How to Grow Herbs | Medicinal and Culinary Herb Growing Guide

Survival Seed Vault Special

Starting Soil Transplanting

Growing your own herbs for the medicine cabinet can be tremendously rewarding and provide an important means to a life of self-sufficiency. Similarly, growing your own culinary herbs for use in the kitchen is a simple way to add pizzazz to your diet.

Heirloom seeds are the gardeners choice for seed-saving from year-to-year. Learning to save seeds is easy and fun with these books. Before you harvest, consider which varieties you might want to save seeds from so that your harvesting practice includes plants chosen for seed saving. Be sure to check out our newest seed packs, available now from Heirloom Organics. The Super Food Garden is the most nutrient dense garden you can build and everything you need is right here in one pack. The Genesis Garden s a very popular Bible Garden collection. The Three Sisters Garden was the first example of companion planting in Native American culture. See all of our brand-new seed pack offerings in our store.

     
   
 
Guide to Growing Agrimony   Guide to Growing Angelica   Guide to Growing Anise
How to Grow Agrimony | Guide to Growing Agrimony

Agrimony was introduced to the Americas from Europe, alleviating symptoms of fever with native peoples.

  How to Grow Angelica | Guide to Growing Angelica

Legend says, Angelica was revealed in a dream by an angel to cure the plague.

  How to Grow Anise | Guide to Growing Anise

Anise is most commonly
used as a flavor in sweets
and confections

 
Guide to Growing Anise Hyssop   Guide to Growing Artichoke   Guide to Growing Ashwagandha
How to Grow Anise Hyssop | Guide to Growing Anise Hyssop

Anise hyssop makes a delightful addition to mixed herbal teas and a fine tea all to itself.

  How to Grow Artichoke | Guide to Growing Artichoke

Artichoke has enjoyed a long tradition of medicinal use extending back to the early Greek cultures.

  How to Grow Ashwagandha | Guide to Growing Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is regarded
as one of the great
rejuvenative herbs of India.

 
Guide to Growing Astragalus   Guide to Growing Basil   Guide to Growing Bergamot
How to Grow Astragalus | Guide to Growing Astragalus

Astragalus is revered in Chinese medicine for its reputation as an immune strengthening tonic.

  How to Grow Basil | Guide to Growing Basil

Basil is a member of the mint family. Has a pungent flavor that some describe as a cross between licorice & cloves.

  How to Grow Bergamot | Guide to Growing Bergamot

The fresh or dried leaves
are brewed into a
refreshing aromatic and medicinal tea.

 
Guide to Growing Boneset   Guide to Growing Borage   Guide to Growing Burdock
How to Grow Boneset | Guide to Growing Boneset

Used by North American Indians for stomach problems, colds, & fevers, in addition to arthritis.

  How to Grow Borage | Guide to Growing Borage

Once known as the "herb of courage", Borage was used to decorate the vestaments of departing crusaders.

  How to Grow Burdock | Guide to Growing Burdock

Burdock has a long history
of use as a detoxifying herb, & is said to have a strong affinity for the blood.

 
Guide to Growing Calendula   Guide to Growing Caraway   Guide to Growing Cardamom
How to Grow Calendula | Guide to Growing Calendula

Calendula is added to salves & other topical preparations & has been shown to speed the healing of wounds.

  How to Grow Caraway | Guide to Growing Caraway

Caraway seeds are often added to breads, cakes, soups, ect., to add a
distinct and pungent flavor.

  How to Grow Cardamom | Guide to Growing Cardamom

Cardamom adds a uniquely sweet quality to many commercial beverages and other products.

 
Guide to Growing Catnip   Guide to Growing Chamomile   Guide to Growing Chives
How to Grow Catnip | Guide to Growing Catnip

Catnip is valued for its healing properties. The aromatic herb is a member of the mint family.

  How to Grow Chamomile | Guide to Growing Chamomile

The anti-inflammatory properties make it good for rheumatism, arthritis, and other painful swellings.

  How to Grow Chives | Guide to Growing Chivse

Related to the onion and leek. Chives have a mild onion flavor and are
available fresh year-round.

