Label your containers with the plant name and seeding date. Moisten the planting mix so that it is damp, but not soggy. Fill your containers with the mix and level off. Open the seed packet and tap onto the mix to scatter seeds and gently press in. If the seeds do not need light to germinate, cover with some dry mix to a depth according to packet directions. Cover the container with a clear plastic top or plastic wrap.
Growing and Transplanting Indoor Seedlings
After seeds have sprouted, remove the plastic cover and place the container in good light. A south-facing window would be good. If enough natural light is unavailable, a grow light is recommended. An inexpensive "shop light" can be purchased from the local hardware store. Grow bulbs are available, or even a regular white bulb will work. Suspend six to eight inches over your plants, and keep it turned on approximately fourteen to sixteen hours a day. When the plants get four true leaves, they may need to be transplanted. Make sure the soil mix is moist and take a toothpick or small fork to carefully "tease" the roots from any other plants. Make sure the plant is handled by the leaves, which are hardier than the stem.
Transplanting to the Outdoors
When the plant is established and the weather is warm enough (past the last frost date), your herb plants can be transferred outside. But since they have been used to the indoor climate, they must be "hardened off". This is done by gradually getting them used to their new climate. Start by setting them outside for a short period and gradually increasing the time outside over a one to two week period.
Transferring to a Bigger Pot Indoors
Choose a good indoor potting mix and transplant your seedlings to your bigger pots. Choose a location where they will get adequate light.
Starting Seeds Outdoors
As always, read the seed packet labels and follow specific growing directions. After the last frost date in your area, sow seeds in soil enriched with compost or other organic matter. Keep the soil moist, and water with a gentle spray so that the seeds are not disturbed. After the seeds have sprouted and are well established, thin them to recommended spacing. Mulch your seed bed with dried grass clippings (chemical free) or light mulch purchased at your garden center.
Planting Purchased Plants
First, pop you plants out of their pots and look at the roots. Have they run out of room and grown in a "circle"? If so, take a fork and gently pull these roots apart a little so that they will spread out and grow correctly in the ground. Dig a hole in your prepared bed; mix in a little compost or organic balanced fertilizer, and plant at the same depth it was in the pot. Water and mulch with dried grass clippings or other light mulch to hold moisture and nutrients in the soil.
