Try planting chives, oregano, bay, marjoram, sage, rosemary and/or thyme in terra-cotta containers for use in cooking. These herbs are great for San Diego because they don’t need much water.
Place the containers near your kitchen door and they’ll be handy whenever you want a pinch of flavor for your favorite recipes (take the big leaves, not the little ones). Place your containers on plant stands and you won’t have to bend when harvesting.
When you plant herbs in containers, they’re easier to care for — just make sure your container has proper drainage and is deep enough so that your plants don’t become root bound. If you keep your containers lightweight you’ll be able to move them around to give your plants the amount of shade or sun they need.
Don’t forget to fertilize and prune your container garden regularly. Water your Mediterranean herbs about every 10 days. If you use cedar-bark mulch bugs won’t be as eager to pester your herbs.
Other hints: Thyme looks nice if you cascade if over the edge of your container • Hummingbirds love pineapple sage. • If you are short on space, a strawberry planter will make a great container for your herbs — just make sure you plant the rosemary in the top portion as it can get large and bushy.