 
Growing Chrysanthemum   Guide to Growing Cilantro   Guide to Growing Codonopsis
How to Grow Chrysanthemum | Guide to Growing Chrysanthemum

This tea is rich in range of vitamins from iron, vitamin C, magnesium, calcium and potassium and more.

  How to Grow Cilantro | Guide to Growing Cilantro

Cilantro has a lively, pungent fragrance that some describe as "soapy."

  How to Grow Codonopsis | Guide to Growing Codonopsis

Codonopsis root is rapidly gaining popularity for its reputation as "poor man's Ginseng".

 
Guide to Growing Cumin   Guide to Growing Dandelion   Guide to Growing Dill
How to Grow Cumin | Guide to Growing Cumin

The seeds of cumin are believed to be the second most popular spice in the world.

  How to Grow Dandelion | Guide to Growing Dandelion

Dandelion has long been recognized for its myriad applications in medical herbalism.

  How to Grow Dill | Guide to Growing Dill

The distinctive flavor of
fresh dill weed in no way translates to its dried form.

 
Guide to Growing Echinacea   Guide to Growing Epazote   Guide to Growing Fennel
How to Grow Echinacea | Guide to Growing Echinacea

Echinacea has been used in North America for more than 400 years to treat infections, wounds, & a general cure-all.

  How to Grow Epazote | Guide to Growing Epazote

Epazote is used in many traditional Mexican dishes including tamales, salsa, and enchiladas.

  How to Grow Fennel | Guide to Growing Fennel

The fennel base & stems
can be eaten raw in salads used in braising, sautéing
or in soups.

 
Guide to Growing Fenugreek   Guide to Growing Feverfew   Guide to Growing Garlic
How to Grow Fenugreek | Guide to Growing Fenugreek

Fenugreek leaves can make a flavor addition to salads or other raw dishes or dried and used with meat or poultry.

  How to Grow Feverfew | Guide to Growing Feverfew

Feverfew was first introduced to North America by European settlers in the 17th century.

  How to Grow Garlic | Guide to Growing Garlic

Garlic is a cousin to onions. The edible bulb or "head" grows beneath the ground.

 
Guide to Growing Garlic Chives   Guide to Growing Hibiscus   Guide to Growing Holy Basil
How to Grow Garlic Chives | Guide to Growing Garlic Chives

Similar to chives, but with a decidedly garlicky nuance, both in aroma and flavor.

  How to Grow Hibiscus | Guide to Growing Hibiscus

Hibiscus has a sweet, aromatic flavor and high levels of vitamin C & antioxidants.

  How to Grow Holy Basil | Guide to Growing Holy Basil

Holy Basil is believed to
help bring purity & serenity to the heart and mind.

 
Guide to Growing Hyssop   Guide to Growing Lavender   Guide to Growing Lemon Balm
How to Grow Hyssop | Guide to Growing Hyssop

Today Hyssop is sometimes used to provide comfort to the upper respiratory system and soothe the sore throat.

  How to Grow Lavender | Guide to Growing Lavender

Lavender is prized worldwide for the gentle and soothing therapeutic properties.

  How to Grow Lemon Balm | Guide to Growing Lemon Balm

A truly delightful tea made from the dried leaves stimulates the heart &
calms the nerves.

 
Guide to Growing Lemon Grass   Guide to Growing Licorice   Guide to Growing Lovage
How to Grow Lemon Grass | Guide to Growing Lemon Grass

Lemon Grass is most commonly added to curries, soups broths or as a tea.

  How to Grow Licorice | Guide to Growing Licorice

Marsh Mallow is said to be anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and wound-healing.

  How to Grow Lovage | Guide to Growing Lovage

Lovage is a hardy perennial herb has an odor and taste that are often compared to parsley and celery.

 
Guide to Growing Marjoram   Guide to Growing Marsh Mallow   Guide to Growing Mint
How to Grow Marjoram | Guide to Growing Marjoram

Marjoram can be used to flavor a variety of foods, particularly meats and vegetables.

  How to Grow Marsh Mallow | Guide to Growing Marsh Mallow

Marsh Mallow is said to be anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and wound-healing.

