Lemon Balm

Plant herbs prone to bolting together in shadier spots:

It is best to try and keep these annual/biennial herbs fairly cool, and make sure they have plenty of water. In hot, dry conditions they are likely to bolt and will try and produce flowers/seeds before you’ve had a chance to enjoy their leaves properly. You can group these together very happily either in the soil, or in a pot in partial shade.

  • Parsley
  • Coriander
  • Chervil

Moisture-loving plants that do best in sun:

Group these plants together if growing outside or in pots. Make sure they have plenty of sunshine and remember to water them frequently during dry spells.

  • Tarragon
  • Basil
  • Chives