The Best Herb Seeds for Your Garden From Thompson and Morgan
Starting a thriving herb garden can seem daunting, but with the right seeds it’s easy to grow flavorful herbs at home. This straightforward guide from gardening experts at Thompson & Morgan walks through how to plant and care for ten of the Best Herb Seeds varieties for culinary and medicinal use. With simple steps anyone can set up their own herb garden, whether you’re a beginner or seasoned green thumb. Learn how to pick the ideal spot, prepare the soil, sow seeds correctly, and maintain your herb patch. You’ll discover tips to encourage rapid growth and have an abundance of herbs like basil, thyme, sage, and more in no time. Get ready to add fresh and fragrant herbs to your cooking and DIY natural remedies.
Choosing the Best Herb Seeds for Your Garden
When starting an herb garden, choosing high-quality seeds is key. For the best results, look for organic, non-GMO seeds from reputable seed companies. Some of the top herb seed brands are Burpee, Seeds of Change, and Thompson & Morgan.
Best Herb Seeds: Basil
Sweet basil is a culinary favorite, perfect for Caprese salads and pesto. Look for “Genovese” or “Italian Large Leaf” varieties which produce big, flavorful leaves. Purple basil has a distinctive color and clove-like flavor. Lemon and cinnamon basil also have great citrus aromas.
Best Herb Seeds: Rosemary
Rosemary comes in upright or prostrate varieties. Upright rosemary can reach up to 6 feet tall, while prostrate rosemary grows outwards, not upwards. Both have aromatic, needle-like leaves perfect for cooking. Rosemary seeds can be tricky to germinate, so you may want to start with a young plant.
Thyme
Common thyme and lemon thyme are the most popular for cooking. Thyme seeds are very small, so sow them shallowly and keep the soil moderately moist while germinating. Thyme prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
Mint
Mint spreads vigorously, so plant it in a container unless you want it to take over your garden! Spearmint and peppermint are the most common types. Mint seeds can be difficult to germinate, so you may have better luck with mint transplants or cuttings.
With the right seeds and care, you’ll have a thriving herb garden in no time. Happy planting!
Our Best Herb Seeds Picks From Thompson & Morgan for Any Herb Garden
Basil
No herb garden is complete without basil. Thompson & Morgan offers several varieties of this essential culinary herb, including sweet basil, lemon basil and cinnamon basil. Basil thrives in warm weather and full sun, so plant after the last frost. Pinch off leaves regularly to encourage new growth.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a fragrant, flavorful herb that works well in both sweet and savory dishes. Thompson & Morgan’s rosemary seeds produce an upright plant with needle-like leaves. Rosemary can tolerate some shade but prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, rosemary requires little maintenance.
Thyme
A popular herb for cooking, thyme comes in many varieties. Lemon thyme and silver thyme offer citrus and variegated foliage, respectively, in addition to the familiar flavor. Thyme thrives in full sun and moderately fertile, alkaline soil with good drainage. Thyme releases its aroma when crushed, and the leaves can be used fresh or dried.
Mint
No herb garden is complete without the refreshing scent of mint. Spearmint and peppermint are two of the most popular mints for cooking and tea. Mint aggressively spreads, so plant it in a container or barrier to control its spread. Mint thrives in shade and moist soil, making it an easy herb for beginners. Pinch off sprigs as needed for tea, cocktails or salads.
With a variety of basil, rosemary, thyme and mint, you’ll have the makings of a culinary herb garden that can spice up many of your favorite recipes. Choose your favorites from Thompson & Morgan’s wide selection for a garden overflowing with flavor.
Growing Tips for 10 Popular Best Herb Seeds From Thompson & Morgan Seeds
Basil
Basil is easy to grow and thrives in warm weather. Plant basil seeds in late spring, once the chance of frost has passed. Basil needs full sun and fertile, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH. Water the basil regularly to keep the soil consistently moist. Pinch off the tops to encourage bushy growth. Basil can be harvested once the plant reaches 6 to 8 inches tall by pinching off the top few leaves.
Chives
Chives are a perennial herb that come back year after year. They can be grown from seed, seedling, or division. Chives need full sun and well-drained soil. Bury the roots 1/4 inch deep and 2 to 3 inches apart. Chives require moderate watering and fertilizing. Once the plant is established, it can be harvested by snipping off the green tops.
Cilantro
Cilantro has a distinctive flavor that is essential for Mexican and Asian cuisine. It grows quickly from seed but goes to seed even faster in warm weather. Plant cilantro in early spring or late summer and choose a spot with shade or filtered sun. Cilantro needs moisture-retentive, well-drained soil. Water regularly to keep the soil consistently damp. Harvest cilantro once it reaches 6 inches tall by pinching off the outer leaves.
Lavender
Lavender is prized for its fragrant flowers and aromatic foliage. It grows into bushy shrubs up to 3 feet tall. Lavender thrives in full sun and well-drained, slightly alkaline soil. Space the plants 2 to 3 feet apart. Water lavender regularly for the first year while it’s establishing. After that, water only when the top few inches of soil are dry. Lavender can be harvested for its flowers, leaves, and essential oils.
Mint
Mint is a versatile herb used in cooking, tea, and cocktails. However, its vigorous growth means it can become invasive if not properly contained. Plant mint in a container or area where it cannot spread. Mint thrives in shade or partial shade and moist soil. Water mint regularly to keep the soil consistently damp but not soggy. Mint can be harvested once the plant reaches 6 to 8 inches tall by pinching off the top few leaves.
Starting your own herb garden can seem intimidating, but with the right seeds, tools, and know-how, you’ll be harvesting delicious and fragrant herbs in no time. Thompson & Morgan offers a fantastic selection of hardy herb varieties perfect for any gardener, from basil and cilantro to lavender and mint. Their seeds are specially selected for flavor, ease of growth, and pest-resistance. Follow the simple tips in this guide for preparing your garden bed, sowing seeds at the right time, watering, and troubleshooting any issues. In just a few weeks, you’ll be snipping fresh herbs to flavor your cooking, make tea, soaps, and more. Growing your own herbs is rewarding and adds beauty and usefulness to your yard. With Thompson & Morgan seeds and this handy guide, you have everything you need to dive in and start your herbal oasis today.
