Ask a Master Gardener: Start Your Herbs From Seed Soon
- Jennifer McDonald
- Feb 21
- 3 min read
By: Della Schultz, Mobile County Master Gardener
I have enjoyed growing herbs for many years. My initial interest was to learn how to grow culinary herbs for use in preparing meals for my family. As I learned, my interest spread to the many other uses of herbs, their beauty for growing in the ground and in containers, crafting with dried herbs, and the medicinal use from centuries ago. My lifestyle has changed as I have gotten older. However, being outside with plants is still my delight!
However, another thing has changed. Purchasing starter herb plants at garden centers is very costly. Many 4”- 6” pots can be $6-$7. For this price you usually get 2-3 starter plants about 4 inches high. For the same money, you can purchase 2-4 packets of seeds and have seeds for 10-20 plants per packet.
For beginners, I would choose one or two herbs that you are familiar with. My favorites for planting are various basils, mints, oregano, thyme and lemon balm. Starting seeds inside does take planning and dedication. Caring for the seeds can be a great family project and teach children about plant life. Starting seeds in the ground can be done after the last frost in our area or starting them inside late February or in March. Some gardeners count back 6-7 weeks from the expected last frost for starting seeds indoors.
Containers: You will need containers that are about 3” deep with small holes for drainage. These can be purchased seed trays or peat pellets (soaked overnight in water), or recycled paper cups, egg cartons, etc. Any recycled items will need to be washed thoroughly before using and trimmed to an appropriate size with drainage holes added.
Soil. Next, you will need a bag of sterile potting soil that is available at garden centers. This is very important. Sterile potting soil provides nutrients, drainage and moisture retention for the seeds. Soil from your garden or left-over compost can contain disease and insects that can destroy the tiny seeds. Any potting soil you have left over can be added to other mixes as you pot other plants in containers or in the soil.
Sow. Now you are ready to sow the seeds. Fill the containers about ¾ full with the soil and gently push the soil down (I use a small, clean spoon). Add water, very gently (I like a spray bottle) to the soil and have the container sitting in something to catch the drainage (I use my old, ugly baking pans). Another option for watering is to water from below by keeping water in the container. Spread a few seeds on top of soil and lightly cover with soil and a sprinkling of water. Gently press down again to remove any air pockets around the seeds. Be sure you identify the herbs as you plant them. Cover the plantings with plastic wrap or a moist kitchen towel. Most importantly, do not let the seedlings dry out.
Care: The seedlings will need to be checked daily, kept moist, and covered for several days before they sprout in order to stay warm, between 65-75 degrees. I prefer to keep my house very cool during the night so I put my seedlings in the oven during the night to keep them warmer for about the first week. I take them out during the day and place them on the dining room table where they get indirect sunlight most of the day.
Germination: Refer to the seed packet for the approximate germination time, often 5-10 days. The first sprout you will see is called the cotyledon which is a “seed leaf” from the embryo. When these appear, covering the plant is no longer needed. Continue keeping the plants watered.
Soon the plant with true sets of leaves will begin appearing. When there are 2-4 sets of leaves, gently remove them from the soil and re-pot to a 4” or 6” pot with good quality garden soil. Continue to shelter them from direct sunlight for about 2 weeks. Water with half strength fertilizer twice a week. As our weather warms in April they can be potted up or planted in the ground. The last lesson: Every life, like every seed, is filled with potential. Plant yours well.
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