Starter Herb Garden in Edmonton

I recently decided to start a herb garden next year, because our summer is half way over. I am just wondering if as a beginner I should start with plants not seeds? Also I have an idea of what I would like to grow but I would like to know what will do best in my climate of such a short summer.

You will have quicker results if you start with plants. A good choice would be the herb garden collection of 12 plants, catalogue # P7400. Because Edmonton is so far north, it has wonderfully long days during the summer and plants grow like topsy during those long, hot, sunny days. If you can set up a light set-up with a two tube fixture, you can nicely bring the plants through the winter no matter how cold and dark it is outside. Place the plant as close to the lights as you can and let all that greenery and light make you forget that it is minus 40 outside!
After you have mastered growing the plants, you could try the culinary herb garden collection, catalogue #S7500, to start your experiences with seeds. Start them under lights or on a sunny windowsill in early spring and put them outside when all danger of frost is over. Put the seedlings in the shade at first and gradually move the pots into the sun over a period of two weeks. After this "hardening" process, you can plant them in their garden positions.