Plants or Seeds?
Some herbs do well grown from seed; others are best purchased as plants because their seed does not produce true, useable plants. Basil, cilantro, sage, chives and dill are examples of herbs that can be successfully grown from seed. Thyme should be bought as a plant because the seeds produce hybrids. Peppermint and French tarragon do not set viable seed, so they must also be procured as plants. Make sure you buy "French" tarragon, not "Russian", as the Russian type has no detectable culinary flavor. Rosemary seed has a very low germination rate, so you're better off buying plants. For ordering seeds, try Territorial Seeds. They offer a whole herb section with quite a few herbs. Cooks Garden is another source for seeds with an herb section divided into annuals, biennials, perennials, eleven kinds of basil, tea herbs and much more. There are also numerous herb farms where plants can be ordered. Rasland Farm is one that I have dealt with and visited, and can highly recommend. They offer a good selection of culinary and medicinal herb plants at reasonable prices.
Sowing Seeds
Whether to sow seed indoors in containers or directly into the outdoor soil is the first decision to make. Look at the individual seed packet. It will tell you recommendations for that plant. Indoor seeding containers can be as complicated as an APS (accelerated propagation system-see Gardener's Supply Co. ) or as simple as a recycled plastic container. I like to use clear plastic deli containers because they have nice lids. Whatever is used, it should have drainage holes in the bottom and a cover for the top.
Temperature is important. Most seeds will germinate within a 65-75 degrees F (18-24 degrees C) range. Some seeds require light for germination while others like it dark. Check seed packets for light requirements.
The growing medium or soil is very important. It must be light enough to let the new, fine roots expand and grow. For indoor seeding, seed starting mix can be purchased at your local garden center or your own can be made by mixing equal parts of potting soil, peat moss and vermiculite. The soil for seeding outdoors should be the same type of texture to aid tiny roots. Mix in compost or peat moss to get a good consistency.
