Can You Grow All Your Herbs Together in One Pot or Container?
Growing herbs in containers is one of the easiest ways to start a kitchen garden. A single pot filled with fragrant basil, mint, rosemary, and thyme sounds dreamy—and convenient. But can you really grow all your herbs together in one pot or container?
The short answer: yes… but only if you choose wisely. Herbs have different growth habits, water needs, and space requirements. Understanding which herbs get along—and which don’t—is the secret to a thriving container herb garden.
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Why Growing Herbs in One Container Is So Popular
Planting multiple herbs together saves space and looks beautiful on balconies, windowsills, and patios. A mixed herb container also makes harvesting easier—you can snip what you need while cooking.
Benefits include:
- Efficient use of space
- Easier watering and maintenance
- Decorative appeal
- Quick access for daily cooking
However, planting incompatible herbs together can lead to poor growth, root competition, or even plant failure.
The Key Rule: Match Herbs With Similar Needs
Herbs thrive together only when their sunlight, water, soil, and growth habits match.
Factors to consider before mixing herbs:
- Water requirements (dry vs moist soil lovers)
- Sun exposure (full sun vs partial shade)
- Growth speed and size
- Root behavior (spreading vs compact)
Ignoring these factors is the most common reason mixed herb pots fail.
Also Read: 10 Fast-Growing Herbs, Veggies, and Flowers for Summer
Herbs That Grow Well Together in One Pot
Mediterranean Herbs (Dry-Loving Group)
These herbs prefer well-drained soil, less frequent watering, and full sun.
Best companions:
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Oregano
- Sage
- Lavender
These herbs thrive together and are ideal for a single large container with sandy or gritty soil.
Soft, Moist-Loving Herbs
These herbs enjoy slightly moist soil and regular watering.
Good combinations:
- Basil
- Parsley
- Cilantro (Coriander)
- Dill
- Chives
Perfect for kitchen windows or balcony containers with consistent care.
Herbs You Should NOT Grow Together
Some herbs are divas—they don’t like sharing.
Mint (Plant Alone!)
Mint spreads aggressively and will overtake other herbs in no time. Always grow mint in its own container.
Rosemary + Basil
- Rosemary prefers dry soil
- Basil loves moisture
Planted together, one will always suffer.
Fennel
Fennel inhibits the growth of many herbs. Keep it separate.
How Many Herbs Can You Grow in One Container?
The number depends on container size.
General guideline:
- Small pot (8–10 inches): 2–3 compact herbs
- Medium pot (12–14 inches): 3–4 herbs
- Large container (16–18 inches): 5–6 compatible herbs
Always leave space for air circulation and root growth.
Also Read: 12 Frost-Resistant Herbs and Vegetables to Grow in Winter
Best Container and Soil for Mixed Herb Pots
Container Tips
- Use pots with drainage holes
- Choose wide containers rather than deep ones
- Terracotta pots are great for dry-loving herbs
Soil Mix
- Use light, well-draining potting mix
- Add sand or perlite for Mediterranean herbs
- Avoid heavy garden soil
Sunlight Requirements for Mixed Herb Containers
Most herbs need 6–8 hours of sunlight daily.
- Mediterranean herbs: full sun
- Soft herbs: partial to full sun
If sunlight varies, group herbs with similar light needs in the same pot.
Also Read: Mint Leaves Growing Tips: A Complete Guide for Healthy and Flavorful Plants
Can You Grow Herbs Indoors in One Container?
Yes! Indoor herb containers work well if:
- They receive bright sunlight near a window
- You rotate the pot weekly
- You avoid overcrowding
Indoor favorites for mixed containers:
- Basil
- Parsley
- Chives
- Cilantro
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcrowding herbs
Mixing dry-loving and water-loving herbs
Poor drainage
Ignoring pruning (harvest regularly!)
Pruning keeps herbs compact and prevents one plant from dominating the pot.
Final Verdict: Should You Grow All Herbs in One Pot?
You can grow multiple herbs together—but not all herbs in one container.
The key is smart grouping. Match herbs with similar needs, give them enough space, and choose the right container and soil. When done correctly, a mixed herb pot is productive, beautiful, and incredibly satisfying.
If you’re short on space, grouping compatible herbs is the perfect solution—just remember, mint still wants its own pot
Happy herb gardening!
Also Read: Can You Grow All Your Herbs Together in One Pot or Container? on .gardenary.com Site
