How to Plant Herbs from Seeds: A Beginner’s Guide for 2026

Starting Seeds by Barbara W. Ellis is a straightforward guide aimed at anyone who wants to grow vegetables, herbs, and flowers from seed. Part of the Storey BASICS series, this book skips the fluff and gets right to the practical steps. Whether you are a complete beginner or someone returning to gardening after a break, you will find clear explanations for every stage from sowing to transplanting to saving seeds.

The standout quality of this book is its simplicity. It covers the essential methods for indoor seed starting, including the right containers, soil mixes, and lighting. The book also explains how to harden off seedlings and transplant them successfully. With a focus on creating proper growing conditions, it helps you avoid common mistakes like overwatering or insufficient light. The included illustrations make the instructions even easier to follow.

At only 128 pages, this is a quick read that you can finish in an afternoon. The compact size means it fits easily on a shelf or in a garden bag for quick reference. The writing is clear and conversational, though some readers have noted that the layout could be more visually engaging. Still, the information is well organized and easy to find.

One drawback is that this guide stays at a basic level. If you already have experience starting seeds, you might not learn much new. A few reviewers mentioned that they wished for more depth on specific plant types or troubleshooting. However, for its intended audience of beginners, the book hits the mark perfectly.

Overall, Starting Seeds delivers exactly what it promises: a simple, reliable introduction to seed starting. It is an affordable and practical resource that will give new gardeners confidence. If you are looking for a no-fuss guide to get your garden started, this is a solid choice.

How to Grow Herbs from Seeds by Candice E Harrington is a practical guide aimed at anyone who wants to start herb gardening from scratch. The book takes you from selecting seeds to harvesting, with special attention to indoor setups, outdoor patches, and even micro herbs. It is written for complete beginners but also includes enough depth for seasoned gardeners interested in seed starting.

The standout feature is its scope. The author covers all the basics of seed germination, lighting, and watering, then moves into more specialized areas like hydroponics and DIY seed-starting mixes. There are herb-specific guides for basil, parsley, cilantro, and dill, plus a whole section on troubleshooting common problems. The bonus Q&A chapter addresses 20 real-life scenarios, which adds practical value.

Design-wise, the book is a standard paperback, 6 x 0.39 x 9 inches, weighing just over 11 ounces. It is independently published, so the layout is functional rather than flashy, but the content is well organized into 30 chapters. The print length of 173 pages keeps it concise, though some readers might wish for more depth on certain topics.

The main drawback is the lack of customer reviews. Without feedback from other buyers, it is hard to gauge how well the instructions work in practice. Also, the book only covers herbs in English, which might limit its audience. However, the information appears thorough and is presented in clear language with no unnecessary jargon.

Overall, this is a solid choice for beginners who want a single resource to learn seed-to-harvest herb gardening. It avoids fluff and focuses on actionable advice. If you are looking to grow basil, cilantro, or parsley from seed and want to try techniques like micro herbs or hydroponics, this book gives you a reliable roadmap.

The RHS How to Grow Plants from Seeds is a practical, no-nonsense guide that takes the intimidation out of starting plants from seed. It's written for anyone who has ever killed a seedling or just wants to get more from their garden without spending a fortune at the nursery. The book covers flowers, vegetables, and herbs, making it a versatile resource for edible and ornamental gardeners alike.

What sets this guide apart is its clear, visual approach. Every step is broken down with bright photographs and simple captions. You'll learn the basic rules for different seeds, whether to sow indoors, under cover, or directly in the plot, and exactly how to water and care for them. The plant profiles are especially helpful, giving specific germination times and growing tips. The book also explains how to prick out seedlings, pot them on, and eventually harden them off for the garden.

The design is straightforward and durable, with a softcover that's easy to thumb through while working in the garden. At 144 pages, it's not overwhelming, but it covers all the essentials. The writing style is encouraging without being overly simplistic. It even includes a section on collecting and saving your own seeds, so you can keep your garden growing year after year.

One thing to note: this book focuses entirely on seed starting. If you're looking for information on other propagation methods like cuttings or layering, you won't find it here. Also, while the plant profiles are good, they aren't exhaustive for every species. But for the vast majority of common garden plants, it's plenty.

Overall, the RHS How to Grow Plants from Seeds is a smart investment for any gardener who wants to save money, reduce waste, and feel more self-sufficient. It's well-written, well-photographed, and genuinely useful. Whether you're a total novice or a green-thumb veteran looking to try new varieties, this book will help you succeed.

Growing Herbs: A Beginner's Guide to Container Gardening and Growing Medicinal and Culinary Herbs at Home is exactly what the title says: a short, focused primer for people new to growing herbs. Written by Celeste Jarabese, this 70-page paperback skips the fluff and gets straight to the essentials. It's designed for anyone who wants fresh herbs for cooking, natural remedies, or simply adding greenery to a small apartment.

