Growing herbs and spices in containers is a fantastic way to enjoy fresh flavors and aromas right from your home, even if you have limited space. Five-gallon buckets are an excellent choice for container gardening because they are affordable, portable, and provide ample room for root development. With a little care and attention, you can cultivate a thriving herb garden that will enhance your culinary creations and bring a touch of greenery to your living space.
In this article, we’ll explore 20 top herbs and spices that are well-suited for growing in five-gallon buckets. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, these plants are easy to care for and will reward you with bountiful harvests. From classic culinary staples like basil and oregano to unique options like lemongrass and stevia, there’s something here for every taste and preference.
1. Basil: A Culinary Staple
Basil is a must-have in any herb garden, known for its aromatic leaves that are a key ingredient in many dishes, especially Italian cuisine. When growing basil in a five-gallon bucket, ensure it receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day. Use a well-draining potting mix and keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Basil thrives in warm temperatures, so consider bringing it indoors if the temperature drops below 50°F.
Pinch off the top leaves regularly to encourage bushy growth and prevent the plant from flowering too soon. This practice not only promotes a more abundant harvest but also enhances the flavor of the leaves. With proper care, a single basil plant can provide a continuous supply of fresh leaves throughout the growing season.
2. Mint: Refreshing and Resilient
Mint is a vigorous grower that can quickly take over a garden bed, which makes it an ideal candidate for container gardening. In a five-gallon bucket, mint can be contained while still producing plenty of fragrant leaves. Mint prefers partial shade and consistently moist soil, so water it regularly, especially during hot weather.
There are many varieties of mint to choose from, including spearmint and peppermint, each with its unique flavor profile. Mint leaves can be used fresh in teas, desserts, and savory dishes, making it a versatile addition to your herb collection. Be sure to harvest the leaves regularly to encourage new growth and prevent the plant from becoming leggy.
3. Cilantro: A Versatile Herb
Cilantro, also known as coriander, is a popular herb in many cuisines, particularly Mexican and Asian dishes. It grows well in five-gallon buckets, provided it receives full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Cilantro prefers cooler temperatures, so it’s best planted in spring or fall.
To extend the harvest, sow cilantro seeds every few weeks. The leaves can be harvested as soon as they are large enough to use, and the seeds, known as coriander, can be collected once they mature. Cilantro has a short life cycle, so frequent sowing is necessary to maintain a steady supply.
4. Parsley: More Than a Garnish
Parsley is often used as a garnish, but it also adds a fresh, slightly peppery flavor to a variety of dishes. It grows well in five-gallon buckets, needing full sun to partial shade and rich, well-draining soil. Water parsley regularly to keep the soil evenly moist.
There are two main types of parsley: curly and flat-leaf (Italian). Both varieties are easy to grow and can be harvested continuously by cutting the outer leaves. Parsley is a biennial, meaning it will produce leaves in the first year and flowers in the second. For the best flavor, it’s recommended to grow it as an annual.
5. Thyme: A Fragrant Favorite
Thyme is a hardy perennial herb that thrives in containers, making it perfect for a five-gallon bucket. It requires full sun and well-draining soil, as it is drought-tolerant and prefers to dry out between waterings. Thyme’s small, aromatic leaves are a staple in Mediterranean cooking.
To promote bushy growth, trim thyme regularly and remove any woody stems. Thyme can be used fresh or dried, and its flavor pairs well with meats, soups, and stews. With minimal care, thyme will provide a continuous harvest throughout the growing season.
6. Oregano: The Pizza Herb
Oregano is a robust herb commonly used in Italian and Greek cuisine, particularly in pizza and pasta sauces. It grows well in five-gallon buckets, requiring full sun and well-draining soil. Oregano is drought-tolerant, so allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
Harvest oregano leaves regularly to encourage new growth and prevent the plant from becoming woody. The leaves can be used fresh or dried for later use. Oregano’s strong flavor intensifies when dried, making it a valuable addition to your spice rack.
7. Rosemary: Aromatic and Hardy
Rosemary is a woody perennial herb with needle-like leaves and a strong, pine-like aroma. It thrives in five-gallon buckets, needing full sun and well-draining soil. Rosemary is drought-tolerant and prefers to dry out between waterings, making it low-maintenance.
Prune rosemary regularly to maintain its shape and encourage new growth. The leaves can be used fresh or dried, and they add a distinctive flavor to roasted meats, potatoes, and bread. Rosemary is also a beautiful ornamental plant, with its blue flowers attracting pollinators.
8. Sage: Earthy and Robust
Sage is a perennial herb with soft, gray-green leaves and an earthy flavor. It grows well in five-gallon buckets, requiring full sun and well-draining soil. Sage is drought-tolerant and prefers to dry out between waterings.
Harvest sage leaves regularly to encourage bushy growth and prevent the plant from becoming woody. Sage is commonly used in stuffing, sausages, and savory dishes, and its leaves can be used fresh or dried. With its attractive foliage and purple flowers, sage also makes a lovely ornamental plant.
9. Chives: Onion’s Mild Cousin
Chives are a member of the onion family, known for their mild onion flavor and slender, hollow leaves. They grow well in five-gallon buckets, needing full sun and well-draining soil. Chives prefer consistently moist soil, so water them regularly.
Harvest chives by cutting the leaves down to about 1-2 inches above the soil level. This encourages new growth and ensures a continuous supply of fresh leaves. Chives are versatile in the kitchen, adding a mild onion flavor to salads, soups, and egg dishes. The purple flowers are also edible and can be used as a garnish.
