7 Steps to Growing Herbs from Seeds
Last Updated: January 31, 2026
Potted herb plants are available at any garden store, but they’re not always practical to purchase. It’s always better to grow your own herbs so you can save more money and experience the joys of gardening at home.
When it comes to herb gardening, starting from herbs is one of the most effective methods to try. Here’s what you should do:
First and foremost, use garden containers built with proper drainage. Empty juice boxes, yogurt cartons and egg cartons are good options long as there are enough holes on them.
Second, fill the containers with some good organic soil and compost. These two will provide essential nutrients that will help your herb seeds grow to their full potential.
Next, always keep your herb seeds hydrated by watering them moderately. When everything is done, cover your containers with plastic wrap to preserve moisture.
Refer to this infographic now for the step-by-step instructions on starting herbs from seed. To share this blog post on your favorite social networks, just click the social buttons below!
Image Source: medicinalplantszone.com
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Tips & Best Practices
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DIY Projects
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 7 essential steps to growing herbs from seeds? The key steps include choosing quality seeds, using proper seed-starting mix, providing adequate warmth and moisture for germination, giving seedlings enough light, thinning seedlings appropriately, hardening off before transplanting, and transplanting at the right time. Following these steps ensures strong, healthy herb plants.
How long does it take to grow herbs from seeds to harvest? Most herbs take 6-12 weeks from seed to first harvest. Fast growers like basil and cilantro can be harvested in 6-8 weeks. Slower herbs like rosemary and oregano may take 10-12 weeks or longer. Parsley can take up to 14 weeks from seed to harvest.
What's the hardest part about growing herbs from seeds? Providing consistent moisture and warmth during germination is often the trickiest part. Seeds need to stay moist but not waterlogged, and most need temperatures of 65-75°F. Once seedlings emerge, providing adequate light without leggy growth is the next challenge.
Can I skip any of the 7 steps when growing herbs from seeds? Each step is important for success, but hardening off is the most commonly skipped—and that often leads to transplant shock. If you're growing herbs indoors permanently, you can skip hardening off and transplanting outdoors. Otherwise, follow all steps for best results.
