How to best grow herbs from seeds?
Posted on Jun 01, 2009 under Best Seeds | 3 CommentsWhat is the best way to plant and grow herbs from seeds I cultivated last year? Should I plant them directly into the garden or let it germinate indoors first in a pot? What time of year is the best to do this? I have basil, parsley, oregano, shiso, dill, mint and even arugula.
You need to plant after the last frost date for your area.
Parsley takes a LOOONG time to sprout (28 days). So I would recommend that you plant it from a 4" seedling or a 6 pack. The old wives tale is that parsley seeds have to go to hell and back before they can sprout!!
Mint is VERY invasive. You should plant it in a pot or in a planter box where you can control it!!!
Oregano is a perennial — be sure that you plant it where you want it to come back next year (and every year!!!)– because it will!!
Sorry, I don't know what shiso is!!
Now here is my suggestion for planting basil, dill and arugula (and other annuals): Make your own "planting tape". Cut newspaper into 2" or 3" strips. Make flour paste (flour and water mixed to a syrupy mix). Spread the flour paste down the center of the newspaper strips — then drop the seeds the appropriate distance apart onto the paste. After it dries (like the next day), you can plant the strips into your garden and cover them to the appropriate depth. It is much easier to make sure that the seeds are planted the required depth and distance this way!!
I plant basil in waves (plant some, wait two weeks and plant some more, etc). I LOVE basil, especially with my tomatoes!! I pick my basil as it is growing. If I can not use it all, I put the leaves in a colander. I "stir" the leaves every day so that they will dry. Don't worry if they turn dark – it is what they do — it is not "spoiled". Put the leaves whole into a spice jar after they are dry. If you crush them they will lose some of their flavor. Crush them when you want to use them.
Toward the end of the season, I let some of my basil plants go "to seed". I put the seed pods in a paper bag to let them dry. Then I shake them or rub them to release the seeds (which fall to the bottom of the bag). Then I am ready for next spring!!
Good Luck!!!
Would like to try to start my veggie plants from seeds. Best way to do this?
June 1st, 2009 at 9:34 am
Depends on the zone you live in. If in a warm climate, in the ground after your last frost date will be fine. If in a cooler climate with a shorter growing season, start them indoors first.
If you don't know your zone, here is a link:
http://www.thegardenhelper.com/hardiness.htm
References :
June 1st, 2009 at 9:49 am
I'm an organic farmer. The best way of growing herbs from my experience in direst seeding into the soil garden. This way you won't have transplant shock. also you only have to thin the herb plants. Many of the herbs you mention are very easy to grow. The most important thing is keeping the soil moist. Then the sun light. Most herb plants need 8 -12 hours a day. throughout the summer. you will enjoy your herb harvest. Feed a little compost and your herb garden will do find. Since they are mostly greenery. Nitrogen is the most important needed nutrient. PH soil should be 6.5 Good luck on your gardening for 2007.
References :
June 1st, 2009 at 10:04 am
You need to plant after the last frost date for your area.
Parsley takes a LOOONG time to sprout (28 days). So I would recommend that you plant it from a 4" seedling or a 6 pack. The old wives tale is that parsley seeds have to go to hell and back before they can sprout!!
Mint is VERY invasive. You should plant it in a pot or in a planter box where you can control it!!!
Oregano is a perennial — be sure that you plant it where you want it to come back next year (and every year!!!)– because it will!!
Sorry, I don't know what shiso is!!
Now here is my suggestion for planting basil, dill and arugula (and other annuals): Make your own "planting tape". Cut newspaper into 2" or 3" strips. Make flour paste (flour and water mixed to a syrupy mix). Spread the flour paste down the center of the newspaper strips — then drop the seeds the appropriate distance apart onto the paste. After it dries (like the next day), you can plant the strips into your garden and cover them to the appropriate depth. It is much easier to make sure that the seeds are planted the required depth and distance this way!!
I plant basil in waves (plant some, wait two weeks and plant some more, etc). I LOVE basil, especially with my tomatoes!! I pick my basil as it is growing. If I can not use it all, I put the leaves in a colander. I "stir" the leaves every day so that they will dry. Don't worry if they turn dark – it is what they do — it is not "spoiled". Put the leaves whole into a spice jar after they are dry. If you crush them they will lose some of their flavor. Crush them when you want to use them.
Toward the end of the season, I let some of my basil plants go "to seed". I put the seed pods in a paper bag to let them dry. Then I shake them or rub them to release the seeds (which fall to the bottom of the bag). Then I am ready for next spring!!
Good Luck!!!
References :