How to create a herb planter for shade?

Which aromatic plants to choose?

You can grow parsley, coriander, anise, mint, chives, lemon balm, sorrel, wild garlic, and chervil, for example.

Blood sorrel

When and how to create a herb planter for shade?

When to Create Your Planter?

The best time is in spring, when heavy frosts are no longer a concern.

Choosing the Planter

A planter for aromatic herbs should be large enough and deep enough. Allow a minimum of 80 x 15 cm for 5 plants.

When purchasing your planter, look for a model with drainage holes, as this will prevent the roots from starting to rot due to excess water.

Choosing the Right Substrate and Considering the Drainage Layer

Aromatic herbs that thrive in shade have significant nutrient requirements. To promote their growth, you need to obtain a substrate rich in humus and nutrients. Additionally, even if you have chosen a planter with drainage holes, this alone is not enough to ensure the elimination of stagnant water.

In this regard, you should always add a layer of clay balls, which is a simple and natural method to facilitate drainage and protect your aromatic herbs in the planter. You may also choose to use a layer of gravel, always with the same drainage objective.

How to Plant Your Aromatic Herbs in the Shade?

Start by placing a layer of about 3 cm of clay balls for drainage, then add your potting soil. Next, plant your young plants of aromatic herbs. Firm down lightly and water directly to ensure the soil is moist. Afterwards, you will need to continue watering regularly, about once a week on average.

Aromatic herbs can also be available in seed form. One technique is to mix the seeds with sand and distribute the mixture in the pre-filled planter. Cover with one to two millimetres of soil and moisten. Be sure to select a deep pot so that your perennial aromatic herbs can establish themselves properly.

During dry periods, be sure to provide more water to your aromatic herbs placed in the shade, as they need moisture to thrive.

How to care for your herbs in the shade?

Aromatic herbs have the advantage of being extremely easy to grow and develop: if you are new to gardening, this is an excellent way to succeed with your first plantings without too much difficulty.

Just remember to water your aromatic herbs regularly, especially in hot weather, as they need moisture, and ensure they are always protected from the harsh rays of the sun. Feel the surface of the soil and never let it dry out completely. If you place your planter on the balcony, make sure that at no time during the day does the sun shine directly on it, especially if it faces south or west, as the heat can be quite intense and scorch your plants in summer.

After flowering, be sure to trim the clumps well, then divide them in spring before replanting. The planter can then be renewed every three years.