A shiny metal-style container is ideal for growing herbs for summer pickings. In this unusual pot, we’ve used a summer essential – basil – with Florence fennel and shiso, also known as perilla.
Discover 10 unusual herbs to grow.
Find out how to make this herb pot in our step-by-step guide, below.
You Will Need
- 30cm pot
- John Innes No.2 compost
- Slow-release fertiliser
- Fennel plants (2)
- Purple shiso
- Basil plant
Total time:
Step 1
Make drainage holes in the base of the container. Fill two-thirds with John Innes No. 2 compost. Add the slow-release fertiliser granules.

Step 2
Pack in your plants, placing the taller growing fennel at the back, and the bushier plants at the front.

Step 3
Fill between the plants and top up with compost to 5cm below the container rim. Water well and place in a sunny spot.

Kevin Smith says
If you can’t find shiso, substitute it with purple basil or lettuce.
