Popular Herbs With Shallow Roots

If you are limited on garden space, herbs with shallow roots are a great option to grow. They are great for use in some of your favorite dishes, as you can’t beat the taste of fresh herbs. No matter your gardening experience level, they can be great to grow.

There are many different varieties of herbs you can grow in your home garden, many of which due great in shallow pots. You can grow them whether you live in a house with a small yard or in an apartment. Herbs are versatile and you can use them fresh or dry them out.

How Deep Do Herb Roots Grow?

The root depth of herbs will vary based on the variety, however, most will grow to be three to 12 inches long, with some growing up to 18 inches. Due to this, most varieties will do well in shallow pots, allowing you to easily grow different varieties of herbs. This makes herbs great for growing indoors on window shelves or in small gardens.

The great thing about herbs is that they are adaptable and do great in a variety of conditions. As long as they receive a reliable source of warmth, sunshine, water, and nutrients they will do just fine in shallow pots.

Best Herbs For Shallow Pots

If you are wanting to grow herbs but are limited on space, do not worry, as you are in luck. There are many herbs you can grow in shallow pots that will thrive. They are also generally easy to maintain, making them a great option for gardeners of all levels.

Chives – Herbs With Shallow Roots

Chives are one of the shortest herbs, as their roots grow to be only three inches long. This makes them particularly great for growing in the windowsill of a garden. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil and you can easily grow them indoors in a bright, sunny location.

Chives make a great topping on many dishes including potatoes, fish, sandwiches, quiche, and much more. During their first year, you can harvest them three to four times. After that, you will want to cut plants back monthly.

Oregano

Oregano is a popular and versatile herb that can strive in six inches of soil. There are several different varieties of oregano you can grow, with Greek and Syrian being among the most popular.

Oregano does best in full sun and prefers well-drained soil. It pairs great with dishes that contain tomatoes, such as pizza and pasta, as well as being great for marinades and vinaigrettes.

Parsley

Parsley is a versatile herb that grows well in garden beds and pots. Their roots grow up to six inches long, making them another great contender for growing in shallow pots.

Parsley does best in full sun with well-drained soil that is packed full of nutrients. It is great for adding to pasta, soups, chicken, and potatoes.

Basil – Herbs With Shallow Roots

Basil is one of the most popular herbs to grow that smells and tastes great. Their roots generally grow to be six to eight inches long and you can easily grow them in garden beds or pots indoors.

Basil, which comes in many varieties, thrives in well-drained soil and should get at least six hours of sun a day. It tastes great on pizza, pasta, chicken, salads, and even lemonade.

Cilantro

Cilantro is another great herb to grow, as it does well with at least eight inches of soil. Though many people grow in garden beds, it is also great for growing in pots as well.

Cilantro does best in full sun, with rich, organic soil that is well-drained. It is great for using in salsa, guacamole, and tacos.

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Thyme

Thyme is low maintenance, making it particularly great for growing in containers. The roots of thyme generally grow to be six inches long.

Thyme does best in full sun with soil that is well-drained and loamy. It is great for cooking with lamb, beef, pork, chicken, and vegetables. There are several varieties you can grow including Lemon and English.

Mint – Herbs With Shallow Roots

Mint is a versatile herb that smells amazing and tastes great. They are generally easy to maintain, whether you plant them in your garden or pot and they often grow in abundance.  Their roots generally grow to be around six inches.

Mint does well in full or partial sun and does best in soil that is light with good drainage. There are several different varieties of mint including peppermint, strawberry, and spearmint. As a versatile herb, you can use it in drinks, cooking, and baking.

Rosemary

Rosemary is another popular herb to grow. Though the roots can grow up to 12 inches long, it is a relatively low-maintenance herb that does well indoors.

Rosemary does best in well-drained sandy soil with at least six to eight hours of sunlight a day. It goes great with chicken, beef, steak, potatoes, and vegetables.

Tips For Growing Herbs In Shallow Pots

Herbs grown in shallow pots need to be watered more often than ones grown in garden beds. If growing them on a  windowsill, be sure to choose one that gets plenty of sun, around five to six hours at least. South-facing windows are often a good choice for herbs.

Make sure to use good soil that is full of organic matter, rich in nutrients, and well-drained. Try to keep the soil slightly moist to the touch, but avoid making it soggy.

Popular Herbs With Shallow Roots

If you are limited on growing space, there are many great herbs you can grow in shallow pots. They are great for growing on your windowsill and taste especially delicious when freshly picked. They will elevate your homemade meals to the next level.

Some of the most popular shallow herbs include chives, parsley, oregano, basil, mint, thyme, cilantro, parsley, and rosemary. No matter your experience level in gardening, they are great to grow and are generally low maintenance.

Do you have any questions regarding herbs with shallow roots? If so, please ask any questions regarding growing shallow root herbs in the comment section.

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