Herbs not only enhance the taste of all types of foods, many plants are beautiful as ornamentals and produce attractive flowers and fragrance. It's too early to sow seeds directly in your outdoor garden, but why not get a head start and starting some herbs from seed in a sunny window. There's nothing like a home cooked meal flavored with fresh cut herbs!

Seeds - Planting seeds at the right depth is extremely important for proper seed germination. In addition, seeds have different light requirements for germination.

Depth - The amount of growing medium you place on top of your seeds is partially determined by their size. For example, smaller seeds such as lemon balm will need a shallower covering than larger nasturtium seeds. A general rule for planting seeds is to cover them with enough soil for 1-3 times their size.

Light - The amount of growing medium is also determined by the light requirements for seed germination. Seeds may need to be covered with soil or left uncovered.

For best results, follow the directions on your seed packet.

Do not let your newly planted seeds dry out. For best results, bottom water your seeds by placing their containers in a flat tray of water. Leave them on the tray only until the soil at the top is moist. Bottom watering prevents dieback and promotes deep roots. Your goal is to keep your plants and seeds moist but to not over water them.

Transplant your herbs once they are too large for their pots.

Herbs to Grow from Seed ~ Basil, Chives, Cilantro, Dill, Oregano, Parsley, Sage & Thyme to name a few. To add an extra pop of color try growing variations of popular culinary herbs such as purple basil and tricolor sage.

With a little care, your indoor herb garden will grow strong through the winter, providing fresh seasonings for your meals. Come spring, you can move the plants outdoors into the garden, cut them back, give them a shot of organic fertilizer, and they will continue to flourish.

As with ALL GARDENING there are no absolutes! When seed starting always read the back of the packets for specific sowing instructions and as always we at Van Bourgondien Nursery are here to help you sow and grow your garden successfully. We carry a full line of seeds, seed starting kits, starter soils, peat pots and trays so you can successfully Grow Your Own.

Happy Herb Gardening!