Your Free Herb Growing Guide From Seeds

Getting Started With Herb Seeds: What You Need to Know

Growing herbs from seeds is a practical way to build a garden without spending much money. Seeds cost far less than buying established plants from a nursery, and one packet of seeds can produce dozens of plants over several growing seasons. This guide explains the basic steps for starting herbs from seeds, including what supplies you'll need and how to choose the right seeds for your situation.

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Before you buy anything, think about where you want to grow your herbs. Some herbs thrive indoors on a sunny windowsill, while others do better outside in a garden bed or container. Consider how much sunlight your chosen location receives. Most culinary herbs need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. If you have a south-facing window or outdoor space with good sun exposure, you're in a good position to start.

The basic supplies for seed starting are simple and affordable. You'll need seed-starting soil (a light, sterile mix designed specifically for seeds), containers with drainage holes, seeds, and a way to keep the soil moist. You can use small pots, seed trays, or even recycled containers like yogurt cups or egg cartons, as long as you drill or poke drainage holes in the bottom. Many people spend less than $20 on all supplies needed to start dozens of herb plants.

Timing matters when starting seeds indoors. Most herbs should be started 6 to 8 weeks before the last spring frost in your area. You can find your local frost date by searching online for "last spring frost date" and your ZIP code. If you're starting seeds outdoors directly in the ground, wait until after the last frost date has passed and the soil has warmed up.

Practical takeaway: Gather your supplies (containers, soil, and seeds) and identify your growing location before you begin. This preparation makes the actual planting process straightforward and reduces waste.

Choosing the Right Herbs for Your Growing Conditions

Not all herbs have the same needs, so choosing varieties that match your space and climate increases your chances of success. Understanding what each herb requires helps you avoid frustration and wasted seeds. The most commonly grown culinary herbs fall into a few basic categories based on their water needs and light requirements.

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Mediterranean herbs like rosemary, thyme, oregano, and marjoram prefer dry conditions and full sun. These herbs originally come from warm, dry climates, so they don't like wet feet or shade. They need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily and soil that dries out between waterings. If you have a very sunny, warm location, these herbs are forgiving and hard to kill once established. Seeds from these varieties are also inexpensive and germinate readily.

Moisture-loving herbs include basil, parsley, cilantro, and mint. These herbs prefer consistently moist (but not waterlogged) soil and do well with 6 or more hours of sunlight. Basil is particularly popular because it grows quickly from seed, often producing harvestable leaves within 3 to 4 weeks of planting. Parsley takes longer to germinate—sometimes 2 to 3 weeks—but once it sprouts, it grows steadily. Cilantro and parsley bolt (go to seed) quickly in hot weather, so they're better suited to spring and fall growing in warm climates.

Shade-tolerant herbs are rare, but mint and parsley can handle partial shade with 3 to 4 hours of sunlight. If your space is limited or darker, focus on these two varieties. However, they'll still produce better with more light. Chives also tolerate partial shade and are exceptionally easy to grow from seed.

Cold-hardy herbs that survive winter outdoors in most climates include thyme, sage, oregano, rosemary, and chives. If you want herbs that come back year after year without replanting, choose from this group. Annual herbs like basil and cilantro need to be replanted each year or grown as indoor plants.

Practical takeaway: List the herbs you want to grow, then check whether your location matches their light and moisture needs. Start with just 3 or 4 varieties to avoid becoming overwhelmed, and choose at least one that tolerates your conditions well.

Planting Seeds Indoors: Step-by-Step Instructions

Starting seeds indoors on a windowsill or under grow lights gives you control over the environment and lets you grow plants several weeks earlier than outdoor planting. The process is straightforward and doesn't require expensive equipment. Most people successfully start herb seeds using just pots, soil, water, and natural light from a window.

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Begin by filling your containers with moistened seed-starting soil. Regular garden soil is too heavy and can cause seeds to rot. Seed-starting mix is lighter and drains well while retaining enough moisture for germination. Wet the soil thoroughly before filling your containers so it's uniformly moist. Fill containers to about a half-inch below the rim, leaving room for watering without spilling.

Read the seed packet carefully before planting. It tells you how deep to plant the seeds and how long germination typically takes. Some seeds, like basil, should be pressed lightly into the surface or covered with just a pinch of soil. Others, like parsley, need to be planted a quarter-inch deep. A few herbs have seeds that need light to germinate, so they should not be covered at all. Following the packet instructions increases germination rates significantly.

After planting, water gently so seeds stay in place. A spray bottle works better than pouring water, which can wash seeds around. Cover containers with a humidity dome or plastic wrap to keep the soil from drying out. Check the soil daily and mist it if the surface begins to dry. Remove the cover once seedlings emerge, usually within 1 to 3 weeks depending on the herb.

Seedlings need light immediately after sprouting. If they don't get enough light, they'll become tall and spindly as they stretch toward the light source. A sunny south-facing window works if it gets at least 12 to 14 hours of direct light daily. A grow light positioned 2 to 3 inches above seedlings is ideal and prevents the stretching problem. Keep seedlings on a consistent light schedule of 14 to 16 hours per day.

Once seedlings have developed their first true leaves (the second set of leaves that appear), thin them out by removing the weaker seedlings. This prevents overcrowding and gives remaining plants room to grow. If your herbs are crowded, they'll compete for light and nutrients, resulting in weak plants. Spacing seedlings about an inch apart is appropriate at this stage.

Practical takeaway: Start with small quantities—plant 6 to 8 seeds in each small pot rather than entire packets. This prevents excessive thinning and gives you usable plants without overwhelming your space.

Caring for Seedlings Until They're Ready to Transplant

Once seeds have sprouted and grown their first true leaves, seedling care focuses on providing adequate light, appropriate moisture, and proper temperature. Young plants are delicate but not fragile if you understand their needs. Most herb seedlings can be ready to transplant into larger containers or the garden within 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the variety and growing conditions.

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Watering seedlings correctly is crucial. The soil should be consistently moist but never waterlogged or sitting in water. Overwatering causes damping off, a fungal disease that kills seedlings at the soil line. The soil should feel like a wrung-out sponge. Check moisture daily and water when the top quarter-inch of soil feels dry. Use a spray bottle or pour water around the base of plants rather than overhead, which can promote disease.

Temperature affects how quickly seedlings grow. Most herb seedlings grow well between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid placing seedlings near cold windows at night or in locations with temperature fluctuations. Consistent warmth promotes steady growth. If your home is particularly cold, placing seedlings on a heat mat under their lights can speed up growth, though it's not necessary.

Fertilizer isn't needed immediately since seed-starting soil contains nutrients, but as seedlings develop and are thinned, they may benefit from diluted fertilizer. Once seedlings have 4 to 6 true leaves, you can begin feeding them with