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How To Start A Herb Garden

Starting a herb garden is as easy as sowing seeds and learning how to transplant your herbs. Planting medicinal herbs is a great way to have fresh herbs always on hand.

Get ready for planting for outdoors:

Be sure you know the zone you live in, and the best time to begin planting your garden for that zone.  The best way to do this is to take a look at the planting zone map.

Take a walk around your yard if you are planning on planting your herbal garden in your yard.

Once you have decided where you would like your garden to go, clear the area of all weeds.  Prepare the soil by raking it smooth to create a fine textured surface.

You will want to sow the seeds in a narrow trench, not to deep, or they will not grow.  The best depth is about 3 inches. Cover the seeds completely by gently raking the soil over them and firming it down well.

Keep the soil moist to encourage the best germination.  Water gently and do not over water.

Planting Seeds in Containers

What if you don't have a good area in your yard or you live in an apartment? You can still have a small herb garden. All you have to do is go to a local nursery and purchase a small container that is made for herbal gardening.

Sowing Seeds in Trays:

1. Fill container with a moist seed raising mix
2. Scatter the seeds across the surface
3. Gently water seeds with a fine spray, taking care not to dislodge
4. Cover with the plastic cover that came with the container or a glass to maintain moisture
5. Put in a well-lit spot out of direct sunlight
6. Most annual seeds will sprout at an average indoor temperature of 60 degrees to 75 degress (10-24 degrees C)
7. Your seeds, once germinated, will need to have about 10-16 hours of light each day
8. Good ventilation is essential or your seeds will grow fungus or have diseases.
9. Water regularly with a fine mist to keep seedlings moist and not soggy.

Thinning and Potting up:

Whether you plant your seedlings in a container for later transplant or directly in a garden, you will eventually have to thin them out, and if you start them in a mini container, you will need to transplant them into containers so they will continue to grow.