How to Grow Herbs Indoors With the Chia Growing Sponge

Select four types of herbs that you will grow. Save other seed packets for your next planting.

Remove the plastic liners, pots and saucers from the Chia Herb Garden package. Place one plastic liner in the bottom of the saucer. Place one pot on top of the liner.

Place a Chia Growing Sponge under running water until it is saturated, around one minute. Wring it out to remove any excess water. Press the sponge gently into the bottom of the first pot. Pour water onto the sponge; stop when 1/2 inch of water accumulates in the plastic liner.

Pour one packet of herbs evenly over the sponge, unless you are planting chives. Insert the sharpened end of a pencil into the sponge if you are planting chives and move it back and forth to create a 1 inch divot; pour the chive seeds into the hole.

Place an enclosed plant marker in the pot to identify the herb. Place plastic wrap over the top of the pot and place it in a warm spot; for example, on top of the refrigerator or in a warm, sunny window. Note that the spot does not need to attract sunlight for seeds to germinate.

Repeat the above planting steps for each type of herb you will grow.

Add water to the sponge or to the liner when the plastic liner becomes dry. Wait five to 14 days for seeds to germinate.

Place herb pots in a window with southern or western exposure. Choose a spot that receives six hours of direct sunlight per day. Place a fluorescent tube fixture above your herbs to add supplemental light if necessary, especially in winter. Leave the fluorescent light on for 14 hours if you are only using the tube for light.

Continue to water as described above and keep the plastic in place until your herbs reach one to two inches in height. Apply a balanced houseplant food to your herbs according to the product's directions, approximately once a week. Avoid overfeeding herbs as this will compromise their flavor.

Transplant your herbs to new pots or soil. Place a 1 inch layer of crushed stones or gravel in the bottom of a 5 inch pot to assure proper drainage. Combine two parts potting soil, one part perlite and 1 tsp. lime and add it to the pot. Dig a small hole in the center that is just larger than the original pot. Tip the original pot gently upside down and let the sponge fall into your hand. Place the sponge in the hole and cover it with 1/4 inch of soil.