Top 5 Herbs to Grow in a Wicking Bed

Growing herbs in wicking beds is a great way to produce fresh herbs for your kitchen while conserving water and saving time. Wicking planters are an excellent way to grow herbs as they are self-watering and help to conserve water. They work by allowing water to move upwards from a reservoir through a wick and into the soil, keeping it consistently moist. This means that herbs grown in wicking planters can be low maintenance and require less attention than those grown in traditional planters.

Urban Veg have built many wicking beds over the last few years and have a range of smaller planters suitable for productive herb gardens on decks, balconies, patios, lawns and driveways so the produce can be located close to the kitchen.

When it comes to growing herbs in wicking planters, there are several factors to consider. From the size of the container to the type of soil, choosing the right herbs to grow is an important aspect of creating a successful and thriving garden. In this blog, we'll explore the best herbs to grow in wicking planters, as well as some tips for getting the most out of your garden.

Many herbs are well-suited to growing in wicking planters, particularly those that are commonly used in cooking. Here are some of the best herbs to grow in wicking planters:

1. Basil

Basil is a popular herb that is easy to grow in wicking planters. It requires full sun and moist soil, making it a perfect candidate for a self-watering container. Basil can be used in a variety of dishes, including salads, soups, and pasta dishes. It also has many health benefits, including reducing inflammation and improving digestion.

When growing basil in a wicking planter, it is important to keep the soil moist but not too wet. Basil does not like to sit in water, so make sure the reservoir does not overflow. Also, make sure the planter is in a sunny location, and if growing indoors, use a grow light to supplement natural light.

2. Mint

Mint is a hardy herb that can be grown in a range of conditions, making it an ideal choice for wicking planters. It prefers moist soil and partial shade, but can also tolerate full sun. Mint can be grown from cuttings or seeds and is great for adding flavour to teas, cocktails, and desserts. However in our experience, mint loves wicking beds so much it takes over. We recommend sectioning off part of the bed for mint with a partition that goes at least 250mm deep in order to prevent it spreading throughout the whole bed, unless of course you love mojitos!

3. Thyme

Thyme is a versatile herb that can be used in a variety of dishes. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun, making it a great choice for wicking beds. Thyme is also a perennial herb, which means it will come back year after year if properly cared for.

4. Chives

Chives are another easy-to-grow herb that does well in wicking beds. They have a mild onion flavour and can be used in a variety of dishes, including salads, soups and sauces.

Chives prefer a slightly acidic soil, so it's important to use a good-quality potting mix that has a pH level of around 6.5. They also like plenty of sunlight, so make sure your wicking planter is in a sunny spot.

5. Coriander

Coriander, also known as cilantro, is a popular herb that is used in many different cuisines. It has a fresh, citrusy flavour that pairs well with Mexican, Indian and Thai dishes.

Cilantro is a fast-growing herb that needs plenty of water to keep it moist. It also prefers a slightly cooler temperature than some other herbs, so make sure your wicking planter is in a shaded spot.

It is important to get the soil mix right in a wicking bed. Check out our article on wicking bed soil mixes for more information.

Remember to choose the appropriate size of wicking planter for the herb you plan to grow and to ensure that the soil is well-draining. We have installed wicking beds of many different sizes in and around the Sydney area - take a look at our previous projects.