If you want to know how to start herb seeds indoor, there are a few things you will need. You will need about two pounds of each type of herb seeds, some soil, an air stone or sand, and a spade. Some of your seeds may germinate in soil that has no preparation, but many of them do well in prepared soil. Once you have the seeds and soil in place, you can plant them. The first watering will be important. You might want to water them once a week or so, depending on the type of herbs that you are planting.
Most gardening enthusiasts who are new to herb gardening start out by growing seeds indoors in pots or containers. This is because growing herbs in pots is easier to do. If you decide to go this route, you will need containers that have holes in them large enough to allow for air circulation around the seeds. You will also need some pots with larger holes on the bottom to keep your seedlings off the ground while they continue to grow.
Once you have these items, it is time to move on from seed sowing to actual planting. Herb seeds, while relatively easy to germinate, require some care if you are starting them indoors. This is particularly true of some of the harder to start and hardier annuals. Annuals like aloes and peppermint are better off planted in raised beds or containers. These easy herbs will also grow quickly.
Step Four: Watering. As always, it is important to water your seedlings well after they have been planted in their containers. Most seeds will need about an inch of water per week, but it may need more depending on the type of herb you are growing.
Step Four: Getting Your Garden Ready. In order to get your seed-starting herb garden off to a great start, it is important that you make sure your garden is prepared correctly. Start by making sure that your garden has plenty of light and moisture. Prepare your soil for herb gardening by removing all weeds from around your home. Make sure your garden has good drainage by digging a few holes in your garden soil and filling with compost.
After you have your garden ready, you are ready to begin germinating the seeds. The best way to do this is by using a thermometer. Place your seeds at about a foot away from each other and then place a thermometer inside to keep track of where the temperature is. Planting easy herbs such as mint, lemongrass, and oregano will require less sunlight than other seeds. You can find this information in any garden center or home gardening magazine.
Step Five: Planting Your Seeds. If seeds are not planted properly, they will not germinate. When the weather conditions are just right, it is important that you water your seeds well in order to get them started. If your soil is too moist, it could cause your seeds to drown and dry up, causing them to fail to germinate.
When you are ready to harvest your garden, your herbs will not be big enough to see. If your herbs are too small, they will wilt. Collecting and transplanting tiny seeds is best done after the weather has warmed up. Once your herbs have sprouted, you can harvest your herbs by separating them by using tongs, a spade, or a fork. Your tiny seeds will be ready to enjoy in your salads, juices, and dishes.
Step Four: Harvesting Your Garden. The fourth step is collecting your garden’s edible parts. You can easily collect leaves, stems, and bark of your herbs, but remember that some seeds remain and need to be harvested separately. If your seeds are too small, they will wilt quickly. If they are too large, they will take too long to mature.
After collecting your seeds and preparing them for planting, you will want to make sure they are stored in an area that is warm and moist. This area should have a window facing the sunlight or a window that has a wide open view. It is also advisable to cover the containers with a plastic covering to keep pests out. Store your herb seeds and containers in a sunny area. This will ensure their freshness.
As you can see, there are many different ways to go about growing your own fresh herbs for your table. There are many variables you can control with your growing techniques. Your soil, climate, lighting and water source will all determine how your plants will grow. The number one concern with growing your own herbs is safety. By following all of the instructions above, you will be sure that your growing crops are safe. Your family will love having fresh herbs at the table all year around!