Vertical Interior Garden

Herb Garden Seeds

Storing herb seeds and seeds for sprouting?

Recently I ordered 10 herb seeds (garlic chives, mint, basil, thyme, oregano, parsley, cilantro, and dill) and 5 seeds to sprout in a bioset kitchen garden (broccoli, china rose radish, mung beans, mustard, and wheat) and I was wondering where I should store them, and what in?

Also, what type of soil do you reccomend for sprouting herbs, compost, potting mix, or special seed starting soil? Thanks.

Store in airtight containers with some sort of desicant for moisture. An inexpensive way to add the desicant is to take some regular powdered coffee creamer and wrap about a teaspoon full of it in a coffee filter. That will absorb any extra moisure that may be in your sealed container.

For potting, most herbs grow fine in poor soil even. I always add some compost to everything but generally any soil will work. Must be well draining though.

Propagation in Herb Gardening

Before you start thinking about herb gardening you you should know how they are propagated.

Propagation refers to how new plants are created. There are several ways to propagate plants. The first is by seeds. Seeds should be planted in a rich planting medium made of one part potting soil, two parts vermiculite, and one part peat moss. This soil is light and allows seeds to grow easily. Do not use soil from your yard because it is contaminated and is usually doesn't allow a seed to germinate easily.

Propagation by Seed

Some seeds need special care before you can plant them. They mean you'd to be soaked in water to soften their outer shell or they may need to be frozen or refrigerated for a time. Some seeds may need extra heat to help with germination. Plant your seeds in seed trays or tiny pots, then they can be planted in the ground after germination.

Seeds should be planted six to eight weeks before the last frost of the year. This gives the new plants enough time to grow and get used to being outside before being planted in the ground. This is called "hardening off" - a gradual exposure to weather and sun.

Place seeds in your containers, and prepare them according to their needs. Some herbs will just need to be put into the potting soil while others will need special care. Put plastic or glass over the top of the containers and keep them moist by placing water in a tray below the container.

You can also water by removing the plastic and misting gently with a spray bottle, then replacing the cover. The plastic or glass will keep the soil moist so you won't need to water for several days.

Some seeds will need bottom heat. There are several ways in which this can be done. You can purchase a commercial seed bottom warmer, install florescent or grow lights, or use a water bed heaters. Never use a heating pad because if it should get wet, you will have big problems.

As soon as the plants have sprouted, remove the glass or plastic covering. Pull the weakest of the seedlings, and leave the strongest and healthiest of those to flourish.

Place your seedlings under grow lights or place them in indirect or filtered sun. Do not put them in direct sun because that will burn them up. If you are going to put them in the sun, turn them every day saw that they will grow straight.

The second set of leaves that a plant grows are its true leaves. As soon as they appear, it's time to plant them into bigger pots. Since these are temporary pots, you can use margarine containers. Poke holes in the bottom and use the lids as trays.

When your plants have three or four rows of leaves and are a few inches high, they are ready to be hardened off. Now is the time to get them accustomed to the weather, sunlight, or lack of sunlight.

When the temperature outside reaches about 65 to 70 degrees, place your containers outside in a shady area or a few hours. Each day, leave them out a little bit longer, then began to move them into the sunlight. They will soon be ready to plant.

Layering

Layering is very time consuming but also very reliable. It is done in the summer using low growing herbs. Choose an outer branch of the plant and strip it of its leaves near the base. Do not cut this branch, but press it into the soil next to the plant. Secure it down by pinning it down with a U-shaped wire.

Once the new plant is established, cut the connection to the original plant and then transplant.

Division

This method is best done in early spring. Herbs will have underground roots, bulbs or tubers. Carefully dig up your herb. Cut or separate the clump into smaller sections, about the size of your fist, with a knife. Immediately replant into the ground or in pots.

Stem Cutting

Stem cutting is best done in spring or late summer. Mature stems should be about three to four inches long and have no blooms. Strip leaves from the stem bottom, dip in water, and then in rooting hormone. Set in a pot containing rooting medium, water well and cover with a plastic bag.

Make sure the plastic bag doesn't touch the plant by inserting popsicle stick or pencil and propping the plastic bag on top of them. Again, you can use plastic margarine containers for the pots.

When your plant develops new growth you know that the roots have developed. Then, you can remove the plastic bag, water normally, harden off, and plant.

Root Cuttings

In the spring, carefully dig up a portion of an established plant and remove a root. Cut this root into 2 inch pieces. Fill a pot with a mixture of one part sand and one part peat moss and place the root section into it.

Cover with 1 inch of the mixture. Moisten with a mist and place a plastic bag over the top preserve humidity. Place the pot in indirect sun and keep moist. When you see sprouts, remove the plastic bag and water normally until the cutting is big enough to plant outside.

