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Growing Herbs From Seed

© Connie Krochmal

Gardening is fun. That's why we do it. During the winter, gardeners like to keep busy with indoor garden projects. Savvy gardeners have learned to use this time to start their own plants from seeds indoors. We can begin doing this weeks before it is warm enough to plant things outside. Though it is true that named cultivars of herbs need to be propagated vegetatively, this still leaves a great number of herbs that can be grown from seed.

This year, the National Garden Bureau is launching an educational campaign to promote the use of seeds. It's called "Great Gardeners Use Seed." They will be using a specially created logo for use with the campaign. This will be promoted to various groups, including schools and youth organizations. School teachers can request a teacher's educational kit, which is distributed by the National Gardening Association. In 2005, 37,000 teachers received packs of seeds through this program.

If you're on a budget, chances are you can save money by starting some of your own herb plants from seeds. Granted that the price of seeds have increased in recent years, it is still cheaper by far than buying plastic packs of seedlings, which cost at least $1.25 to $1.50 per pack. In this cost comparison, I am assuming that most gardeners will have set aside previously used plastic packs, small pots, and plastic flats. If that is indeed the case, all you will need to buy are some seeds and a bag of seed starting mix.

Usually if you order seeds online or from a seed catalog, there will be a postage and handling charge. To avoid these additional costs, check to see if what you want is available in local stores. Seed racks often carry well-known premium brands, such as Renee's Garden, and Johnny's Seeds.

Some seed companies offer discounts if you order early or if your order is over a minimum amount. In addition, some mail-order companies, such as Thompson & Morgan, routinely include free bonus packs of seeds with every order. As another incentive, Thompson & Morgan provides additional bonus packs when you purchase a certain number of specific ones. For example, when I bought two packs of nasturtiums, I received a free pack. Now, let's look at some specifics with regard to growing herbs from seeds. First, I would urge beginners to start with some of the annuals. These are very easy to grow. Among these are coriander, cress, dill, Signet marigolds, nasturtiums, and perilla.