10. Dill: Perfect for Pickling
Dill is an annual herb known for its feathery leaves and distinctive flavor, often used in pickling and Scandinavian dishes. It grows well in five-gallon buckets, requiring full sun and well-draining soil. Dill prefers consistently moist soil, so water it regularly.
To extend the harvest, sow dill seeds every few weeks. The leaves can be harvested as soon as they are large enough to use, and the seeds can be collected once they mature. Dill’s delicate flavor pairs well with fish, potatoes, and yogurt-based sauces.
11. Tarragon: The French Touch
Tarragon is a perennial herb with a unique anise-like flavor, commonly used in French cuisine. It grows well in five-gallon buckets, needing full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Tarragon prefers to dry out between waterings, so allow the soil to dry slightly before watering.
Harvest tarragon leaves regularly to encourage new growth and prevent the plant from becoming woody. Tarragon is often used in sauces, dressings, and marinades, and its leaves can be used fresh or dried. With its distinctive flavor, tarragon adds a gourmet touch to any dish.
12. Lavender: Not Just for Scents
Lavender is a perennial herb known for its fragrant purple flowers and calming scent. It grows well in five-gallon buckets, requiring full sun and well-draining soil. Lavender is drought-tolerant and prefers to dry out between waterings.
Prune lavender regularly to maintain its shape and encourage new blooms. The flowers can be used in culinary applications, such as lavender-infused sugar or tea, and they also make beautiful dried arrangements. Lavender’s soothing scent is often used in aromatherapy and homemade beauty products.
13. Lemongrass: Exotic and Easy
Lemongrass is a tropical herb with a citrusy flavor, commonly used in Asian cuisine. It grows well in five-gallon buckets, needing full sun and well-draining soil. Lemongrass prefers consistently moist soil, so water it regularly.
Harvest lemongrass by cutting the stalks close to the base. The tender inner stalks can be used fresh or dried, adding a bright, lemony flavor to soups, curries, and teas. Lemongrass is also a beautiful ornamental plant, with its tall, grassy leaves adding a tropical touch to any garden.
14. Bay Laurel: The Classic Bay Leaf
Bay laurel is an evergreen shrub known for its aromatic leaves, commonly used in soups and stews. It grows well in five-gallon buckets, needing full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Bay laurel is drought-tolerant and prefers to dry out between waterings.
Prune bay laurel regularly to maintain its shape and encourage new growth. The leaves can be used fresh or dried, adding a subtle, earthy flavor to a variety of dishes. Bay laurel is also a beautiful ornamental plant, with its glossy, dark green leaves providing year-round interest.
15. Fennel: Anise-Flavored Delight
Fennel is a perennial herb with a distinctive anise flavor, commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine. It grows well in five-gallon buckets, needing full sun and well-draining soil. Fennel prefers consistently moist soil, so water it regularly.
Harvest fennel leaves and seeds for culinary use. The leaves can be used fresh in salads and sauces, while the seeds add flavor to breads and desserts. Fennel’s feathery foliage and yellow flowers also make it an attractive ornamental plant.
16. Marjoram: Sweet and Subtle
Marjoram is a perennial herb with a sweet, mild flavor, similar to oregano but more delicate. It grows well in five-gallon buckets, needing full sun and well-draining soil. Marjoram is drought-tolerant and prefers to dry out between waterings.
Harvest marjoram leaves regularly to encourage new growth and prevent the plant from becoming woody. The leaves can be used fresh or dried, adding a subtle flavor to soups, stews, and salad dressings. Marjoram is a versatile herb that complements a variety of dishes.
17. Catnip: A Treat for Felines
Catnip is a perennial herb known for its effect on cats, but it also has culinary and medicinal uses. It grows well in five-gallon buckets, needing full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Catnip prefers consistently moist soil, so water it regularly.
Harvest catnip leaves and flowers for use in teas and herbal remedies. The leaves can be used fresh or dried, and they have a mild minty flavor. Catnip is also a beautiful ornamental plant, with its gray-green leaves and lavender flowers attracting pollinators.
18. Chamomile: Calming and Soothing
Chamomile is an annual herb known for its calming properties and daisy-like flowers. It grows well in five-gallon buckets, needing full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Chamomile prefers consistently moist soil, so water it regularly.
Harvest chamomile flowers for use in teas and herbal remedies. The flowers can be used fresh or dried, adding a soothing flavor to teas and infusions. Chamomile’s delicate flowers also make it a beautiful ornamental plant, attracting pollinators to the garden.
19. Lemon Balm: Citrus-Scented Herb
Lemon balm is a perennial herb with a fresh, lemony scent, commonly used in teas and desserts. It grows well in five-gallon buckets, needing full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Lemon balm prefers consistently moist soil, so water it regularly.
Harvest lemon balm leaves regularly to encourage new growth and prevent the plant from becoming leggy. The leaves can be used fresh or dried, adding a bright, citrusy flavor to a variety of dishes. Lemon balm is also a beautiful ornamental plant, with its bright green leaves and small white flowers.
20. Stevia: Nature’s Sweetener
Stevia is a perennial herb known for its sweet leaves, used as a natural sugar substitute. It grows well in five-gallon buckets, needing full sun and well-draining soil. Stevia prefers consistently moist soil, so water it regularly.
Harvest stevia leaves regularly to encourage new growth. The leaves can be used fresh or dried, adding a natural sweetness to teas, desserts, and beverages. Stevia is a low-calorie alternative to sugar, making it a popular choice for those looking to reduce their sugar intake.
