It’s nice to have some shallow rooted herbs in a window box or trough planter right outside the kitchen

There are several herbs as well as veggies and fruit that can thrive in a shallow window box or trough planter. Ideally about 12 inches deep in nice, but I grow several things in 6 to 8 inch deep troughs. I do like having small trough planters because they are so portable. I am able to move my spinach from spring sunshine to hot summer shade and then back to fall sunshine so that it produces well all season. And it is so handy to have frequently used herbs right outside the kitchen for quick access while cooking.

Shallow and small planters do require careful care no matter what you are growing in them. Shallow roots of course are not drawing moisture from deep within a large container or the ground so they do dry out quickly. And of course with less soil in a shallow container the soil dries out also. Be very attentive to the water needs of your plants as well as the moisture content of the soil. Frequent watering will be necessary. Especially for boxes under the eaves that don’t receive rain.

Nutrients will also be quickly depleted from the soil in shallow planters. Not only will your plants draw nutrients from the limited amount of soil, but frequent watering will flush nutrients out. If planter depth allows, top dress with compost. Slow release granular fertilizer will be retained for longer use better than liquid fertilizer. I rely on a combination. If I have neglected a bit, liquid fertilizer is fast acting and will quickly revive the health and production of my plants.

Be sure to only use good potting mix for small containers, never garden soil. Especially when attaching a window box to the house, the weight of saturated soil may pull the box right off the house. Even with lightweight potting mix the boxes will be heavy. You may want to formulate your own potting mix with specialized mix to provide just right amount of moisture retaining properties and nutrition for what you like to grow. I do always like to at least add a little of my own compost to a store bought mix. And since whatever mix you use will typically be depleted each season, replace most if not all the soil each season.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with your herbs and veggies based on your container sizes and exposure to sun and rain. These are some that do well in shallow containers and a few tips to keep in mind.

• Most herbs do well in shallow boxes. Mediterranean herbs will prefer to be under the eaves where they stay drier where summers are very rainy.

• Those Mediterranean herbs will enjoy a hot sunny spot.

• Cilantro, parsley, radishes, lettuce, spinach, swiss chard, garlic, scallions, dill all do well in shallow soil and window boxes.

• Italian herbs prefer southern exposure but will do alright with only a half day sun. (Oregano, Rosemary, Sage, Marjoram)

• Frost prone plants will do well for a much longer season in a box up against the house. The warm house will keep the soil and the plants warmer.

• Most plants will be fine with an eastern exposure. Only truly shade tolerant edibles will produce in dappled shade. In your shady spots experiment with cilantro, lemon balm and alpine strawberries. My chives, spinach and chard also do quite well without much sun. Mint will do great but will completely take over any box you put it in as well as the chives. So I try to plant them alone or keep them thinned down.

• Many herbs are available in a dwarf variety. Not all have the robust flavor you might prefer, but look for basil, dill, parsley, sage, rosemary and oregano.

• Some herbs are naturally small so they are perfect for small containers. Try Tarragon, Sweet Marjoram and Oregano.

• If you harvest regularly most of your plants will remain compact. If you need to harvest more than you immediately need, do learn to store both short and long term.

For a little color tuck in some annuals or sages of purple or gold. Look for small varieties of annual such as violas, nasturtiums, alyssum and lobelia.