Basil, fennel and shiso container

A shiny metal-style container is ideal for growing herbs for summer pickings. In this unusual pot, we’ve used a summer essential – basil – with Florence fennel and shiso, also known as perilla.

Discover 10 unusual herbs to grow.

Find out how to make this herb pot in our step-by-step guide, below.

You Will Need

• 30cm pot
• John Innes No.2 compost
• Slow-release fertiliser
• Fennel plants (2)
• Purple shiso
• Basil plant

Total time:

15 minutes

Step 1

Make drainage holes in the base of the container. Fill two-thirds with John Innes No. 2 compost. Add the slow-release fertiliser granules.

Step 2

Pack in your plants, placing the taller growing fennel at the back, and the bushier plants at the front.

Step 3

Fill between the plants and top up with compost to 5cm below the container rim. Water well and place in a sunny spot.