  How to Grow Mint | Guide to Growing Mint

Mint makes an excellent
tea, and adds flavor to
many foods. It is also very good for digestive problems.

 
Guide to Growing Mullein   Guide to Growing Nettle   Guide to Growing Oregano
How to Grow Mullein | Guide to Growing Mullein

Greek mythology holds that Ulysses carried Mullein to protect himself from the evil Circe.

  How to Grow Nettle | Guide to Growing Nettle

Nettle has been used for 100s of years to treat painful muscles and joints, eczema, arthritis, gout, and anemia.

  How to Grow Oregano | Guide to Growing Oregano

Similar to marjoram but is
not as sweet and has a stronger, more pungent
flavor and aroma.

 
Guide to Growing Parsley   Guide to Growing Peppercorns   Guide to Growing Plantain
Guide to Growing Parsley

This slightly peppery, fresh-flavored herb is more commonly used as a flavoring and garnish.

  How to Grow Peppercorns | Guide to Growing Peppercorns

Black Peppercorn is the worlds most commonly used spice, pairing with salt on dinner tables.

  How to Grow Plantain | Guide to Growing Plantain

Plantain is classified as a diuretic, astringent and is commonly used topically to assist with burns & cuts.

 
Guide to Growing Pleurisy Root   Guide to Growing Rose   Guide to Growing Rosemary
How to Grow Pleurisy Root | Guide to Growing Pleurisy Root

Some Native American legends tell of the roots being used as a body wash for lifting and running strength.

  How to Grow Rose | Guide to Growing Rose

Rose hips have a tangy, fruity flavor similar to that of cranberries.

  How to Grow Rosemary | Guide to Growing Rosemary

An easy to grow perennial that enhances everything from eggs to bread to vegetables and meats.

 
Guide to Growing Safflower   Guide to Growing Sage   Guide to Growing Salad Burnet
How to Grow Safflower | Guide to Growing Safflower

Safflower was once used as less expensive replacement for Saffron.

  How to Grow Sage | Guide to Growing Sage

The narrow, oval, gray-green leaves of this pungent herb are slightly bitter and have a musty mint taste and aroma.

  How to Grow Salad Burnet | Guide to Growing Salad Burnet

Salad Burnet is commonly used in salads & dressings, where it reminds some of cucumber.

 
Guide to Growing Savory   Guide to Growing Sesame   Guide to Growing Skullcap
How to Grow savory | Guide to Growing savory

Savory is used in place of Sage to flavor various meat and poultry dishes.

  How to Grow Sesame | Guide to Growing Sesame

From bagels to sushi, these tiny seeds add a richness and texture that simply cannot be duplicated.

  How to Grow Skullcap | Guide to Growing Skullcap

Skullcap was well known among Native American healers as a strong female medicinal herb.

 
Guide to Growing Solomon's Seal   Guide to Growing Sorrel   Guide to Growing Spikenard
How to Grow Solomon's Seal | Guide to Growing Solomon's Seal

Solomon's Seal has been said to have efficacy in treating a wide range of conditions.

  How to Grow Sorrel | Guide to Growing Sorrel

Sorrel is most commonly used to impart flavor to soups, salad, and fish in French cuisine.

  How to Grow Spikenard | Guide to Growing Spikenard

Spikenard shares many common properties with its close relative American Ginseng.

 
Guide to Growing Sunflower   Guide to Growing Tarragon   Guide to Growing Tea
How to Grow Sunflower | Guide to Growing Sunflower

Sunflower seeds are
delicious fresh, dried or pressed into oil. A hardy
and quick grower.

  How to Grow Tarragon | Guide to Growing Tarragon

Tasting somewhat like Anise, Tarragon is mildly sweet and adds excellent flavor to sauces, soups, vegetables.

  How to Grow Tea | Guide to Growing Tea

The original tea plant,
whose leaves account for
the myriad varieties of
green, white & black teas.

 
Guide to Growing Thyme   Guide to Growing Tobacco   Guide to Growing Valerian
How to Grow Thyme | Guide to Growing Thyme

Thyme is widely used in cooking to add flavor to vegetables, meat, poultry & fish, soups & cream sauces.

