Starting Your Herb Garden with Herb Seeds or Potted Herb Plants

Germinate Herb Seeds at home, or buy Potted Plants?

For the Herb Gardener, some Herb Seeds are difficult to Germinate at home

Resources for Herb Seeds are Online Herb Seed Suppliers

Start Annuals from Herb Seed And Perennials from Potted Herb Plants

Comments or Suggestions?

Drop Us a Note!

Is it best to Germinate Herb Seeds at home, or buy Potted Herb Plants when starting your spring Herb Garden?

This is an age old question for which I have seen many conflicting views. The writers of many books and web sites will tell you that "almost all herbs can be started from seed," many of the authors of which, having never tried it themselves. For all but the experienced herb gardener, the words "almost all" are misleading and, at best, a stretch.

For the average herb gardener, some herbs are simply too difficult to grow from seed.

There is nothing more frustrating for the eager beginner than to plant Oregano seeds, Rosemary, Lavender or Mint, placing them in the kitchen window, only to watch for weeks with little or no progress. Among the compounding factors is that much of the herb seed purchased from kiosks in grocery stores or chain garden stores, isn't what you think it is. Or the information on the back of the packet of herb seeds packet is written, with the best intentions, for a very general audience.

Many of our popular garden herbs can be difficult or even impossible to start from seed. Be very cautious when buying "off the rack" herb seeds from "local" seed stores. On the package the description may indicate "oregano." The beginning herb gardener might purchase this seed with visions of garden fresh oregano on steaming oven fresh pizza. They can be disappointed when the seeds produce a plant that is actually a form of common wild oregano with no value as a culinary herb. If the seed package does not indicate specifics like "Greek Oregano" or "Italian Oregano," go no further. Most herb gardeners have found that ordering seeds or live herb plants of a specific variety, from a reliable online herb seed supplier, to be far superior to any other method of starting an herb garden.

Online Herb Seed Suppliers are the best resource for seeds, potted plants, or specific growing information

For example, they can explain why certain types of basil are better suited for your soil type, why some seeds germinate better in the dark, or why the oregano seeds found in the supermarket display probably aren't the spicy Greek Oregano that you had hoped for. Call or email any quality online herb seed supplier with questions and see what I mean. You will immediately see the difference. You will be glad you did!

Each locality has different climate considerations for growing herbs such as soil, average temperature and precipitation. For information regarding your local weather patterns, average rainfall and soil type, the County Extension Office or the Agriculture Department of your State University is the best bet.

After a season or two of practice, enough experienced will be gained in your herb garden for you to be the best judge as to what will work for you.

As a general rule, most annuals can be started from herb seed, while many common perennials are more economically purchased as growing plants in 2-3 inch pots.

Some of the common, readily available, annual herbs that a herb gardener might want to grow in their herb garden are the many varieties of Basil, Cilantro, Summer Savory, Borage or Dill.

If the gardener wishes the greater challenge of a perennial herb garden then common perennials such as Anise Hyssop, Purple Coneflower, French Tarragon or a tender perennial such as Garden Sage would be fun choices.

After your experience is gained with the growing herbs as they mature from seedlings you will feel more confident when starting the same herbs from seed. Give yourself a season or two to gain the all important experience first.

New and Updated Herb Articles

Herb Growing Technique

New Herb Recipes!