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Herb Seeds Buying Guide

Looking to spice  up your garden (pun intended) with some inexpensive herbs?   You're in luck, because these plants  are easy to maintain and won't wreak havoc upon your wallet.   Plus, you can grown herbs practically anywhere, from your windowsill to your outdoor garden  along with the flower bulbs. 

Before Buying

Before you run out to buy dozens of packs of herb seeds, ask yourself:

  • Are you growing herbs primarily for cooking or craft projects?
  • Do you have the right environment to grow herb seeds in your home?
  • Do you want to dry the herbs so you can use them later?
  • Do you want your herbs to grow back year after year?
  • Which methods will work best for you – seed packets,  kits  or container gardens? 

Types

Herbs are commonly grown for their use in the kitchen, or for their pleasing aromas--you can grow herbs specifically to dry them out and make potpourri.  Some gardeners also use herbs as natural pest repellents in flower and vegetable patches.  When buying the right herbs for your purpose, keep this information in mind: Herbs are classified as annual, biennial or perennial. Annuals only last one  season and perennials return every year, often forming the backbone of an herb  garden.

  • Annual herbs  grow very quickly and are best started from seed.
  • Biennial herbs,  like parsley, grow for two years before going to seed.
  • Perennials  can be started from seed, but it’s often easier to buy them as plants.

Buying/Growing Tips

  • Purchase herb seed that is hardy for the zone where you live.
  • Most herbs grow best in full sun or six or more hours of daily sunlight.
  • Lightly mulch to retain moisture and control weeds.
  • In cold weather, move herbs inside. A container placed in a cool, sunny window will work best.
  • If you're cooking with your herbs, place the garden right next to the kitchen window so you can easily snip what you need.'
  • Once you've picked your herbs, you can keep them fresh in the refrigerator for about a week. For prolonged preservation, you can also dry or freeze them.
  • When buying seed packets, make sure the packs contain all the important information about planting, growing and harvesting.

Related Guides

Indoor Herb Gardens

Vegetable Seeds

Annuals

Weed Control

Gardening Tips

External Links