  How to Grow Tobacco | Guide to Growing Tobacco

Many homeowners wish to grow tobacco in their yard or garden for ornamental purposes or for personal use.

  How to Grow Valerian | Guide to Growing Valerian

Popular problems relating
to anxiety & insomnia, Valerian has been used in Europe for 1000s of years.

 
Guide to Growing Vervain   Guide to Growing Violet   Guide to Growing Wintergreen
How to Grow Vervain | Guide to Growing Vervain

Blue Vervain has traditionally been used for a wide range of imbalances, including colds, coughs, flus and more.

  How to Grow Violet | Guide to Growing Violet

Though largely forgotten in modern herbalism, the use of Violet extends back hundreds of years, if not longer.

  How to Grow Wintergreen | Guide to Growing Wintergreen

Wintergreen tea was the
tea of choice during the
American Revolution.

 
Guide to Growing Wood Betony        
How to Grow Wood Betony | Guide to Growing Wood Betony

Wood Betony is sometimes used to relieve headaches, neuralgia, stomach and abdominal problems.

           


   
 

Some tips on culinary herbs:

Culinary HerbsStarting Herb Seeds

Herb seeds may require considerably more care and patience than other types of seeds. We recommend starting all herbs indoors in flats or small containers some weeks prior to the final frost of spring to make best use of sometimes rare and often expensive seeds. When sowing, use between 1-3 seeds per hole unless seeds are prone to low germination rates. Too many starts growing together can be difficult to separate later and both may show impaired development. If you do have 2 or more starts growing in close together, thin down to one and replant (or comsume) extra sprouts. After sowing cover flat (or container) with clear plastic lid or plastic wrap to retain moisture until seeds have started to germinate and poke through the soil-medium.

 

Soil for Herb Seeds

Chopped HerbsDo not use garden soil or other soil from your yard to start herbs. Such mediums may not be sterile and can be often contain mold or fungus which can be detrimental to germination seeds and young starts. Common soil may also contain excessive amounts of clay, which will not allow for proper drainage.

Always use a sterilized, organic potting medium that is rich in nutrient content, yet offers good drainage. Your medium should be of a fine, rather than a coarse consistency, to ensure good seed-soil contact that will deliver the necessary moisture for germination. Keep your soil moist, especially prior to germination, and be gentle when watering so as not to disturb your seeds, especially tiny seeds which may be sown at a very shallow depth or on top of the soil. A spray bottle, saturated paper towel, or very gentle water may be the best bet in such cases.

Transplant Herbs

Transplanting your Herbs

Transplant outdoors once the average date of the final frost of the spring has passed. Most starts will be ready for transplanting with the appearance of their first (or second) set of true leaves, not to be confused with cotyledons, the first leaf-like structures to appear. If starting in flats or shallow containers, do not wait too long to transplant as the roots can become stifled in the bottom of your container and inhibit development and growth later on.

For best results, gradually 'harden' plants for outdoor transplanting by exposing in increasing amounts of sunlight and outdoor conditions, but do not leave containers outdoors overnight if concerned about spring freeze. Try to transplant on a cloudy overcast day to minimize the possibility of immediate shock from sunlight and heat.

Home Tobacco Pack
You can find herbs in the following Seed Packs:
Non GMO/Non Hybrid Kitchen Herb SeedsNon GMO/Non Hybrid Culinary Herb SeedsNon GMO/Non Hybrid Medicinal Herb SeedsNon GMO/Non Hybrid Medicinal Herb SeedsNon GMO/Non Hybrid Tea Garden Seeds
Non GMO/Non Hybrid Tobacco Seeds
Click the packs below to see some of our other wonderful products
Heirloom Organics Products
Kitchen Herb Pack 1 Kitchen Herb Pack 2 Tobacco Pack Tea Garden Pack Chili Pepper Pack Drying Beans Pack Garden Salad Bowl Pack Heirloom Tomato Pack Fruit Pack Greens Pack Medicine Herb Pack 2 Medicine Herb Pack 1 Family Pack Fresh Sprouts Pack Survival Seed Vault Farm Pack Grains Pack Homestead Pack Livestock Pack
 

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