Culinary Herb Seeds Variety Pack
When you consider what fresh herbs cost, how easy they are to grow, and how widely they can be used in their natural form in the kitchen, it’s the most logical entrance point to the gardening hobby for most people. Herbs, especially perennials, are the easiest plants in my garden to maintain. Once the plants are established, they often require minimal maintenance, providing a continuous supply of herbs without recurring costs. Most herbs that we use in North America thrive in a Mediterranean climate, so you don’t have to stay on top of watering during the hottest summer days like you do with many vegetables.
This variety pack includes 12 of the most popular and useful herbs you can grow: chives, sweet basil, oregano, rosemary, sage, savory, dill, borage, cilantro, marjoram, parsley, and thyme. Whoever curated this collection nailed it. These are the same varieties of each herb that I would choose if I could pick and choose for myself. You’re not going to be able to buy individual seed packets this cheap either online or in a store either.
There’s nothing wrong with buying started herbs locally, but there’s a certain pride you feel when you can look at your mature plants and can say that you started them from seed. While most herb seeds germinate readily, rosemary and sage have been a bit more difficult in my experience. While both plants are relatively drought-tolerant when they’re older, their seeds need warm moist soil to germinate. I strongly recommend that you use a heat mat when starting these specific herbs from seed, and the added benefit is that your other herbs will get a jump start too. Click here to read the review I wrote on the Vivosun heat mats that I use in my own operation.
The idea that the average person can grow the highest quality produce at home for a fraction of what an inferior product would cost at the grocery store has motivated many prospective gardeners to get started in this hobby. To this point, cost savings alone with an herb kit like this would be a reason to include herbs in your garden. Fresh herbs are many times more expensive per ounce than the finest steak or seafood. You also usually have to buy a larger quantity than you want or need. While you can maintain some herb stems in a glass of water for a few days, they don’t stay fresh very long. Chances are you’re throwing them out before you have a chance to make another dish that you could use them in.
With few exceptions (for me, it’s rosemary), fresh herbs are superior to dried herbs in every way. Having an herb garden, or even just some containers in your kitchen window sill, will open your eyes to culinary possibilities you had never considered before. After all, you’re a lot more likely to try a new recipe if you already have some of the ingredients on hand. I quickly got the sense of what herbs go well with what once I started experimenting with what I had in the garden.
The benefits of herbs aren’t limited to the economic and practical. Herbs are often visually appealing and can add beauty to your garden or windowsill. Additionally, many herbs release pleasant fragrances, contributing to a calming atmosphere in your home or garden. I particularly enjoy working in my tomato beds when I have interplanted Genovese basil.
Finally, as gardeners, we do what we do in part to be more responsible citizens of this planet. Reducing your reliance on commercially grown herbs reduces waste from long transportation routes and plastic packaging that is necessary to protect freshness during shipping. Whether you are growing vegetables, fruits, or herbs, it’s always a win when you have control over your growing conditions.