Secret Two – Starting with Plants and Why

In most cases, you will not have a minimum of 5 to 6 hours of full sunlight available per day to induce seed germination. And if you are not using a lot of grow lights or high intensity discharge (HID) lighting, it will be difficult to get seeds to germinate. Plus many culinary herbs have a long time to put seedlings up. So if you are like I am and want some quick results, purchase plants from the nursery for an instant herb garden. This would hold true for outside, patio or indoor herb gardens.

Not all nursery plants are equal. Take time to examine plants before purchasing your herbs. Examine the plant for any signs of powdery mildew (feathery white growth on main stem or on leaves.) I like to pick plants in the 4 inch pots even though they are a couple of dollars more than the 2 inch pots. The four inch plants are further along to maturity.

When you get your plants home, give them three or four days to grow accustomed to their new environment, the light, the air circulation and so on. After 3 days to a week, I suggest transplanting to a one size larger container. For example, transplant a 4 inch pot to a 6 inch pot or a 2 inch pot to a 4 inch pot. Only move up one size so the plant is not shocked by too much space for the roots.