Richters Herbs

You’re intrigued by what the herbs can do, or you want to try some new veggies, and you’re itching to start your own from seed. It’s okay. No need to feel intimidated. With some planning, patience, and care, you’ll soon be easily growing plants from seeds.

Many seeds need to be seeded early indoors for planting in the garden or in outdoor containers, while other faster growing seeds can be seeded directly in the garden. This how-to is focused on the ones that need to be started early. Or if you are planning to keep your plants indoors then this how-to is for you too.

First Steps

Start by choosing the seeds you’d like to grow. If you’re new to gardening, look for seeds labeled as "Easy Germination" on the Richters Herbs website or on the seed packet. These seeds don’t need any special treatment, and there are plenty of great options to choose from.

Try These Easy Germinators:

For Cooking: Basil, Parsley, Thyme, Cilantro, Chives, Savory
For Medicinal Use: Echinacea, Rue, Sage
For Tea or Relaxation: Chamomile, Lemon Balm, Mint, Catnip
For Fragrance & Fun: French Lavender, Marigold

When to Start Seeds

Order your seeds early so they arrive before planting season in your area.

Check the seed packet for instructions on when to start seeds indoors. If it says to start seeds 4, 6, or 8 weeks before the last frost or outdoor planting time, count back from your area’s last frost date. For example, in Southern Ontario, the estimated last frost date is around May 24th.

What You’ll Need

Seeds
Potting soil (any brand works)
Small pots (2–3 inches) with drainage holes, or peat pellets and trays
Craft stick, toothpick, or pencil for making holes in the soil
Water
Saucers or trays to catch water under pots
Plastic zipper bags for humidity control
Labels for pots (vinyl labels from Richters Herbs are a great option)
Permanent marker for labeling

How to Plant Seeds

Prepare the pot:
Fill the pot about ¾ full with potting soil. Gently pat the soil down, water thoroughly, and let it stand for 30 minutes before planting.
Handle tiny seeds:
For very small seeds like chamomile or thyme, pour them into a small container for easy handling. Pick them up with the tip of your finger and sprinkle about six seeds onto the soil. Lightly cover them with a thin layer of potting soil—no more than 2–3 times their thickness.
Plant medium to large seeds:
For seeds like basil, chives, or cilantro, poke a hole in the soil using a craft stick, toothpick, or pencil. Drop a seed into the hole, then gently cover it with soil as instructed on the packet.
Water carefully:
After planting, mist the soil surface with a spray bottle until it glistens with moisture.
Seal in humidity:
Place the pot inside a plastic zipper bag, leaving one corner slightly open for air circulation.
Provide light and warmth:
Position the pot on a windowsill or under a grow light. Rotate it daily for even exposure. For bottom heat, place the pot on top of the refrigerator or a seedling heat mat (maximum 30°C).
Check daily:
Keep the soil moist but not soggy. As seedlings sprout, gradually open the zipper bag more to increase airflow.
Thin seedlings:
Once seedlings have two sets of leaves or are nearing the top of the bag, remove the pot from the bag. Thin them out by snipping smaller seedlings, leaving one strong seedling per pot. If needed, carefully transplant extra seedlings into individual pots using a craft stick to lift them.

Hardening Off and Planting Outdoors

About a week before the last frost date, start hardening off your plants:

Place them in a shady outdoor spot for a few hours each day, gradually increasing their time outside over several days.
By day three, start introducing partial sun exposure.
Once plants have adapted to a full day outside, they’re ready to be planted in the garden or outdoor containers.

Plant sun-loving and shade-loving varieties in spots with appropriate light conditions for healthy growth.

Growing plants from seeds is a rewarding experience. With these steps, you’ll nurture your seedlings into thriving plants, whether you’re growing indoors or preparing a flourishing outdoor garden. Enjoy the journey, and happy gardening!

Terry-Lynn Malone is an accomplished gardener, an avid herb enthusiast, and a great fan of Richters.

Revised Dec 12th, 2024

Easy Seed StartingArticle