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AeroGarden 900110-1208 Classic Garden 3-Pod with Gourmet Herb Seed Kit, Black Sale Price: $59.95   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description The AeroGarden 3 offers the aeroponic magic of our original AeroGarden in a stylish, space-saving package. About the same size as a coffee maker, it’s perfect for kitchens that are short on counter space. It’s also great as a “living flower bouquet” on a desk, entry table or dresser. Grow fresh Basil, Chives & Thyme with the included Gourmet Herb Seed Kit. Seed kits for cherry tomatoes, chili peppers, salad greens, flowers and more are available. 100% success guaranteed. Features Revolutionary kitchen appliance lets you grow your own food indoors all year round right in your own kitchen Dirt-free NASA-tested aeroponic technology grows plants in water, nutrients, and air Computerized Adaptive Growth Intelligence monitors growth and alerts you when to add water and nutrients Organically based and 100% natural Measures 20 x 9.5 x 11 inches; 1-year limited warranty

Assortment of 12 Culinary Herb Seeds - Grow Cooking Herbs- Parsley, Thyme, Cilantro, Basil, Dill, Oregano, Sage, More Sale Price: $10.95   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description QUALITY & QUANTITY GUARANTEE Each Packet comes with lots of seed, grow herbs indoors and outdoors! Plenty of seed to experiment with and grow a full herb garden! Our seed is also Guaranteed to grow! Assortment of 12 Culinary Herb Seeds Parsley, Thyme, Cilantro/Coriander, Basil, Dill, Oregano, Sweet Marjoram, Chives, Savory, Garlic Chives, Mustard, Sage. Features Parsley, Thyme, Cilantro/Coriander, Basil, Dill, Oregano Sweet Marjoram, Chives, Savory, Garlic Chives, Mustard, Sage.

AeroGarden 2101-00B Classic Garden 7-Pod With Gourmet Herb Seed Kit - Black Sale Price: $99.95   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product Description Enjoy the taste and fragrance of fresh herbs, vegetables and salad greens grown right in your kitchen. The AeroGarden grows them all with no dirt, mess or pesticides. Plants grow in water, nutrients and air, up to twice as fast as plants grown in soil. It’s easy, foolproof, and 100% guaranteed. It’s self-watering and self-feeding. The AeroGarden automatically controls the built-in grow bulbs and tells you when to add more water and nutrients. Grow fresh Italian Basil, Purple Basil, Chives, Dill, Mint, Parsley & Thyme with the included Gourmet Herb Seed Kit. Seed kits for cherry tomatoes, chili peppers, romaine lettuce, petunias and more also are available. Features The original indoor garden Everything you need to grow now Easy, foolproof and 100% guaranteed No dirt, no mess, no green thumb required Over 400,000 satisfied AeroGardeners

Indoor Culinary Herb Garden Starter Kit- Start Growing Fresh Cooking Herbs & Spices- Great Gift Idea!- Seeds: Parsley, Thyme, Cilantro, Basil, Dill, Oregano, Sweet Marjoram, Chives, Savory, Garlic Chives, Mustard, Sage List Price: $34.95 Sale Price: $32.95 You save: $2.00 (6%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Cool indoor herb gardening kit. Grow your own fresh cooking herbs indoors year round. Add zest and flavor to your cooking, and enjoy the fun and benefits of indoor gardening. Nothing improves your cooking like fresh herbs. Herb Kits make fantastic gifts. Contents: Tray, Dome, 50 Peat Pellets, 12 packages Culinary Herbs: Parsley, Thyme, Cilantro, Lemon Basil, Dill, Oregano, Sweet Marjoram, Chives, Savory, Garlic Chives, Mustard, Sage, Instructions Features Assortment of 12 Culinary Herb Seeds Parsley, Thyme, Cilantro, Lemon Basil, Dill, Oregano, Marjoram, Chives, Savory, Garlic Chives, Mustard & Sage Package of 50 Jiffy Peat Pellets & Greenhouse Dome and Tray, Laminated Comprehensive Instructions Rated "Top Pick" by Weekend Journal Section of the Wall Street Journal - March 26, 2004 Winner of Editors Pick from Five Star Review Magazine - December 2004 Makes a great gift idea for any occassion

AeroGarden 0001-00Z Gourmet Herb Seed Kit List Price: $19.95 Sale Price: $15.95 You save: $4.00 (20%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product Description Turn everyday meals into extraordinary dishes. The Gourmet Herb Seed Kit grows a variety of the most popular herbs for adding fresh, zesty flavor to meals: Thyme, Chives, Italian Basil, Purple Basil, Dill, Mint and Parsley. Simple, foolproof Plug & Grow seed pods are guaranteed to grow. No dirt or green thumb required. Harvest in 3 to 4 weeks and continue harvesting for up to 4 months. Features Italian Basil, Purple Basil, Chives, Dill, Mint, Parsley & Thyme No dirt & no mess Herbs are ready in 3-4 weeks and keep producing for up to 4 months Includes seed pods, nutrients and Tending & Harvesting Guide For AeroGarden Classic, PRO100, PR0200 & AeroGarden Deluxe

