Growing Herb Garden Seeds – Sweet Basil and Borage

For anyone wishing to partake in the rewarding and fruitful hobby of gardening, the herb garden is by far the easiest way to go. Herbs are hardy, resilient plants that have the ability to adapt and thrive in soil that is poor in nutrients, while other plants can not. All it takes is a few inches of dirt, a plant and with minimal watering and virtually no fertilizing; you’ll soon have a bountiful garden anyone can be proud of.

For those who are looking only to produce fresh herbs, starting with a plant is the easiest way, however, this method does not allow for the wonderful experience of actually creating a bountiful harvest by planting only a seed. Planting by seed does require a bit more work, but the benefits, memories and experiences are well worth the effort. Nothing can compare to the feeling of being one with nature as you care for and watch your tiny seed grow into a beautiful herb plant ready for harvesting.

While growing herbs from seeds can be a satisfying experience, there are however, some varieties of herbs that do not produce viable plants when starting from seed form. Basil, Sage, Chives and Dill are all perfect choices when it comes to starting from scratch, or seed form. The herb plants Thyme and Peppermint however do not produce viable seeds that can produce hardy plants. In addition, there are some herb plants that are hybrid forms which do not reproduce from seed form. One example of this problem is French Tarragon, which does not produce useable “off spring” in order to reproduce. Rosemary is another herb which has a low rate of germination, which can make it difficult, if not almost impossible to grow from seed form.

The first step in producing a successful herb garden from seed form is to first pick the variety of herb you wish to grow. After making your selection, it is now time to purchase your seeds. It is important to note, that seeds are just like every other living organism and can be affected by a multitude of influences. Always make sure to purchase a quality brand of seed as well as ensure its freshness date on the package.

After choosing your variety of herb and purchasing your quality seeds, it is now time to decide if you wish to plant them in a garden or in a container. While herbs are a hardy breed, there are some that prefer or thrive in certain situations. Basil, for example thrives well in a container, while Lavender works best in a landscape garden situation.

Sweet Basil
In order to successfully plant Sweet Basil from seed form, you must first sow the seeds a few inches into the soil of a pot.Then, place the pot in a plastic bag or even simpler, cover the pot with a plate. It is important to ensure that the pot you have selected features proper drainage. Next, water the seed by placing a small amount into the drain area.

After the seeds have started to sprout or germinate, it is safe to remove the plastic bag or plate cover. Make sure your sprouts are exposed to plenty of reflective light. At the beginning of this process, you may want to use a dozen or so seeds to see how many will actually grow, however, it is best to only have a few per pot at the end.

Borage
This hardy herb does well in any situation, from seed tray, to pot, to landscape gardens; the Borage will produce a beautiful and bountiful crop. All this plant requires is sufficient sunlight, and soil that is moist, but not wet.

If you have started your seeds in a pot, once they have sprouted, you can then transplant them into the ground if desired. It is important to remember that when transplanting these plants, you plant each one at least twelve inches away from the other. The Borage produces a beautiful and delicate flower that is used in the culinary arts for soups, salads or anything you wish to add a hint of cucumber flavoring too.

While herbs are the easiest of plants to grow, they do require a little extra care when starting from seed form. After experiencing a few withering and a few thriving plants, you’re sure to discover just what each plant needs to successfully create a wondrous, aromatic herb garden.

         

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