Combination Plantings Equal Culinary Pots

by Sandra Bowens

The idea is not mine but I'm so enthusiastic about it, I want to pass it on. Culinary pots, where you grow a grouping of herbs in one container, is merely mentioned in passing in the book Herbs in Pots by Robert Proctor and David Macke.

They suggest you group the herbs of your favorite cuisine to make meal preparation easier. It makes perfect sense! You grow the herbs you use the most. Not to mention that a pot with a variety of plants is going to offer more visual interest.

As Proctor and Macke suggest, you might even consider planting your herbs in a container with a tomato plant. Why not add a pepper plant with some cilantro and call it your salsa pot?

Do a little research to ensure the plants you choose require similar growing conditions like sunlight and soil. Beware, too, that some plants make poor companions to others. For instance, beans don't grow well with members of the onion family and carrots don't compliment dill. The list of plants that do compliment each other is much longer and definitely worth a look. I found lots of good information about companion planting in The Moosewood Restaurant Kitchen Garden book.

Although you are sure to come up with your own favorite combinations, here are some ideas for culinary pots.

French

Tarragon, Chervil, Parsley, Thyme, Rosemary

Italian

Basil, Marjoram, Rosemary, Oregano, Parsley

Mexican

Cilantro, Chiles, Mexican oregano

Greek

Oregano, Mint, Garlic, Dill

Salad

Arugula, Garlic, Fennel, Parsley

Favorites

Dill, Thyme, Sage, Chives

Click for more information:  Herbs in Pots .

Click for more information:  The Moosewood Restaurant Kitchen Garden