Garden by a Back Porch: Steps Eaves plus Kitchen Access
A garden by a back porch puts herbs plus flowers a few steps from the kitchen door. Clemson Cooperative Extension advises against planting under eaves, while University of Georgia Extension notes herbs grow well in pots, so the porch edge plus a few containers can work together.
The short answer
Use pots on the porch plus a bed out past the eaves. Clemson advises against planting under eaves. University of Georgia Extension notes mint plus parsley tolerate some shade, while sage plus thyme like drier soil. Iowa State notes most herbs need about 8 hours of direct light, so give the sunniest spot to herbs.
Which plants suit a back porch garden?
Herbs fit a porch bed or pots. Iowa State lists parsley, mint, chives, basil, oregano, cilantro plus thyme as easy herbs.
| Herb | Need | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Mint | Pots only, some shade | Georgia |
| Parsley | Some shade | Georgia |
| Sage plus thyme | Drier soil | Georgia |
| Chives | More water | Georgia |
How do eaves affect a bed?
Clemson advises siting beds clear of the eaves. Rain lands past the eave line, so soil under the roof stays dry. Clemson also notes watering within 5 to 10 feet of the foundation can cause moisture problems, so set the bed out past the drip line.
Are pots better than beds by a porch?
Either works. Georgia notes pots need drainage holes plus should be sized to the number of herbs, while rosemary eventually wants the ground. University of Minnesota Extension notes raised beds warm earlier in spring. Over pavement it advises raising beds 1 to 2 feet to reduce heat.
How to: step by step
- Find the sunniest place near the porch.
- Set beds out past the eave line.
- Use pots with drainage holes for mint.
- Group sage plus thyme together in a drier pot.
- Plant parsley where it gets part shade.
- Size raised beds so you can reach the middle.
Troubleshooting
Herbs stretch plus turn pale: Iowa State notes most herbs need about 8 hours of direct light. Move them to sun.
Mint takes over: Georgia advises growing mint in containers only.
Bed under the roof stays dry: Eaves block rain. Shift the bed outward.
For more on site planning see garden microclimates for cannabis, planning an outdoor cannabis garden layout plus companion plants when growing marijuana. Kind Seed Co also stocks cannabis seeds.
Sources
- Growing herbs in containers 101, University of Georgia Extension, Fulton County
- Foundation plantings, Clemson Cooperative Extension HGIC
- Growing herbs indoors, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
- Raised bed gardens, University of Minnesota Extension
FAQ
How much light do porch herbs need?
Iowa State University Extension notes most herbs need about 8 hours of direct light. It lists parsley, mint, chives, basil, oregano, cilantro plus thyme as easy herbs. A porch that faces the sun most of the day suits these, while a shady porch suits mint plus parsley better.
Which herbs grow in part shade?
University of Georgia Extension notes mint plus parsley tolerate some shade. That makes them a fit for the shadier side of a porch. Sage plus thyme like drier conditions, while chives like more water, so group herbs in pots by their needs rather than mixing them all together.
How big should porch pots be?
Georgia Extension advises sizing a pot to the number of herbs you plan to grow plus always using drainage holes. It notes dill, tarragon plus santolina like big pots. Rosemary eventually wants to be planted in the ground, so plan a spot for it in a bed later on.
Should a porch bed be raised?
University of Minnesota Extension notes raised beds warm earlier in spring. It advises a width you can reach, with a maximum of 2.5 feet if you can reach only one side. Over pavement it advises raising the bed 1 to 2 feet to reduce heat, plus 27 inches suits wheelchair users.
Should mint go in a porch bed?
University of Georgia Extension advises growing mint in containers only. Mint tolerates some shade, so a pot on a shady corner of the porch works well. A pot stops it from spreading through a bed where other herbs plus flowers grow nearby.
