Not Pots Or Planters: There's A Budget-Friendly Way To Grow Herbs Instead

Lush containers of herbs don't just add beauty to patios and decks; they can also provide you with impressive amounts of ingredients for sauces, soups, and other dishes. And in the case of basil, which is more expensive per pound than beef, growing it in a container at home can quickly save you money over store-bought options. However, It's not just the cost of the plants themselves you have to consider when growing your own herbs. You also need to think about how expensive many planters and pots can be. This doesn't mean you have to give up on your dream of having a container garden of herbs, though. A practical and affordable planter alternative could already be in your garage — an old bucket!

Buckets can make amazing container gardens. In fact, people grow tomatoes in 5-gallon buckets all the time. While you might not need anything quite that big for your herbs, an old car washing bucket with a crack in the bottom, a decorative metal pail you never found the right spot for, or a sand toy your kids have outgrown could all be ideal. In general, you'll want a container that's at least 6 inches in diameter if you're growing a single plant. If you have larger buckets, you can even grow several herbs together. Just be sure you are grouping together plants with similar care needs. The color bucket you choose matters, too. If you're growing herbs that are sensitive to heat, like parsley, dill, and cilantro, choose a light-colored bucket to prevent the soil from becoming too hot.

If you don't have a bucket in your shed, try visiting your local thrift store. You might be surprised by the selection. Buckets are also widely available, from home improvement centers to your local Dollar Tree, and often cost less than similarly durable containers labeled as planters. While plastic planters tend to be more affordable than ceramic or metal ones, they can still set you back $20 or more, especially if you're looking for a large container that will last many growing seasons. A plastic bucket, on the other hand, is generally just a few dollars, and metal buckets aren't much more expensive.

Whether you're turning trash into garden treasure or purchasing a bucket specifically to use, it's essential that you drill multiple ¼ inch drainage holes in your container before adding your potting mix and plants. Without proper drainage, your growing medium is likely to get waterlogged, potentially killing your herbs. It's also worth elevating the bucket slightly on bricks or small pieces of wood so the drainage holes don't become blocked against a solid surface. This simple step aids drainage and airflow, which helps prevent soggy roots. 

Finding affordable containers and doing a little prep work aren't the only steps to create a vibrant herb garden without breaking the bank. You can also opt to grow your herbs from seed instead of buying more expensive plant starts. Sharing or swapping seeds with friends or family can lower that cost even more. Many herbs are also relatively easy to propagate, so you may have friends who can provide you with free mint or lavender plants from cuttings.