How to Plant Herbs from Seed
You can save money and enjoy better-tasting herbs when you plant herbs from seed. Herbs you harvest tend have a stronger flavor than store-bought herbs. Herbs grow well in sunny locations in temperatures above 70 degrees F. Herbs from seeds should be started indoors and then transplanted to an herb garden outdoors. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Herb seeds
- Peat moss
- Potting soil
- Small bucket
- Small potting containers
- Plastic wrap
- Masking tape
- Permanent marker
- Spray bottle
Instructions
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1
Select and purchase several herbs to plant from seed. Check the expiration date to assure the seeds are viable.
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2
Mix 1 part peat moss to 2 parts potting soil in a small bucket. Stir the mixture well. Fill small potting containers three quarters full with the soil mixture.
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3
Tear a small piece of masking tape and place on the first potting container. Use the permanent marker and label the name of the herb you plan on growing in the container. This will help you later identify which herbs you've grown. Repeat with each of your potting containers.
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4
Make a shallow indentation in the potting soil. Remove two seeds from the herb seed packet. Place the seeds side by side into the indentation. Cover with a small amount of the soil mixture (see previous step). Repeat with each of your potting containers.
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5
Fill a spray bottle with tap water. Lightly mist each of the potting containers you've planted your herb seeds into. Cover the potting container with plastic wrap. Set the herb seed containers in a sunny location indoors.
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6
Remove the plastic wrap from the herb seed containers when the first herb sprout appears. Lightly mist the container again. Allow the herb sprouts to continue growing into seedlings.
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7
Remove the smaller seedling from each container if both seeds sprouted. If only one seed sprouted, leave it in the container. Allow seedlings to grow until ready to transplant outdoors after the first frost has passed and the ground is warm.
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Tips & Warnings
Begin growing herb seeds indoors in February or March.
Herbs should have a soil pH of 6.5 to 7.0.
Plant taller herbs in the back of the herb garden to prevent shading smaller ones.
Select a location that receives a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Don't place too much fertilizer or organic compost in herb gardens. Neutral soils work the best.
