Even if you don't have a square foot of garden soil, you can still grow herbs. Agreeable to almost any type of container, they have few requirements. And they get along beautifully in a variety of combinations, because most have compatible light and water requirements.

Drainage is essential: Herbs cannot tolerate soggy roots. If the vessel you use does not have a way for water to escape, add one large drainage hole or several small ones around the bottom. This is your best insurance for success. But remember, well-drained soil must be watered frequently, especially when temperatures soar in the summer.

When planting containers, always use a good-quality potting soil. There are numerous types available, so keep the following considerations in mind when making your selection.

First, cheap is not always the best choice. Also, choose soil that's light in the bag; heavy sacks can indicate soil that may not drain well. If your containers are small, consider a potting mix with moisture-retaining polymers already included.

Place the soil in a clean bucket, and add water to thoroughly moisten. Loosely fill your container with the damp dirt, and add a well-balanced, timed-release granular fertilizer to the mix.