9 Herbs You Can Grow in Buckets This May

9 Herbs You Can Grow in Buckets This May: A Patio Gardener’s Guide

Short on garden space but still want fresh herbs at your fingertips? Good news: you don’t need a backyard to grow flavorful, aromatic herbs. With a few 5-gallon buckets, some sunshine, and good soil, you can build a thriving container herb garden right on your patio, balcony, or even windowsill.

May is the perfect time to plant many kitchen-favorite herbs—especially if you live in a region with warming spring weather. Here are 9 of the best herbs to grow in buckets this month, plus simple tips to get started.

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Why Grow Herbs in Buckets?

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Growing herbs in containers offers:

🌿 Controlled soil and watering

☀️ Mobility (move with the sun or out of harsh weather)

🚫 No invasive spreading (especially for herbs like mint)

✅ Easy access for cooking and harvesting

Buckets, especially 5-gallon ones, offer plenty of depth and root space for most herbs, and they’re perfect for small-space gardening.

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🌱 9 Herbs to Grow in Buckets This May

1. Basil – The Summer Favorite

A warm-weather staple, basil thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Pinch off the tops regularly to encourage bushier growth—and enjoy fresh pesto all summer long.

Sunlight: Full sun
Watering: Regular, don’t let soil dry completely
Bonus tip: Protect from cold snaps or nighttime chills early in May

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2. Mint – Best Grown in Pots

Mint is a vigorous spreader that can overtake garden beds, which makes it ideal for container gardening. Buckets help control its roots while giving you a steady supply for tea, mojitos, or garnish.

Sunlight: Partial to full sun
Watering: Moist but not soggy soil
Bonus tip: Harvest often to keep growth in check

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3. Cilantro (Coriander) – Cool Weather Wonder

Cilantro prefers cooler spring temps, making May an ideal time to plant. It grows quickly, so harvest frequently to delay bolting (flowering).

Sunlight: Full sun to light shade
Watering: Consistent moisture
Bonus tip: Sow seeds every few weeks for continuous harvest

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4. Parsley – Versatile and Hardy

Whether you prefer flat-leaf or curly parsley, it grows well in containers and tolerates partial shade, making it perfect for balconies that get only a few hours of sunlight.

Sunlight: Partial sun
Watering: Regular, allow topsoil to dry slightly between watering
Bonus tip: Snip outer stems to encourage more growth from the center

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5. Thyme – Tough but Tasty

Thyme is low-maintenance and thrives in hot, dry conditions—perfect for a sunny patio. Its small leaves pack a punch and pair well with roasted veggies or meat.

Sunlight: Full sun
Watering: Infrequent, prefers dry soil
Bonus tip: Avoid overwatering—thyme doesn’t like soggy roots

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6. Rosemary – Woody and Wonderful

This fragrant, piney herb loves warmth and sun. Rosemary prefers well-drained soil and can grow into a small shrub in a large enough bucket.

Sunlight: Full sun
Watering: Let soil dry between watering
Bonus tip: Use terracotta pots or drill extra holes for drainage

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7. Chives – The Onion-Lover’s Herb

Chives are compact, cold-hardy, and reliable. They produce all season long and come back year after year if overwintered properly.

Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Watering: Moderate, avoid waterlogged roots
Bonus tip: Trim with scissors to keep leaves tender

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8. Oregano – Bold Flavor, Minimal Care

Oregano thrives in sunny, dry conditions and doesn’t need frequent watering. It’s a great companion herb in Mediterranean cooking and can be dried for winter use.

Sunlight: Full sun
Watering: Allow soil to dry out between waterings
Bonus tip: Harvest before flowering for the best flavor

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9. Lemongrass – Beauty and Function

More than just a culinary herb, lemongrass is also ornamental. It loves the heat and forms tall, grassy clumps with a lemony scent and flavor.

Sunlight: Full sun
Watering: Regular when young, drought-tolerant once mature
Bonus tip: Harvest the thick lower stalks for cooking

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🌿 Bucket Gardening Tips for Healthy Herbs

Drainage is essential: Drill 4–6 holes in the bottom of each bucket

Use high-quality potting mix: Not garden soil—it’s too dense

Feed lightly: Herbs don’t need much fertilizer; use diluted compost tea every few weeks

Rotate containers: Move herbs to chase the sun or avoid scorching

Prune regularly: Harvest often to encourage fresh growth

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Final Thoughts: Fresh Flavor at Your Fingertips

Whether you’re short on space or just love the convenience of container gardening, growing herbs in buckets is a smart, low-maintenance way to enjoy fresh flavor all season long. With just a few containers and some sunlight, your patio or balcony can transform into a fragrant, edible oasis.

So grab a few buckets, some potting soil, and get planting—your summer meals will thank you.

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