Growing Herbs in Planters: Is it Worth the Trouble?

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Trouble? What trouble?

Here's the thing - growing herbs in planters is easy. Herbs are just about the easiest plants to grow (next to weeds :>) and with a little bit of care, you'll continue to reap (no pun intended) the benefits of them for years! In fact, the last word that comes to mind when I think of planting an herb garden is, "trouble!"

Having said that, you may still be wondering what, exactly, is involved in growing herbs and why people like me advocate it, since we can purchase fresh organic herbs - as well as dried and crushed ones - at most grocery and specialty food stores.

So, I'd like to put this "debate" to rest once and for all, and let you in on just a few of the many wonderful - and practical - reasons for growing your own herbs. They are:

1. Planting an herb garden can be accomplished anywhere. You don't need acres of land. You don't even need a garden plot. All you need is herb seeds (or plants), sunshine, water, soil, planters (any size and shape will do) and a bit of care and attention. That's it!

2. You'll save money. Let's face it, fresh organic herbs are expensive! Here in Phoenix a 1 oz. package of fresh organic dill is $2.98. Sure, you can buy the canned variety, but as any decent cook knows, it just isn't the same in terms of flavor or nutrients. And, if you're like me, you generally use less than one quarter of the package at any one time, so what happens to the rest? You guessed right... it goes bad.

However, when you grow you own, all you have to do is snip off exactly what you need and the rest of the plant stays fresh and ready for you next time! Even better, most herbs are perennials - that means, they're the gifts that keep on giving, and with a little care will continue to flourish year after year.

3. It's far more convenient to grow your own. I hate to beat this to death, but the truth is that fresh herbs smell and taste much, much better than not-so-fresh (i.e. dried or frozen) herbs (although I've been known to dry and freeze my herbs at times). So, having fresh herbs "at the ready," in your planters also means that you'll no longer have to make last minute runs to the grocery store to purchase those "forgotten" herbs. (Have you ever wondered why so many of us assume we have herbs like cilantro, parsley, and oregano - must-haves for various recipes - on hand, when in fact, we do not?) When you grow your own, all you have to do is grab a pair of scissors (or a knife) and cut away. Done. I love it.

4. Herbs are tolerant, prolific, tolerant, and easy to please. Herbs are among the hardest working, most forgiving, and least picky of all plants. In other words, you don't have to fuss over herbs, because they're givers, not takers! Yes, of course, they like to be loved (don't we all?) but they won't hold it against you if you're not the neighborhood green thumb!

5. Herbs even make wonderful gifts. No kidding. As you'll learn, herbs make glorious gifts all by themselves (you'll be amazed at how appreciative your "giftees" will be) but you can also create many very simple, but elegant, home-made gifts - soaps, seed packs, herb baskets, breads, scrubs, vinegars, and more. Even better, you can throw one together at the last minute and save loads of dough to boot!

6. You can kill two - or four - birds with one stone. Put your herbs to work on more than one job! Use them alone or with other flowers, plants, fruits or vegetables to spruce up your surrounding (and add wonderful fragrances), make your food taste better, and help you ward off disease all at once! What's not to like about that?

7. You'll feel less stressed. Did you know that a recent Rutgers University study found that the simple act of gardening actually reduces stress and anxiety? Therefore, you'll also benefit from the "journey" - not just the results. As you can tell, I'm sold on growing my own herbs in planters. I've done so for many years, and each day I gain a renewed appreciation for the process and results. In my opinion, they are truly one of Mother Nature's kindest gifts.

So, go ahead try growing your own herbs in planters... I promise, this hobby will grow on you!

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About The Author: Mary E. Eule, BA, MS is a professional writer and researcher who been an avid container herb gardener for over 25 years. She is also the author of the comprehensive, step-by-step guide, "The Down to Earth Guide to Easy Container Herb Gardening," Visit her website: ContainerHerbGardening.com to purchase her e-book, download her free herb e-course or to get additional tips and articles on growing herbs in planters .