Containers

• If you decide to use previously-planted pots (containers) for your herb garden, be sure to wash them thoroughly. Plant diseases and bugs can hide in the corners and in dried on soil. If you've planted any kind of pot before, you've learned to add a bit of gravel or rocks at the bottom of the pot, over the drain hole. This is still important, for drainage purposes. However, little bugs and insects can crawl up the drainage hole, if your potted herb garden is outdoors. Before filling the pot with rocks and soil, place a small piece of shade cloth (purchase from the nursery or garden center) over the bottom of the pot, to avoid insects and other pests from entering through the drain hole.
  
  

Soil and Water

• The natural inclination is to provide your new herb seeds or seedlings with the most nutritious soil you can find, but there is one more consideration. For herbs, you're better off mixing or working with a sandy soil. Most herbs prefer a well-draining soil. That means your herb plants will need watering more often. Of course, plants in containers naturally need watering more often than when they are in the ground. Planting in a sandy soil will make sure the herb plants don't grow excessive amounts of leaves, which actually will cause your herbs to have less flavoring.
  
  

Pests

• If you are new to gardening, herbs are an excellent place to start, as pests ordinarily do not bother them. Keep this in mind if you ever wish to plant a vegetable garden. Certain herbs, planted in the growing area, can protect your vegetables from pests. For example, mint repels aphids, and basil repels mosquitoes, flies and mites. A pot of basil by the door will help keep these pests from entering the house, as well.
  
  

Feeding and Sunlight

• Herb care varies according to the variety of herb. Always read and follow the seed packet directions. Use an organic fertilizer every couple of weeks during the herbs' growing season, and reduce to once a month during the winter months.
  
  Herbs love sunshine. Make sure they get a minimum of eight hours of sunlight a day. Inside, southwest-facing windows are the best source of light.