How to grow herbs from seed
You don't need a greenhouse to grow herbs from seed - a bright windowsill indoors will do almost as well
Fill a tray or small pot with specialist seed compost to within half an inch of the rim. A 3in pot is ideal. Water the container to moisten compost before sowing seeds.
Fine herb seeds can be sprinkled thinly over the compost's surface (about ten evenly spaced seeds per pot) before covering them with a sprinkling of compost. Seal the remaining seeds in their packet for sowing later in the season.
Stand containers in a tray, and water with a sprayer so you don't disturb your seedlings.
Next, label your pots, including the sowing date, to identify what you've planted and when.
Seedlings should be pricked out into their own pots as soon as the first set of true leaves is visible. Hold young plants by the edge of its seed leaf. Make a hole in the centre of a new pot filled with compost and gently lever the roots from original compost. Plant seedlings up to the level of the seed leaves.
Seedlings need weaning from their windowsill before planting outdoors. If you have one, place in a cold frame for two or three weeks.
Herbs to suit your style...
Try these herb gardens to cook up a culinary storm
The Italian container garden Basil, oregano, tumbling cherry tomato plants, marjoram, thyme and rosemary.
The hot and spicy container garden Coriander, jalapeño or other hot pepper, chives, Helichrysum (curry plant), tumbling cherry tomato plants.
Summer tea container garden Lemon balm, camomile, mint (chocolate, apple, spearmint, peppermint). Beware - many of these plants are quite invasive, so may be best potted into their own containers!
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