Trough for herbs

[vikkib]

I'm planning on making a trough to grow herbs in and I'm wondering what sort of depth it should be?

I'm planning on growing couple of types of thyme, rosemary, parsley and oregano. I might put a sage in but keep it in a pot within the trough to stop it taking over!

I'll keep mint in a separate pot, chives in the border and dill in pots in the GH!

I'd like to keep watering to a minimum so I'd rather have it a bit deeper for this purpose.

I'm thinking of making something 1.2m long by 45cm wide and up to 60cm deep.

I'm planning on lining it with some pretty thick plastic weed suppressant which will help retain water but is permeable to allow drainage.

[WilliamD]

Earlier in the year, I made something almost exactly as you describe (see pic) and filled it up to the top with MPC to grow dwarf french beans in. It's worked well but now - 6 months on - the soil level is only half the depth. It gets compacted and needs topping up from time to time.

I think your herb trough will work great.

[vikkib]

Completely missed your reply WD! Apologies for the delay!

They look fantastic!

I'm guessing your's are 30-40cm tall?

Mine won't be going on grass/soil. It will have a slatted base and will be on block paving which is why I'm concerned about making it deep enough to hold enough moisture so it doesn't dry out completely and won't need watering every day!

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

[WilliamD]

That's very kind of you Vikki. They're lasting OK so far. Yes, that empty one is about 30cm tall.

I think the more soil depth above your slatted base the better, although I'm sure your herbs would do well in just 15cm. If I was to recommend anything, it'd be to put some good preservative on the timber and to line the base with black plastic, with a few small holes in it to avoid waterlogging. Hope this helps and good luck!