Italian Herb Garden Trio: Indoor Garden Gift Set incl. 3 planters, dip tray, seeds, peat soil pellets. List Price: $35.99 Sale Price: $32.99 You save: $3.00 (8%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product Description Italian Herb Trio. Features a trio of aromatic herbs: basil, oregano and chives. Set includes three pieces of 4" height x 3.5" width stoneware planters with a 11" long dip tray.Set also includes seeds, peat soil pellets which will expand once exposed to water, growing instructions (on the side of the box). Growing result will depend on external growing conditions including sunlight, water, temperature. Features Italian Herb Trio: Indoor Garden Gift Set incl. 3 planters, dip tray, seeds, peat soil pellets. Features a trio of aromatic herbs: basil, oregano and chives. Set includes three 4" height x 3.5" width stoneware planters with a 11" long dip tray. Set also includes seeds, peat soil pellets which will expand once exposed to water, growing instructions (on the side of the box). Growing result will depend on external growing conditions including sunlight, water, temperature.

Chia Gourmet Herb Garden Sale Price: $20.70   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product Description The patented Chia Growing Sponge is ideal for indoor herb gardens. It provides just the right air-to-water ratio for fast germination and vigorous growth. Distinctive terra cotta pots add a richness to your hoM.D.ecor. Two bonus packets of seeds will allow you to plant your favorite gourmet mix. The patented Chia Growing Sponge makes growing herbs indoors clean, easy and fun. Easy to do and fun to grow! The herbs from your Chia Terra Cotta Herb Garden will be beautiful, fragrant and delicious. Everything you need to grow garden fresh herbs in your own home.This kit contains the following gourmet herbs: curled parsley (garnish, marinades, fines herbes mix), dill (fish dishes, pickles, sauces, garnish); chives (cheese spread, omelets, soup garnish), basil (pesto, tomato sauce, stuffing), and 2 extra herbs (cilantro and marjoram). The complete kit includes: four 3-inch terra cotta pots, four matching saucers, four plastic saucer liners, four Chia Growing Sponges, six seed packets, six plant markers, and complete, easy-to-follow instructions, recipes and helpful hints. Features One terra cotta herbal garden kit Includes 3 Chia growing sponges, 3 matching saucers, 3 plastic Saucer Liners, 6 seed packets and plant markers Includes easy-to-follow instructions Ideal for growing indoor herb gardens Includes distinctive terra cotta pots to complement home decor

Ferry-Morse Organic Seeds 3242 Collection - Herbs 4.82 Gram Packet List Price: $9.99 Sale Price: $7.68 You save: $2.31 (23%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Ferry-Morse has been serving up the best in seed and gardening supplies for over 100 years, and we-footre proud to still be innovating and improving. Whether you-footre looking for the finest in flowers or gourmet garden vegetables, you will find all your answers here. Take a minute and explore the product categories to the right for planning and inspiration, or visit the Gardeners Corner for over a century-foots worth of wisdom. At Ferry-Morse we want you to enjoy your best ever gardening experience. Ferry-Morse Seed Company offers gardener's over 350 varieties of flower, vegetable, and herb seed. Ferry-Morse Seeds can be found in retailers across the United States. Features USDA Organic Guaranteed To Grow 1 each of Basil, Chives, Cilantro, Parsley & Thyme Seed Packets

Green Arbor 8938 Organic Windowsill Herb Garden Sale Price: $12.99   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description An eco-friendly way for even the novice gardener to start and grow organic herbs right on her windowsill. Bio-pots may be kep inside or transplanted into a larger container or directly into the ground. Great gift idea for your culinary friend who likes to grow organic and cook with savory herbs. Features Organic herbs: cilantro, parsley, chives, and oregano at your fingertips Contains 4 biodegradable pots for easy transplanting Contains "guaranteed to germinate" a Ferry-Morse organic seed packets and Jiffy peat pellets for growing success

AeroGarden 2101-00S Classic 7-Pod with Gourmet Herb Seed Kit, Silver List Price: $149.95 Sale Price: $99.95 You save: $50.00 (33%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product Description Enjoy the taste and fragrance of fresh herbs, vegetables and salad greens grown right in your kitchen. The AeroGarden grows them all with no dirt, mess or pesticides. Plants grow in water, nutrients and air, up to twice as fast as plants grown in soil. It’s easy, foolproof, and 100% guaranteed. It’s self-watering and self-feeding. The AeroGarden automatically controls the built-in grow bulbs and tells you when to add more water and nutrients. Grow fresh Italian Basil, Purple Basil, Chives, Dill, Mint, Parsley & Thyme with the included Gourmet Herb Seed Kit. Seed kits for cherry tomatoes, chili peppers, salad greens, petunias and more are available. 100% success guaranteed. Features The original indoor garden Everything you need to grow now Easy, foolproof and 100% guaranteed No dirt, no mess, no green thumb required Over 400,000 satisfied AeroGardeners