Plant a Window Herb Garden

What kinds of herbs can be grown in containers?

All herbs can be grown in containers. Mints, basils, coriander, parsley and chives are an easy place to start. Dill, fennel and caraway have long tap roots and grow very tall so you'd need deep pots -- 40cm+. Bear in mind, nothing does well in a pot if you don't love it, water it and feed it!

Photo Credit: Getty Images

And what kinds of herbs can be grown indoors?

Basil, flat leaf and curly parsley, stevia, chives, coriander can survive inside, but all would prefer a summer outside. Basil is probably the easiest to grow indoors, as it likes hot conditions. Beware though, you have to watch out for aphid populations building up indoors. 

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Can you recommend a nice mix of herbs to plant for someone who is just starting out? The Easiest?

If you have partly shady conditions (not full sun all day), try mints. Mint is good for those who aren't good at loving their plants -- it's really hard to kill.  If you're in sun, try coriander and basil -- both are very easy to grow from seed.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Do you have any tips for growing herbs in containers?

Rosemary, thyme, French tarragon (don't bother with Russian tarragon -- no taste) need to be re-potted every five years or so, while mints do best repotted with fresh soil every other year.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

What is the best type of container to use?

Chose a container with good drainage for herbs. Otherwise, be creative -- you don't have to buy plastic or expensive terracotta unless you want to. Metal containers can get very hot and very cold in winter.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Any other green thumb advice for herb gardening?

If it says it needs to grow in sun -- it does! If you over-water your herbs, you dilute the flavor.

Photo Credit: Getty Images