How to Grow Echinacea With Goldenseal

Till the soil in an area of your garden that receives at least partial shade, meaning that it only gets three to four hours of sunlight daily. Till to a depth of at least 10 inches to break up any weed roots and freshen the soil.

Add a 2 to 3 inch layer of organic compost or peat moss to the soil and continue to till. This addition of organic material will raise the bed slightly, increasing drainage, and also provide the soil with added fertility to promote growing.

Water the planting soil so that it is thoroughly moist. Plant goldenseal seeds on the top of the soil in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked. This cold weather will encourage germination as the temperatures and soil warm up. Cover the seeds with about one-quarter inch of organic mulch to help the seeds stay moist. Space seeds at least 3 inches apart, and plant at least 18 inches from where you intend to plant echinacea.

Follow the goldenseal planting with echinacea seeds in spring, when the soil temperature rises above 55 degrees Fahrenheit. As with the goldenseal, cover the seeds with one-eighth inch of mulch to maintain soil moisture and encourage germination. Plant echinacea seeds at least 18 inches apart.

Spread a 2 to 3 inch layer of organic mulch around the plants as soon as they begin to grow. This will help to combat weeds and maintain moisture within the soil to promote growth.

Apply a liquid balanced fertilizer at half strength (or less) in early spring when the goldenseal begins to sprout. This will encourage growth in both of the herbs.

Water the herbs whenever the top 2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. As long as the weather does not induce droughtlike conditions, these plants will rarely need supplemental watering.