You didn't say what type of herbs you're interested in. Or how big the pots are. Most of the main herbs that people think of require full sun, and are not as suitable for underplanting in that way. Some also require very good drainage and not very good soil, where I would guess that most of the trees need a pretty healthy soil.

I prefer to keep my herb pots dedicated to a single type. Out of about 2 dozen, I only have one that has two different, and they're the same in their requirements (soil, water, light, etc). You would need to research the herbs you're interested in and compare that to what you already have potted.

I volunteer at the Botanic Gardens here, where they have an orangery with many potted trees. Sometimes for display, they put smaller pots in the larger pot, generally with a pretty trailing plant (I have seen rosemary as such) that gives the illusion that they're planted together. Might be something to think of if it's the look you're after.

You may want to ask about underplanting in the permaculture forum. While they do not focus on herbs, they are great promoters of the idea of establishing plant guilds,groups of plants that grow well together and provide beneficial support to each other.

jan

Thanks, Jan. Will do.

Years ago when I had container blueberries on the deck, the blueberries on the plant nearest the herb containers, took on one of the herbs taste. I grew rosemary, sage, oregano, & basil, but I can't remember which one's scent got on the berries. Something to consider.

I often put million bells around taller pepper plants. If the competition stunts one or the other plant, I haven't noticed.

Sorry I sent you to permaculture for nothing, LaD. I see they weren't at all helpful. But Sunset magazine is showing an herbal underplanting in a very structured in ground fruit tree garden and it looks wonderful.

jan

I use lemon thyme when I do that. It bushes nicely and isn't too competitive.