Container gardening is a great method for growing many types of plants, but it is especially a good idea for herb that are both beautiful and functional. Gardening in containers has many advantages over regular gardening. If you have plants that are very sensitive to the cold, you can simply bring them indoors when the weather turns cold. It is a lot easier to control what is in the soil of a plant in a container. Plus you can move containers around; so if your plant needs more sun simply move it to a sunnier spot or if it's wilting move it to the shade.

Yet, gardening in a container can also be a bit tricky since you may need to play the role of mother nature in adjusting the moisture level and the nutrients. However, modern fertilizers and containers with adequate drainage will help you in that endeavor.

There are plenty of herbs that do quite well in an herb container garden. Basil, mint, dill, sage and even lavender can grow nicely and containers. You can either grow herbs from seed, or go down to your local garden center and find ones that are already started. Some herbs grow better from seed than others but either way you want to pick good quality seeds or if you buy started plants good-quality plants.

Pay attention to whether your herb likes partial shade or full sun and place the container accordingly. You'll also want to be cognizant of how large your plant is going to get so you can be sure to get a container that will be big enough for it.

Each herb in your container garden may like different things in the soil; so find out about that, too. For example, lavender likes the soil to be a little alkaline.

Be sure that your containers have good drainage and get a tray to catch the excess water on the bottom. A big problem for many container plants is root rot due to too much moisture in the soil. Most herbs come from Mediterranean regions and, therefore, prefer drier soil. Then again, some other herbs such as peppermint like the soil to be moist. You'll need to find out what your particular herb likes and water accordingly. However, having standing water in the pot for any amount of time is not good for any plant.

Planning properly is the key to having a successful herb container garden. Simply find the conditions your plants like and give them what they need to flourish.