After last night’s three and a half inches of rain, our temperatures dropped by nearly 20 degrees—a welcome break from the string of 90-degree days we’ve been experiencing. Summer heat is tough on plants, but with the right choices, you can enjoy fresh herbs all season long.
Best Herbs to Grow in Containers During Summer
Not every herb can handle high heat, but several thrive in warm, sunny conditions:
- Rosemary – Loves heat and poor soil, making it one of the easiest summer herbs to maintain.
- Oregano – Another heat-tolerant herb that flourishes with minimal care.
- Dill & Cilantro – Both handle summer well but benefit from regular harvesting.
- Basil – A tropical favorite that thrives in hot, humid weather. Basil also roots easily from cuttings—simply place harvested stems in water, and within a short time, roots appear, ready for potting.
- Thyme – Still productive in the summer and well-suited for sandy, well-drained soils.
- Parsley – A favorite in my household, especially the Italian flat-leaf variety. Though slow to germinate from seed, parsley can be staggered in plantings for a continuous supply.
Container Sizes and Placement
When it comes to summer gardening, container size matters. Small pots dry out quickly and struggle to sustain healthy root systems in hot weather. Here’s what works best:
- Avoid long-term growing in 4-inch pots—They are designed to grow seedlings into larger plants for transplanting.
- 1-gallon pots can work depending on the herb but are quick to dry out and become pot bound.
- 3-gallon pots are the minimum for summer herbs, while 5–7 gallon containers are ideal for sustained growth.
Placement Tip: Keep herbs in full sun through spring, but once the heat of summer arrives, move them to morning sun or high shade from hot afternoon sun. This shift helps reduce stress and keeps plants up to 20 degrees cooler.
Soil & Watering Needs
Different herbs prefer different soil types:
- Rich organic soil with compost – Best for mints and parsley.
- Sandy loam soil – Perfect for rosemary and thyme.
And remember: potted herbs are like pets. They need daily attention in peak summer heat, especially when grown in smaller containers. Check soil moisture regularly and water as needed to prevent stress.
A Flavorful Bonus
Beyond potted herbs, I keep a bay laurel planted in the ground. It may not be the prettiest plant in my garden, but its leaves add wonderful flavor to soups, stews, and sauces.
Final Thoughts
Growing herbs in containers during summer is rewarding and practical if you choose the right plants, pot sizes, sun exposure and soil. With proper care, you’ll enjoy fresh flavors straight from your garden—despite the summer heat.
Comments
2 responses
I definitely agree that growing herbs during the summer is rewarding impractical! Your site is absolutely amazing!!
Thank you Christina!