Growing Herbs at HomeMar 4, 2025
You know the saying, from a tiny seed a mighty Oak can grow! If you’re starting some new plants from seed, get excited and get prepared. Gardening is truly about taking your time, minding the important details, and learning the beauty of planning ahead.
Get our tips for successfully growing plants from seeds, from their first watering to their long-term spot in your garden.
Note: You may want to read with this Glossary open – it details many useful terms!
Watering your seeds will start the germination process, but keep in mind that newly sprouted roots are sensitive. They are prone to waterlogging and root rot – fresh sprouts can’t handle heavy watering. Some seed packets give the frequency of waterings necessary at planting for establishment, like keeping it moist or letting it dry out between watering.
A seed packet may note whether the plant grows better in containers or directly in the ground. It may need to be started in a greenhouse before being transferred outside. A specific soil temperature may also be needed for the seed to sprout its root and shoot. Other pre-treatment techniques mentioned may include soaking the seed before planting, cold stratification (exposing the seed to cold temperatures), or scarification (damaging the seedcoat). These all allow the seed coat to be altered to increase water penetration and/or mimic a dormant cold season, which increases germination.
Another good thing to know is your plants growing habits. Are they climbing and therefore need a support system? Do they creep along the ground and need a clear space to spread out? Are they bushier or shrub-like (rather than growing straight upright) and need more width between plants? Planting with these details in mind can help the long-term success of your garden, and give you beautiful landscaping.
Once you’re done planting, keep your seed packets. They’re great to reference year after year, and you can tape them in your gardening journal. Knowing the lot number and expiration date can also help you keep track of plantings and crop rotations. Alternatively, if you didn’t plant all of your seeds and you still have some leftover, make sure you store them in a cool, dark, and dry place. Or better yet, share them with a friend in a seed swap! Just make sure you have a record of the special care instructions for your plant.
Even though there’s so much to learn about gardening, you can learn by doing! Save this reference, along with our glossary, for use later on. Each plant you’ll come across is a little different, but having the ability to hack the seed system will surely help you grow lush, fertile, and beautiful plants.
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