BellaOnline Forums Home and Garden Herbs Spring Herb Garden Ideas

I just started up a batch of herb seeds! I have lavender and rosemary for my make-your-own shampoo recipe. I also have dill for my various egg dishes, and two types of basil.

Is anyone else starting herbs? What are you growing?

I highly recommend it - it's very easy, cheap, and makes all your food taste wonderful! Plus it's great for homemade lotions and cleaners.

For the first time ever, I had success with parsley seeds this year! I grew them in a large flowerpot and kept it by the front step, so it could have shelter when necessary. It made it through wind, snow and ice so I'm pleased with my success at last.

That is awesome! Do you eat the parsley, or is it a decoration?

It's giant Italian flat leaf parsley - I actually eat it raw just as it is for a snack! or in salads & sandwiches. Actually I really need to sow some more.

I know it's not much of a photo, but here's how they look so far, one seed type per row -



I can see little green bits down in the holes, but no actual seedlings yet. I keep plastic wrap over the top and keep the unit in the sun.

OK the seeds are finally starting to sprout! Here are two photos from today.





So dill, basil, basil, lavender and rosemary.

We are planning on starting an herb garden this spring. Should I plant he seeds in the ground or start them in containers first? Is an herb garden easy to maintain?

Lisa,
I know your post was from last year, but I'm curious as to why the plastic wrap? I started my little herb garden this year and I'm a little concerned because it's so cold on the window sills. Did the plastic help?

Vance,
It is better to start the seeds like Lisa did, in containers. That is an assurance that bugs, slugs and other pests will not eat the seedlings. In containers in a sunny window means you can start them much earlier and they will be ready for transplanting at the right time. It is also much easier to keep an eye on them and fun to see them sprout. Then you can plant them in larger containers or the ground when they are ready for transplanting. Make sure to label each plant.

Dianne,
The plastic wrap is a good idea so the soil does not dry out. Soil in containers that small can dry out very fast. The plastic also gives a greehouse effect.

Nurseries in our area are just now getting seeds in. I want to start rosemary, basil, broadleaf sage and lavender. Lots of basil this year - I want to try making my own pesto!

Thanks Phyllis!!!
Ok...so I've got a few growing really well - do I just use them? do I cut them off and put them in the fridge? Do they go bad if you leave them in the pot until ready to use?