Sources of Herb Seeds

• Herb Varieties kitchen herbs image by PhotographerOne from Fotolia.com

  Herbs have a variety of uses including culinary, aromatic and medicinal. Wild herbs have been used throughout history to flavor foods, scent the air and protect against or cure common ailments. Most herbs grow wild or are easy to cultivate in small home gardens. Seeds, plants or roots or various seeds fluctuate due to availability or demand. Herbs that do not grow locally are often acquired through other sources.

Existing Plants

• Grow herbs from the seeds of existing plants. Seeds can be started even in the winter in pots as long as they have plenty of sunshine and moisture. Herbs that are easy to grow from seeds include basil, mint, oregano and parsley. Use a peat-rich soil and be prepared to move your plants outdoors as soon as weather permits. Fresh air and unfiltered sunlight enriches the flavor of homegrown herbs from seeds.

Garden Nurseries

• Garden nurseries and big-box garden centers carry not only seeds, but cuttings and plants that are ready to be transplanted into larger containers or directly into the soil. Nurseries are more likely to have organically grown seeds that have not been subjected to chemicals or inorganic fertilizers. Some nurseries also teach classes in how to plant and care for herbs grown from seeds and when to transplant them to outdoor gardens.

Commercial Herb Kits

• Commercial, ready-made herb kits consist of small peat pots in an egg crate-like plastic container to which you add soil, seeds and water. These come with complete planting and care instructions and are ideal for the beginning herbalist and often contain the most common herbs that will root successfully.

Seed Catalogs

• Medicinal herbs - Chamomilla Recutita image by Shirley Hirst from Fotolia.com

  Seed catalogs have supplied herbal gardeners with seeds for generations. Many now have Internet websites where you can order seeds directly. They are also a source for herb seeds that may not be native to your region of the country. They also offer cuttings for more exotic herbs or herbs that require long growing seasons.

Garden Club Exchanges

• Garden clubs often have seed exchange programs where members can exchange seeds with each other. Some specialize in herbs that are grown for cooking, for making scented products or those that are medicinal. Exchange seeds or cuttings of your own for ones that you want to add to your garden.

Nature Walks

• As many herbs grow wild, some seeds can be acquired while on your daily walk. In rural areas, herbs grow wild along road sides and in open meadows. In urban settings, some homeowners may not even be aware that they are growing herbs in their yards. Asking permission politely for some seeds from a plant is sometimes all it takes to get them.