HOW TO GROW HERBS FROM SEED

RAISING herbs from seed is easy and a very cheap way to ensure a generous amount of a wide range of herbs. This can be done in a greenhouse, porch or on a windowsill and applies to woody shrubs such as rosemary or sage as well as annuals such as basil.

You’ll need a peat-free general-purpose compost, some grit or vermiculite, seed trays, small pots and a watering can with a fine rose. If you can run to a propagator or heated mat, it will greatly speed up the process and increase the chances of successful germination. Use the grit or vermiculite to lighten the compost to boost drainage and provide a free root-run for the seedlings, and to sprinkle on top of the seed once sown.

1 SOW seed thinly, sprinkling it on the surface of the compost in a seed tray or pot. Sow two or three batches from the same packet rather than sowing it all at once. Water the compost well and keep it moist

but never soaking wet. It’s always better to water in the morning than at night.

2 WHEN the seedlings start to grow ‘ ‘true’ leaves, thin them to a single seedling per module or carefully prick out into plug trays or small pots and grow them on until they are ready to plant out.

3 HARDEN off seedlings by putting them outweek, side in a sheltered spot for at least a week then transfer them to their final groowing spot in a large container or in the ground.