Fresh herbs take even the simplest of meals into the next level. They are pricey in farmer’s markets and the grocery store brands don’t always have exactly the identical flavorful punch which home-grown varieties supply. The easiest way to solve all of these problems is to purchase a small plastic greenhouse and grow your own fresh herbs. All you need, aside from the greenhouse, is a sunny window, a few seeds and some dirt. Once your herb plants mature, just snip off what you need and save yourself a visit to the market.
Purchase a small plastic greenhouse that can fit in your windowsill, countertop or a small table beside a sunny window. Look for a greenhouse with a transparent lid, tall enough to contain 4- to 6-inch seedlings along with a system in place for water drainage.
Fill the planting cells of the greenhouse with somewhat moist, soiless potting mix designed for seed starting, recommends the University of Minnesota.
Place your herb seeds in the ground according to the package directions. Pay special attention to the planting depth indicated on the seed packet.
Gently water your seeds in order that the soil is moist but not sopping wet.
Place the clear plastic lid on top of the greenhouse and put it in a location that gets bright but not direct sunlight, as too much direct sunlight can cause condensation and dangerously significant temperatures.
Lift the lid of the greenhouse by about 1 inch, or open ports if required, to allow for airflow without drastically lowering the temperature or humidity. Shut the lid or ports after a couple of hours of fresh air.
Keep your seeds consistently moist but never wet. Adjust watering as necessary to ensure that your seeds never have water logged but also never dry out.
Transplant your seedlings to windowsill planters or an outdoor herb garden when the plants look strong and healthy and have grown at least two true leaves. Be sure to harden your plants, or gradually expose them to outside sunlight, temperatures and wind, before planting outdoors. Place them outdoors for one hour on the first day and gradually increase the time within the duration of 2 weeks.