The book covers both culinary and medicinal herbs, which sets it apart from many beginner guides that stick to just one. You'll learn about herbs like oregano, dill, chamomile, and lavender, along with their uses and basic health benefits. The step-by-step container gardening instructions are easy to follow, and the preservation tips at the end add practical value. For someone who has never grown anything before, this can be a helpful starting point.

However, the brevity is both a strength and a weakness. At 70 pages, there isn't room for deep dives into individual herbs or detailed troubleshooting. Some reviewers noted the book reads more like a leaflet and lacks illustrations. The author even suggests visiting a library for more information, which may leave you wanting more substance. If you're looking for a comprehensive encyclopedia of herb gardening, this isn't it.

On the plus side, the book is lightweight, affordable, and focuses on container gardening a perfect fit for urban dwellers or renters. The emphasis on both kitchen uses and natural remedies makes it versatile. But if you already know how to plant a seed, you might find the content too generic.

Verdict: Growing Herbs is a good, low-cost resource for absolute beginners who want a quick overview before diving deeper. Seasoned gardeners or anyone needing specific herb-by-herb guidance should look elsewhere.

The Meekear 10 Herb Seeds Garden Starter Grow Kit is designed for anyone who wants to grow fresh herbs indoors without the hassle of buying separate supplies. It comes with ten different herb seed packets, ten self-watering white pots, plant markers, coconut coir soil discs, a watering bottle, and a mini herb clipper. The kit is aimed at beginners and experienced gardeners alike who want a convenient way to start a kitchen herb garden.

One of the standout features is the self-watering pots with drip trays. They help maintain consistent moisture, which is especially useful if you tend to forget watering or are new to plant care. The coconut coir soil discs are another thoughtful touch. They expand dramatically when soaked, providing a light, airy medium that encourages root growth. Many users report that herbs like basil, dill, and chives sprout quickly, while others have had mixed results with seeds like lavender, sage, or cilantro. Some reviewers noted that a few seeds didn't germinate or appeared to be different plants, so it's wise to manage expectations and possibly supplement with seeds from a trusted source.

The build quality of the plastic pots is decent for the price, but they are lightweight and can crack if dropped or packed tightly. A few customers received pots with small cracks, likely from shipping. The included soil discs are sufficient for about four to five pots if filled generously, so you may need extra potting soil if you plan to use all ten pots at once. The mini pruner is a nice bonus, though some found it broke after a few weeks of use.

Despite these drawbacks, the kit offers excellent value for the price. It provides a fun, low-cost way to experiment with growing herbs indoors, especially during colder months when outdoor gardening isn't possible. The pots look clean and modern on a windowsill, and the plant markers help you keep track of what's growing. If you're looking for a gift for a plant enthusiast or want to start your own herb garden with minimal effort, this kit is a solid choice.

Overall, the Meekear herb grow kit delivers on its promise of convenience and variety. While seed germination can be hit or miss, the overall experience is positive for most users. With a little patience and possibly extra soil, you can enjoy fresh herbs like basil, parsley, and thyme right from your kitchen. It's a practical, enjoyable way to bring a bit of green into your home.

Starting & Saving Seeds by Julie Thompson-Adolf is a warm, practical guide that takes the mystery out of growing plants from seed. Whether you are a complete novice or a gardener who has never tried seed saving, this book holds your hand from the moment you open a seed catalog to the day you harvest seeds for next year. The author's encouraging tone makes complex topics feel simple and fun.

The book stands out for its hands-on approach. It includes step-by-step instructions for everything from building your own seed-starting station to making seed bombs. The second half is a plant-by-plant reference covering dozens of vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers. Each entry tells you exactly when to sow, how to transplant, and how to save seeds. Stunning photography by Libby Williams makes the pages come alive and helps you identify key stages.

Real-world performance, based on reader feedback, is excellent. Many reviewers say this book gave them the confidence to start seeds successfully for the first time. They praise the clear charts and the logical flow from seed to seedling to seed saving. Even experienced gardeners note they picked up new tips and tricks. The author's friendly voice makes you feel like a friend is guiding you through the process.

The paperback is well designed with a durable cover and thick, glossy pages that hold up to garden use. At 160 pages, it is concise enough to read cover to cover but packed with useful information. The layout uses plenty of white space and bullet points, making it easy to find what you need quickly.

One potential drawback is that the plant selection focuses on common varieties, so if you are looking for information on rare or unusual seeds, you may need another resource. Also, very advanced seed savers might find the basics too elementary. But for the vast majority of home gardeners, this book is a fantastic investment. It delivers exactly what it promises: a joyful, practical journey from seed to seed.

Publisher: Cool Springs Press

Publication Date: October 2, 2018

Edition: New

Language: English

Print Length: 160 pages

ISBN-10: 0760360790

ISBN-13: 978-0760360798

Item Weight: 1.85 pounds

Dimensions: 8.75 x 0.63 x 10.5 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #780,506 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #678 in Vegetable Gardening #1,285 in Gardening & Horticulture Techniques (Books)