RISMedia, June 14, 2011—(MCT)—Some herbs that are tricky to grow in the ground do well in containers. Here are six recommended by Fine Gardening magazine:
• Lemon thyme (Thymus x citriodorus and cultivars). Lemon thyme can form a scraggly mat in the ground, but it grows in an attractive mound in a pot. It’s hardy in zones 6 to 9, so it may not survive the winter outdoors in your area.
• Alaska nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus ‘Alaska’). This annual has cream and green foliage, which makes it attractive even when it’s not blooming.
• Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis and cultivars). Lemon balm spreads aggressively in the garden, but a pot keeps it in check. Lemon balm can be overwintered outdoors in zones 4 to 9, but because it’s short-lived, it’s best to start new plants in spring by dividing the original plant, discarding woody growth and repotting in fresh soil.
• Genovese basil (Ocimum basilicum ‘Genovese’). This annual is vigorous and has a sweet clove flavor.
• Variegated pineapple mint (Mentha suaveolens ‘Variegata’). This mint has ruffled, cream-edged leaves and a taste that’s sweet and fruity, but not like pineapple. It can take over damp corners in a garden but behaves in a container. It’s hardy in zones 6 to 9.
• Forest Green parsley (Petroselinum crispum ‘Forest Green’). This parsley not only makes an attractive plant, but it does well in hot weather and grows back quickly after many cuts. It’s hardy in zones 5 to 9.
For more information, please visit Akron Beacon Journal Online at http://www.ohio.com/.
