- 1). Place the selected pot in the location where the herbs will thrive. If growing sun-loving herbs, position the pot in a spot exposed to at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Shade-loving herbs thrive in full shade or a spot exposed to dappled sunlight for 4 hours daily, while partial sun-loving herbs thrive in a spot with 4 hours of direct sunlight or dappled sunlight all day.
- 2). Prepare the pot prior to planting selected herbs. Use a 12- to 14-inch pot for three to five herbs and a 16- to 18-inch pot for five to six herb plants. Drill drainage holes through the base of the pot if it lacks them. Fill the pot with two parts potting soil and one part perlite until two-thirds full.
- 3). Plant the herb seedlings in the pot, spacing them equally apart from each other. Ensure the herbs are at the same depth as their nursery containers. Back fill with soil and tamp with your hands to remove trapped air.
- 4). Water the herbs according to their needs to prevent over-watering or under-watering. Irrigate moisture-loving herbs exposed to full sunlight one to two times a week, until excess water runs out through the drainage holes, and sun-loving herbs that prefer slightly drier soil conditions once every 10 to 12 days. Always water the potted herbs in the morning so any drops of water dry by evening. Check soil dryness twice daily on hot days.
- 5). Feed the herbs a water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks, at half the recommended dosage during the growing stage.
- 6). Treat pests such as caterpillars, aphids and spider mites immediately to prevent them from damaging your herbs. Pick caterpillars off the plants with tweezers or spray a homemade solution using 2 to 3 tbsp. dish-washing detergent mixed with 1 gallon of water. Spray the solution over the infestation one to two times a week.
- 7). Harvest herbs frequently to keep the plants bushy and compact. Wash the foliage thoroughly with water, especially if you sprayed soapy solution to deter pests.
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