Adam explains how to grow tasty herbs in a small space
If you don’t have an abundance of growing space then I’ve got the perfect project for you to try, and this one is all about having as much as you can in as small a footprint as you can manage.
Step 1 – Start building
This project requires three pots and the only requirement is that you have one larger pot, and two smaller pots ideally the same size. Start by placing your larger pot on a solid surface and then add one of the smaller ones inside it, but upside down. I’m using terracotta pots because the herbs that I’ve chosen are happy in conditions that dry out from time to time.
Step 2 Choose your herbs
These herbs will be perfectly happy in this smaller space, but at the end of the season you will need to pull them out and plant them up individually (if you have space) or replace them with new plants next year. I’ve chosen marjoram and two varieties of thyme, but the choice is yours. The thyme is ideal here as it’ll cascade down the pots as it grows.
Step 3 Begin planting…
Once you’ve chosen your herbs it’s time to get planting. Add a layer of compost in your bottom pot and then start adding in your herbs. I’ve picked up small plants from the garden centre so I add them without needing to split them. However, if you buy larger plants, you can divide them and your plants will go even further.
Step 4 Add your next layer
With that layer planted up, it’s time to add the next one. Simply place your second smaller pot on top of the upturned pot to create a second growing layer. In most situations you can simply just leave it there and start planting, but if you’re worried about it falling off then you can place a bamboo cane through this one and into the bottom pot, or secure it in place with some strong glue or sealant.
Step 5 Plant up the top
You could put a couple of small herb plants in the top layer or choose one larger one as I have with mine. This is a great way to grow things like mint, to avoid those roots spreading out far and wide in your borders.
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