If you love fresh herbs and veggies but you’re short on garden space, growing them in pots might be the perfect solution you’ve been missing!
Cultivating perennials in containers is perfect for small spaces, low effort, and provides year-round freshness. They’re budget-friendly since they keep coming back year after year (you won’t have to spend a dime on new plant seeds!).
No matter if you are a gardening pro or just a newbie, try growing these 13 low-maintenance perennials to green up your space and upgrade your meals:
1. Asparagus
Grow asparagus in a deep pot (18 inches or more) with rich soil, lots of sun, and regular watering. It takes 2-3 years to harvest, but once it’s ready, you’ll get to enjoy fresh spears for up to 20 years. Worth the wait, right?
Related: These 4 Simple Tips Will Make Growing Homemade Asparagus In Pots Possible
2. Sorrel
Sorrel’s zesty, lemony leaves are perfect for soups, salads, and sauces. Grow it in a 12-inch pot with good soil, partial shade, and frequent watering. Harvest leaves all season, trim often for new growth, and savour yummy greens year after year!
3. Rhubarb
If you like rhubarb pie and jams, then you should definitely try growing it on your own. If you decide to do it, make sure to plant it in a roomy pot (18-22 inches) to accommodate its big roots. Remember to be patient as it takes 2 to 4 years for a full harvest.
Related: Help Your Rhubarb Thrive With This Simple Fertilization Trick
4. Chives
Chives thrive in an 8-inch pot with sun and minimal care. Snip often for delicious flavor in salads and soups. These plants will just keep on growing and only need dividing every few years, which makes them ideal for container gardening!
5. Egyptian Walking Onions
These unique onions grow bulbils in summer that sprout while still attached, so it looks like the plant “walks” as the stalk bends and roots (don’t worry, they won’t go anywhere far). Hardy and low-maintenance, you can grow these onions in pots or in the ground.
6. Watercress
Watercress is known for its peppery taste similar to arugula. Packed with nutrients and vitamins, it’s a great addition to your container garden. You should grow it in cooler months and harvest by trimming it back to 4 inches, then let it regrow for continuous greens.
Related: What Is The Healthiest Food In The World?
7. Horseradish
Horseradish is a hardy plant that needs little watering and weeding. Plant crowns two inches deep with the crown facing up. Harvest in late fall after cold temps, and then leave some roots behind to regrow in spring for another spicy harvest!
Related: A List Of 25 Delicious Vegetables Grown Under The Ground
8. Globe Artichokes
Globe artichokes love bright sun and well-draining, compost-rich soil. Plant crowns (about one year old) in early spring, and be patient since they can take up to two years to harvest. Just stay committed and you’ll get delicious, homegrown artichokes.
Related: What Are Artichoke Flowers + Helpful Tips For Growing Them
9. Kale
Kale is a tough, biennial plant that grows well in pots. It provides fresh leaves in the first year and regrows as soon as the weather gets nicer (and it doesn’t need much effort!). You won’t have to wait long like most of these plants!
Related: These 5 Expert Tips Will Help You Grow Kale In Pots Anywhere, Anytime
10. Garlic
Garlic is ideal for growing in pots. Place it in full sun and make sure to keep the soil moist and weed-free. Don’t forget to pick those bulbs in late spring or early summer. This is a true perennial that’ll keep coming back for many years to come!
Related: 13 Best Garlic Varieties To Plant In Fall For Abundant Harvest
11. Mint
Mint tends to get invasive in the garden, which is why most of us decide to grow it in containers. It loves well-drained soil and frequent moisture. I usually go with a deep container that I place in partial shade. It amazes me how many crisp leaves you can get by growing just one small mint in a pot.
12. Oregano
This Mediterranean favorite is easy to grow and even easier to use in your kitchen. Just give it plenty of sunlight, and it’ll keep producing flavorful leaves.
Oregano is also a natural pest repellent, making it a great companion plant.
13. Lemon Balm
Like mint’s more citrusy cousin. It’s great for tea, repels mosquitoes, and smells amazing. Just keep it trimmed so it doesn’t take over.
This herb also has calming properties, making it a great addition to herbal remedies.
See how many delicious herbs and veggies you can grow without a big garden? Just grab some pots, provide the right conditions, and enjoy harvesting for years to come!
Related: Fill Your Garden With A Lovely Scent By Growing Mint In Containers Using These Simple Steps