You'll need

• Medium-sized pot with good drainage.
• Herb potting mix, like Debco Herb Sensation Potting Mix, $15.98.
• A tall centrepiece, like a rosemary or bay tree.
• A smaller variety, like a curry plant.
• Ground cover, such as oregano.

Select your pot

Good drainage is the key to growing herbs successfully. Porous pots, like terracotta, are ideal as they allow roots to "breathe"; otherwise, drill extra holes into your favoured pot. Now, fill it three-quarters of the way up with potting mix.

Pick your herbs

You'll need to consider your favourite varieties and the amount of light your pot will receive. Most herbs, like basil, rosemary, sage, parsley and thyme, require full sun, while only a small number, such as chervil, mint and parsley, will tolerate shady and damp spots.

Group together

To begin with, place the largest plant in the middle of the pot. Then, position the ground cover around the edges so that it can spill over. To finish, fill in the internal gaps with your mid-sized choices and sprinkle over the remaining potting mix.

Be water wise

As long as you have good drainage, you needn't be afraid of overwatering your herbs. As a guide, you'll only need to water them once a week in the winter and then double that in the summer and during windy weather conditions. Let the soil dry out between waterings.

Help them thrive

Use the herbs regularly - the more you cut them, the better. You'll also need to feed them with organically based fertilisers every two or three weeks, and less in the winter. Try seaweed solution or fish oils, such as Charlie Carp.

Photo: Todd Sutherland
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