Mint

Even if you have plenty of garden space, it’s helpful to grow mint in a container—that way, it won’t spread.

“Mint, along with lemon balm and French tarragon, has a well-earned reputation for spreading aggressively through underground runners,” says Cindy Funes, an educator and expert on container gardening. “Before you know it, they can take over your garden, and outcompete neighboring plants for water and nutrients.”

Growing mint in containers helps keep this in check, but it also makes the plant more versatile. “It lets me move the container around to find the best sunlight—I keep it close to the kitchen for easy snipping,” Funes adds.

• Zones: 3 to 9
• Mature size: Varies; 12 to 24 inches tall x 12 to 24 inches wide
• Care requirements: Moist, slightly acidic soil; full sun

Sage

Sage is a lovely herb, with distinct leathery leaves and a woody stature that resembles a miniature shrub. It’s a mainstay of Thanksgiving stuffings, but you can also use it for soups or with beef. Sage thrives in full sun, and will be happy in a container on your patio—or in a sunny window. 

• Zones: Varies, 4 to 9
• Mature size: 12 to 24 inches tall x 12 to 24 inches wide
• Care requirements: Well-drained soil; full sun

Thyme

Make some time for thyme! “Lemon thyme is another favorite,” says Funes. “Its variegated foliage adds a bright, cheerful pop of color, and its fresh, citrusy scent is instantly uplifting. As a trailing plant, it softens the edges of a container, while also bringing zesty, lemony flavor to dishes.”

• Zones: Perennial to Zone 4
• Mature size: Up to 12 inches; makes an excellent ground cover
• Care requirements: Full sun; well-drained soil

Basil

Basil has gorgeous glossy leaves, but make no mistake: It’s not just ornamental, and also has a lovely scent and flavor. Additionally, this herb benefits from rich soil and plenty of sunshine.

“Pinch out tip shoots to encourage bushy growth,” says Susan Betz, an author specializing in herbs. “Not all herbs are long-lived; enjoy basil and replace it as needed.”

• Zones: Annual, can overwinter in Zones 10-11
• Mature size: 12 to 24 inches tall x 12 to 24 inches wide
• Care requirements: Well-drained soil, full sun, likes containers

Rosemary

Rosemary looks great in a container, with green “needles” that make it look almost like a tiny pine tree.

“It’s an absolute must-have,” says Funes. “Tuscan Blue grows upright with a striking structure, making it a stunning focal plant in a container, while Irene spills beautifully over the edges as a trailer.”

Funes notes that rosemary’s velvety, olive-green leaves invite touch, and that their aromatic scent is both calming and mind-clearing. “Plus, rosemary is a fantastic culinary herb,” she adds. “I love adding it to grilled vegetables and meats.”

• Zones: 7 to 8, or grown as an annual 
• Mature size: 36 inches tall x 36 to 48 inches wide
• Care requirements: Moist soil; full sun

Oregano

Oregano is famous for being a key ingredient in pizzas and spaghetti sauces. Betz highly recommends a cultivar called Hilltop for its complex flavor, as well as its suitability for containers. For best flavor, harvest your oregano before any blooms form.

• Zones: 4 to 10
• Mature size: 1 to 3 feet tall
• Care requirements: Full sun, well-drained soil, maybe even a little dry or sandy

Lemon Balm

A big favorite for pollinators, lemon balm does indeed produce a lemony scent when its leaves are crushed. You can harvest it at any time, although younger leaves will provide the best flavor. Lemon balm is a mint relative, so container growing is an excellent way to keep it from rapidly spreading.

• Zones: 4 to 9
• Mature size: 2 feet tall x 2 feet tall
• Care requirements: Full sun to partial shade, keep it watered well, but not soaked

Chives

Chives are an allium like garlic or onions, but they’re not typically grown for the bulbs, which are small and narrow. Instead, chives are enjoyed year after year by snipping small portions of their thin, tube-like leaves.

“Fresh chives are difficult to store, and dried chives quickly lose their flavor, [so] many cooks choose to keep a fresh supply of potted chives on hand,” says Betz. “They blend well with other herbs in container gardens, or can thrive in a pot by themselves. The fact that they offer a year-round harvest makes them a convenient and reliable addition to any kitchen.”

• Zones: Perennial to Zone 3
• Mature size: 12 to 18 inches tall x 12 to 18 inches wide
• Care requirements: Rich, well-drained soil and full sun

Parsley

Parsley is much more than just a simple garnish. “It’s easy to grow, adds beautiful texture to container plantings (especially curly-leaf varieties), and is a staple in both my garden and kitchen,” says Funes.

Parsley is relatively low-maintenance, but a few simple practices can help ensure its success. “Like most herbs, it does best in high quality potting soil and a container with good drainage,” she says. “It needs at least six hours of sunlight per day, so be sure to place it in a bright spot. And, though parsley isn’t a heavy feeder, a monthly dose of fertilizer during the growing season will encourage lush, healthy growth.”

She also recommends harvesting parsley often to keep the plant tidy and full of fresh growth. “Parsley is most flavorful in its first year, so enjoy it while it’s at its best!” Funes adds.

• Zones: 5 to 10
• Mature size: About 12 inches tall x 12 inches wide
• Care requirements: Full sun, well-drained soil, average watering needs

Fennel

For something a little different, try growing fennel in a container. “Fennel is all about texture for me,” says Funes. “It’s airy and feathery, creating a soft, billowy contrast to more structured plants. It makes a container feel layered and dynamic [and] takes a planting to the next level.”

It also has a wide range of culinary uses. “Let’s not forget its intoxicating fragrance and sweet, anise-like flavor,” she adds.

• Zones: 4 to 10
• Mature size: Can reach 5 feet tall
• Care requirements: Full sun, loamy soil, moderate watering needs