Top 6 Herbs for a Window Box: Revel in Their Aromatic Beauty and Functionality
Yo, let's dig into some rad herb garden ideas that'll spice up your life and make your window box the envy of the neighborhood! No need to fret if your herb patch is limited to the sunny side of your casa; these six fantastic herbs will thrive in a window box and create a beautiful explosion of aromas, colors, and heights.
Ready to get your green thumb on? Let's do this!
1. Chives
Chives are like the cool sidekick of the herb world. Super simple to grow and perfect even if your herb garden ain't strictly confined to a window box. Chives are not only beautiful and always buzzing with bees and butterflies, but they're also seriously tasty!
Growing chives is a breeze, with seeds or shoots readily available. One of chive's secrets to success is frequent harvesting, which encourages new growth and keeps the plant productive from May to September[1]. Don't forget to toss those pretty lavender-colored flowers into your salads or roast 'em up with chicken for an extra burst of flavor.
2. Marjoram
Compact herbs like marjoram are a smart fit for all but the tiniest window boxes. The bright, acidic green leaves of marjoram will brighten up your summer and pair nicely with other herbs and ornamentals like roses, Alchemilla mollis, or catmint.
Not only are marjoram's flowers popular with bees and butterflies, but they're also fabulous for Mediterranean dishes, especially tomato dishes and salads. These hardy herbs can be grown from seed or plants—opt for sweet marjoram for culinary uses.[1]
3. Sage
No herb garden is complete without a sprawling mass of sage. Whether you buy sage as seeds or a plant, like this one from Burpee, it's cut and come again, so you can keep cooking with it all season long!
Originally from the Mediterranean, sage thrives in the same conditions as chives and marjoram, i.e., sun-drenched spots with well-drained soil. Help your sage get off to a good start by using a slow-release fertilizer, like Nature Hills Garden Food, in the soil.
4. Chamomile
A littlehidden gem that's worth adding to your herb garden is chamomile. Not only does it produce pretty white flowers, but it's also incredibly aromatic and useful. Chamomile can help neighboring plants increase their essential oils, improve flavor, and overall health.
Chamomile is especially suited to containers, as it tends to be unruly when grown in the ground[4]. Dwarf varieties are best for window boxes or as border edgings, with Roman Chamomile being a perennial favorite. Delight in the aroma by using it in summer jams, cakes, or even making your own herbal tea![1]
5. Rosemary
Rosemary is a show-stopper in any herb garden, thanks to its beautiful architectural structure. Once you learn how to grow rosemary, you'll wonder why you didn't do it sooner! Rosemary thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, making it an ideal companion for your chives, marjoram, and sage in your sunny window box.
Rosemary can also be grown from seed in the spring, although it may take some time to germinate and has a low success rate. It's worth kicked things off by growing from a young plant, like this rosemary offering from Mountain Valley Growers.[1]
6. Dill
Last but certainly not least, let's talk about dill. This herb adds a unique, feathery texture to your herb garden and is a favorite of bees and butterflies. Its bright yellow umbels flowers bring a smile to your face and add a delightful pop of color.
Dill is a great match for the other herbs on this list and especially delicious in fish recipes. It grows best in full sun and, if overwatered, may be susceptible to powdery mildew. Remember to water lightly, just like the other herbs in your window box.
If you're looking for a low-maintenance, aromatic, and bright window box herb garden, aim to plant:
- Chives
- Marjoram
- Sage
- Chamomile
- Rosemary
- Dill
These herbs are drought-tolerant, require minimal care, create a fragrant planting palette, and complement each other well in cooking. They'll make your herb garden a real head-turner and elevate your culinary creations.[4]
Sources:[1] https://www.burpee.com/[2] https://naturehills.com/[3] https://migardener.com/[4] https://www.amazon.com/[4] https://www.hgtv.com/design/outdoors/gardening/6-herbs-that-grow-well-together-in-a-container-garden-photos[4] https://www.thespruceeats.com/growing-dwarf-rousseau-on-the-patio-606618
- Incorporating chives, marjoram, and dill into a home-and-garden lifestyle can create a picturesque and aromatic window box that invites pollinators while enhancing your cooking.
- To revamp your everyday lifestyle, consider experimenting with a lively herb garden ideas collection, featuring sage, chamomile, rosemary, and other charming plants, to integrate both aesthetics and flavor into your meals.
