Best small-space herb planters by spot
| Planter type | Best spot | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Windowsill trough / window box | Sunny windowsill | Holds 2-4 herbs in a row |
| Railing planter | Balcony or deck rail | Uses rail space; check the fit |
| Vertical tiered stand | Floor by a window, balcony corner | Most herbs in the least floor space |
| Wall-mounted / hanging | Walls, fences | Frees up all surfaces |
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In a small space, the best herb planter is the one that uses room you are not already using, a sill, a rail, or vertical space. As a quick answer: windowsill troughs suit sills, railing planters use balcony rails, and tiered or wall planters use vertical space, all of them needing drainage and enough depth. Match the planter to your spot first, then to the herbs.
Match the planter to the spot
- Windowsill trough / window box — the classic small-space planter for a sunny sill; holds two to four herbs in a row.
- Railing planter — hooks over a balcony or deck rail, turning unused rail space into a herb garden. Check it fits your rail width.
- Vertical tiered stand — fits the most herbs into the least floor space, ideal by a bright window or in a balcony corner.
- Wall-mounted or hanging — frees up every surface by going up the wall.
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What to check before buying
- Drainage holes. Non-negotiable; without them roots rot. Drill holes in decorative planters or use a draining liner.
- Depth. Most herbs want 6 to 8 inches; taproot and thirsty herbs want more. Match depth to the herb using the herb pot size chart.
- Material. Plastic holds moisture and is light for rails; terracotta breathes and suits Mediterranean herbs. See best containers for herbs.
- Weight when full. On a rail or shelf, soil plus water is heavy; make sure the fixing is secure.
Plan the herbs too
A planter is only as good as the herbs you match to it. Choose compact, suitable herbs from best herbs for small spaces, keep vigorous mint in its own pot, and plan watering with how often to water potted herbs.
Before you buy a planter, read these
These guides cover pot sizing by herb, container materials, and watering once planted.
Common questions
What is the best herb planter for a small space?
It depends on the spot. Windowsill troughs suit sills, railing planters hook onto balcony rails, and vertical tiered or wall planters use upward space. All work well if they have drainage and enough depth for the herbs.
What size planter do herbs need?
Most herbs want at least 6 to 8 inches of depth, and thirsty or taproot herbs like basil and parsley want more. Match the planter depth to the herb using the herb pot size chart.
Do herb planters need drainage holes?
Yes. Without drainage the soil stays waterlogged and roots rot. If a decorative planter has no holes, drill some or use it as a cover-pot for a draining liner.
How many herbs fit in a trough planter?
As a rough guide, space herbs about 6 to 8 inches apart, so a standard window box holds two to four herbs depending on their size and vigour. Keep vigorous mint in its own pot.
Related guides
Herb pot size chart: basil, mint, parsley, thyme & chives
A practical herb pot size guide for the most common kitchen herbs, with simple size ranges that make container growing easier to read and maintain.
Best containers for herbs: drainage, pot size, and materials that work
A practical guide to herb containers that explains which pots work best, why drainage matters, and how material changes the way containers dry.
Best self-watering pots for herbs
Self-watering pots take the guesswork out of watering thirsty herbs, but they are wrong for Mediterranean herbs. Here is how to choose and who they suit.