Container Production Using Herbs

Prepared by: L. Robert Barber, & Ilene Iriarte

For: Guam Cooperative Extension Service & Guam

Department of AgricultureFunding provided by:

United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, Western Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education,

Administration for Native Americans,, & Sanctuary Incorporated

Container Production

• Low cost way to explore growing plants like vegetables, herbs, ornamentals, & fruits

• Wide variety of herbs, shrubs, vegetables, & trees are grown in containers

• People with limited outdoor space can plants

Advantages of Container Gardening

• People with physical limitations can garden without bending down if containers are raised

• Bring the garden closer to home, grow herbs close to the kitchen (on the patio)

• Utilizes space unsuited for field production or when space is limited

• Can have high plant densities in small areas

Pepper plant growing on the patio

Disadvantages of Container Gardening

• Heat & wind can dry the roots of container plants

• Small containers need frequent watering

• Nutrients are rapidly depleted (No reserve bank of soil)

• Plants easily become root-bound• Containers are costly• Containers blow over in high winds

Container Selection

• Factors that affect what container to use:– Cost– Design features that affect root growth– Availability– How the container suites the particular

need for the garden– Durability– Aesthetics

Home made concrete pots

Container Selection

• Size of the container depends on the final size of the plant

• Many containers around the house can be used as planting containers

• Make sure there are holes in the container, if not drill holes at the bottom side that are ¼ inch in diameter– Drainage is necessary to prevent

waterlogged soils

Container Selection

• Herbs have a larger root system than their top growth, so having a container large enough is important– General Rule: Allow each herb a gallon of

potting mix. A 12-in pot contains about 3 ½ gallons of potting media so it can hold 3 – 4 herb plants

– A 16-in pot contains about 5 ½ gallons of potting mix so it can hold 5 – 6 herbs

• Any container that meets the above and aesthetic requirements is fine

Potting Media

• Commercial soil mixes are well-aerated, well-drained, lightweight & are usually pathogen free– Disadvantage: Very Expensive

• Garden soil mix with sand & compost, coconut husks, or peat moss are low cost:– Disadvantage: May have pathogens & can be

heavy

• There are a number of soil or potting mixes are ideal for container gardening or Compost– Have soil test done to check pH – Your soil mix should match your plant’s needs

Potting Transplants

• When potting transplants the top of the root ball should be level or only SLIGHTLY below the potting mix surface– If you plant it deeper rotting can occur

• Be sure to break up any root binding

Container Care

• The most common problem with container gardening is watering– Too much can lead to root diseases,

wilting, stunted growth– Too little can lead to wilting, stunted

growth, reduced flower quality• Feel the potting mix 2-3 inches

below surface– If it is still wet do not water

Container Care

• During dry season, if the plant is mature you may need to water as often as every day– If media dries out may require soaking

to restore water absorption ability • Harvesting herbs regularly keeps

the plants’ growth under control– Encourages continuous production– Do not allow flowers to develop

Herb Species

• Growing a variety of herbs will increase the diversity of the grower’s production

• Herbs can be classified into 3 groups:– Annuals:

• Basil & Cilantro

– Biennials:• Parsley

– Perennials:• Chives, Mint, Oregano, Thyme, Sage

– Shrub Type Perennials:• Rosemary

HerbsMain Use Parts

UsedPropagation

Space

Basil Italian Leaves Seed 12”

Cilantro MexicanChinese

Leaves Seed 12”

CorianderSeed of Cilantro

GroundSpice

Seed Seed 12”

Chives Baked potatoes, Cream Soups, Egg dishes

Leaves Seed / Division

8”

Herbs

HARVESTING METHODSBasil Fresh markets: Cut stems before flower stalks

appearDried Leaves: Best after flower stalks appear, before it opens.

Cilantro Harvest older outside leaves, plant will continue to produce new foliage till it goes to seed

CorianderSeed of Cilantro

Harvest seed when entire plant is dried and crispyUndried seeds have a bitter taste

Chives Cut leaves within 2” from the soil

Italian Basil

Cilantro & Coriander (Seeds)

Chives

Herbs

Main Use Parts Used

Propagation

Space

Parsley Middle Eastern, European, American

Leaves Seed 12”

Thyme French, Italian, Caribbean

Leaves Seed/Cuttings

12”

Sage Used in many cuisines

Leaves Layering/Division/Cuttings

18”

Rosemary

Mediterranean

Leaves Layering/Cuttings

24”

Herbs

HARVESTING METHODSParsley Snip stalks close to ground, start with

outside stalks, new growth will be encouraged, stems remain it will be less productive

Thyme Most fragrant on a dry day, just before plant blooms, can cut back to 4” off ground

Sage Flavor is best before flower blooms, cut back to 4” off ground

Rosemary

Can be harvest throughout year, do not take more than 20% at one time. Most potent before flower blooms

Curly Leafed Parsley:

Mainly used as a garnish

Flat Leafed Parsley:

Mainly used for culinary purposes

Thyme

Sage

Rosemary