Blackboard hydroponic planting
This slim, attractive container not only allows you to label your herbs for faster cooking, but also packs in hydroponic growing techniques. It comes with a pre-programmed timer, a quiet air pump, a tray of three plant bases, a dirt-free growing medium and a ¾-liter water reservoir.
Countertop Hydroponic Planter, about $130; Modern Sprout, Gardener’s Supply Company
Watch This Old House TV landscape contractor Roger Cook help a homeowner build a hydroponic garden in an Ask This Old House episode.
Streamlined planter with scissors
Keep your cutting tools at the ready in this sturdy white ceramic planter to add a splash of this or that to whatever you’re cooking.
Herb planter with scissors, about $25; Crate & Barrel
Plant with these selections to add healthy herbs to your garden.
Customizable herb labels and tray
Grow the go-to trio of parsley, basil and thyme and add your own plant labels to these cream containers. A tray – even one made of powder-coated, rust-resistant steel – keeps it all tidy.
Herb pot with tray, about $30; Williams-Sonoma
Add more color to your plate with these edible flower picks.
Contemporary concrete planters
Let the plantings take center stage with this planter’s flexible, industrial concrete construction.
Herb Trio Round Concrete Planter, about $15; Threshold, goal
Put the striking building material to work in your outdoor garden by building a concrete planter.
Stylish Cedar Planter
Give plant roots plenty of footing with this 8½-inch deep, rot-resistant cedar planter box. A removable tray catches excess water and makes cleaning easy.
Windowsill herb planter, about $49; Grinding stone design, Houzz
If you love the look of this planter, build a similar, larger version with our raised herb garden planter project.
Realistic-log appearance
Take the natural look one step further on your windowsill with this logo stand-in. The plastic material and drainage holes will keep your herbs – and the window sill paint job – happy.
REAL horizontal planter, about $24; Wayfair.com
Put a real tree to use in your garden by creating a tree stump planter.
Microgreens window kit
Photo by Mark Weinberg
A box made of recycled steel fits neatly into a windowsill. Kit comes with seeds for three flavorful vegetables: Red Russian Kale, Mini Carrots, and Tom Thumb Peas.
Microgreens Veggie Window Box Kit, about $48; Potting Shed Creations, FOOD52
See how to mix fruits and vegetables in your garden by exploring the reader’s edible landscape.
Mason Jar Kit
Photo by Mark Weinberg
Bypass less than stellar gardening skills with this all-in-one kit that fits in a charming mason jar. A combination of perlite, pea stones and organic soil only requires you to water up to the cliff line once a week.
DIY Mason Jar Herb Garden Kit, about $26; MakersKit, FOOD52
Serve dishes with your homegrown herbs under the glow of these mason patio lights.