Starting the Herb Garden seeds

The herb garden is very important for many reasons. The use of fresh herbs in your cooking and baking cannot be surpassed by anything else. A walk through the herb garden is a delight to the senses. They also are beautiful as each plant products its own lovely stalks, stems, leaves and color--so much color.

This is the time of year I start my seeds. I am fortunate to have a greenhouse, but sometimes start them indoors during an especially cold winter/spring season.

This is how I start my seeds. Please feel free to share how your start yours.

Purchase a seed starting tray that consists of three sections: the base, the pot insert, and the clear dome which helps keep moisture and warmth in the tray.

You may purchase a ready made seed starting mixture or make your own. The following is the recipe I use- simple and it works.

For each tray mix: 6 cups vermiculite
6 cups perlite
6 cups peat moss

Mix and fill the seed starter section. Plant seeds according to the instructions on the seed packet. Use a mister filled with water to gently spray the tops of the seeds in the planting mixture. Cover and watch carefully. Keep in a warm, well lit space and give them the attention they deserve. They will reward you later when you transplant them outside---be sure to harder them first but more on that later.