Everything You Should Know Before Starting Herbs from Seeds

Inside: Starting herbs from seeds is a simple process that can bring fresh herbs to add flavor and variety to your meals and your garden.

Starting herbs from seeds is a simple process that can bring fresh, homegrown herbs to your kitchen. Growing herbs from seed can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to add some flavor and variety to your meals. Herbs add a fragrant, aromatic, and flavorful element to many dishes, and they are easy to grow either indoors or outdoors.

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Starting Herbs from Seeds

For those just starting, the process can seem daunting and intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. With the right knowledge and a little effort, any novice gardener can have a successful herb garden.

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Purchase Quality Seeds with High Germination Rates

When purchasing your seeds, be sure to look for seeds that have high germination rates to ensure healthy, thriving plants. It can be frustrating to get the garden ready and then find out the seeds you planted won't germinate.

To avoid this situation, be sure to do your research and purchase seeds with proven germination rates. Quality seeds are worth the investment, and with the right selection, you can have the garden you have always dreamed of.

If you are new to buying seeds, look for sellers with great reputations. Ask fellow gardeners for recommendations too.

parsley herb

Starting Herbs From Seed – Know What You are Planting

Read the seed packets and locate the following information needed when growing herbs from seed.

There are important pieces of information to learn from the back such as:

  • Germination time. The number of days it takes for seedlings to emerge or if the seed needs to be started at a certain temperature. Only worry about this if it’s mentioned on the seed packet. This is going to let you know when your seed should sprout, so you don't replant more to wait too long to start more.
  • Date to Start Seeds Indoors. If you are starting seeds indoors – you can begin a few weeks earlier than the direct sow date. Generally, this information will also be on the packet, such as “Start Indoors 4-6 weeks before the last Frost.
  • Days to Harvest. This is good information to know – so you can plan other sources of fresh herbs in the meantime if needed.

Use Seed Starting Trays

The seed starting trays are great for making sure that your seeds are spaced out and making them great to transplant into larger pots or your garden.

Make sure to cover them with a dome to create your seed greenhouse environment no matter what type of container you use to start your seeds. You can use simple flower pots, and cover with plastic wrap.

Planting Seeds in plant cells

Direct Sowing

If you're looking to grow herbs outdoors, thyme, fennel, and chervil are some of the easier ones, and I'd suggest giving basil a try! It's a great addition to any herb garden and it's easy to grow from seed.

If your outdoor garden has clay soil that retains too much moisture, you may want to plant in mounds that will allow for better drainage.

Many herbs are not too fussy about the soil. So you can grow your seeds in your garden soil as it is, then make amendments the following year based on your results.

With this eBook, you will learn everything you need to know to start your herb garden! You can save money by growing your own herbs and get the satisfaction of knowing that you grew them yourself.

Always Plant Your Herb Seeds In This Order

  1. Water when preparing the site. OR mix the soil and water in a bowl or bucket to give the soil a good soaking.
  2. Plant the seeds.
  3. Water the seeds in the ground.
  4. Cover the seeds to the correct depth.
  5. Make sure there is direct sunlight. Herbs require 6+ hours of sunlight a day.
mix of seeds on block of wood spilling out of seed packages

Easy Culinary Herbs to Start from Seed

These culinary herbs are only a small representation of varieties of herbs that can be added to your garden. 

  • Basil
  • Thyme
  • Oregano
  • Sage
  • Chives
  • Parsley
  • Cilantro

Helpful Growing Tips for Starting Herbs from Seeds

Most herbs can grow in pots and containers that can be located on a deck, patio, or driveway. Potted herbs can be brought inside when the weather turns cool.

Herbs are easy to grow, and they are a great addition to your garden for cooking. I love to grow basil just for the aroma alone! Have you smelled a basil plant before? It's amazing. When it is planted outside the smell will blow in the wind throughout my yard. It beats smelling chickens any and every day!

If you struggle with herb seeds, I can highly recommend the AreoGarden hydroponics sets. My seeds never fail in them. I have two different setups myself, and my daughter has her own as well.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    How long does it take to grow herbs from seeds? Most annuals can be directly sown. Anise will germinate in 10-14 days and will be ready to enjoy in 120 days. Basil will germinate in 5-10 days, and be ready to enjoy in 60-90 days. Summer Savory will be ready in the first season.

    Are herbs hard to grow from seed? Many herbs are easy to grow from seed. You can start seeds two ways: Start them indoors and transplant them into permanent spots when they're large enough. Sow seeds directly into garden beds or containers when the temperatures are warm enough.

    Why are my herb seeds not germinating? Mostly, extreme temperature and lack of consistent moisture are likely causes of seeds not sprouting or seedlings withering.

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