Potted herb garden for beginner

Some herbs I cannot buy in my new location, and some are too overpriced. I want to see if some or all can be grown in pots, and if so...what size pots, full or partial sun, and so on?
Basil
Chives
Peppercress
Ransoms
Red Garlic
Tarragon
Thyme
Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!

 

Most anything likes morning sun and afternoon shade. Concrete pots (or plastic pots that can have the plastic shaded from sun....to keep the roots from cooking) are good. 1/2 barrels are good. Herbs do not like a lot of fertilizer or water....just the minimum.

 

Any plant can be grown in a container and I have three on your list in pots right now. Herbs are full sun plants. You didn't say where you are located but you may need to modify the full sun depending on your climate and your ability to keep the containers watered.

 

Location is Modesto, CA. We are entering the baking weather phase (100F+) which appears will continue through at least August, if not September. My patio has quad-directional sun exposure, but can likely erect some sort of lean-to tent for shade. I go outside twice a day (morning/evening) to feed the homeless cats, so not a big deal to add plant watering to the chore.

I'd expect I would have to get either plastic or clay pots. Concrete is too heavy for my shopping cart to handle. Galvanized metal might be doable. I'd need to know what size to get for each one...or for all, if root depth requirement is similar. Best soil to buy. Fertilizer if any. Stuff like that.

 

Look into water crystals. They are what's in diapers and in some potting soils. You can buy them on their own and mix into your soil. They swell and absorb a lot of water so you can go longer periods between watering, or in your case hopefully get the plants through the day.

A big problem you will have is that many herbs prefer cooler temperatures. The long daylight of summer coupled with high temperatures will make some herbs bolt (go to seed). Shade can help a little but you may have to pick some herbs sooner than you think to at least get some harvest before they bolt.

 

All pf these you can grow in pots. Whether you can do it year around will depend on your climate (or just grow them on a windowsill).