How to Grow Herbs from Seeds

How to Grow Herbs from Seeds in 3 Easy Steps

By Don Logan, Horticulturist, EdenBrothers.Com

1- Preparing Your Herb Seeds:

It’s best to soak your herb seeds in water for a few hours prior to planting. In the meantime you should prepare your pots. The best types of pots are those with holes in the bottom that permit proper drainage and aeration.   Fill the container with a rich potting soil and gently pat it down to prevent air pockets.

2- Planting - or "Starting" Your Herb Seeds Indoors:

Now it’s time to sow your herb seeds! The key here is to not bury the seeds too deeply, but rather just slightly compress them into the tightly packed soil. Once sown, make sure to water lightly, but regularly. Place the pot(s) in a sunny area. Soon, you will begin to see your herb seeds germinate. Be sure to provide the baby seedlings adequate time to germinate before transplanting them – the general rule of thumb is to wait until you see the emergence of at least two sets of leaves.

3- Transplanting Your Seedlings to the Garden:

Once you begin to observe the emergence of sturdy seedlings, you can, if you wish, transplant them to the outdoor herb garden (you may also keep them indoors in your kitchen where they will be easy to reach for your cooking needs). One handy method that we recommend prior to transplantation is to “harden” the seedlings. Though the name may sound daunting to some, this technique involves little more than simply placing the young seedlings outside for a few hours per day so as to acclimate them to the sunlight and temperature of the natural environment. After “hardening” for a week or so, your herb plants should be ready to withstand the rigors of the great outdoors!