A long time ago (2010-2016) when Burley was thriving, Pam designed 3 beautiful large 16"d x 11.5"h gardening containers. Each container was themed for a specific use, the perfect all in one container garden.
While looking for some files, we came across her guides and original drawings of the containers she had envisioned. We have scanned her drawings and transcribed them on here so everyone can make their own container gardens at home.
The Herb Garden:
Create a culinary herb pot to cultivate fresh herbs for cooking and drying.
Fresh cut herbs add rich flavors and valuable vitamins & minerals to any recipe. They are easy and fun to grow, producing a large quantity of useable herbs all season long. Burley's large stoneware containers (discontinued) have been designed to hold the right depth of soil for successful growing & maintaining homegrown herbs, with the convenience of being on a patio or close to the kitchen door. (We suggest trying to find a container around the same size given above or make your own elevated wooden planter boxes).
CHOOSE THE PROPER INGREDIENTS FOR THIS CONTAINER:
- Place approximately 2 inches of stones in the bottom of the pot for drainage.
- Fill the container to the top with a "grower's mix" potting soil that is available at your local garden center.
- Choose plants that will fill the pot nicely without over crowding the growth of the others.
- A container of this size will easily hold 6 to 7 varieties to maturity.
Plant Suggestions:
- Curley Parsley
- Dwarf Dill
- Dwarf Sage
- Bush Rosemary
- Dwarf Thai Basil
- Chives
- Mother of Thyme
- Lemon Thyme
- Oregano
Planting:
Plant large and tall growing plants in the center, such as Rosemary, Dill & Basil. Arrange them in a center triangle. Plant Thyme, Chives, Oregano & Parsley close to the edge of the pot, leaving plants 6" apart. The Thymes, Parsley, and Oregano will drape over the edge as they grow.
Growing:
- Once Planted, tuck loose sphagnum moss around the base of the plants to hold moisture in the soil & keep roots cool in the hot sun.
- Place container in a full sun location, or at least 6 full hours of sun a day.
- Water as needed. Check soil moisture daily so plants do not dry out. This is especially necessary when plants are first planted, they need to be able to establish a deep root system.
- As plants are getting established, feed once every two weeks with an organic fertilizer. Follow package instructions. Cut back to once a month feedings mid-season to allow a slower growth.
- Trim & pinch top growth as needed. This will encourage plants to bush out into a thicker growth. Pinch off top flowering shoots of Basil to promote better leaf growth. Save your trimmings for use in the kitchen!
- Harvest your herbs once the plants have filled the container by pinching leaves and stem tips. Fresh herbs can be used in cooking or salads, while extras can be dried in a brown paper bag for later use.
- Before the first freeze, clip plants at base for drying. In milder climates these herbs will continue to grow with careful pruning management. After clean leaves have been crispy-dried in a brown paper bag, remove stems and crunch leaves into small pieces. Store herbs in an airtight, opaque jar for later use.