Growing Indoor Herbs

Place a layer of pebbles in each growing container. Small containers need 1/4 inch, while larger containers, 6 inches or bigger, need 1 inch of pebbles in the bottom to help with drainage.

Mix two-parts potting soil and one-part sand together in a bowl or plastic tub.

Fill the growing containers with the soil mixture half an inch from the top of the pot.

Water the soil mixture thoroughly. One indication of thorough watering is water draining from the bottom of the container.

Sprinkle herb seeds over the wet soil according to the instructions on the herb package. Keep the package for reference as the herbs grow so you will have thinning instructions available.

Cover the seed with an additional 1/4 inch of the potting soil mixture.

Cover the pots with a layer of regular kitchen plastic wrap. Do not secure the wrap on the pots; just place it over them loosely.

Remove the plastic wrap as soon as seedlings begin to sprout from the soil.

Place the plants in a southern- or western-facing windowsill or on a table beneath the window. Turn the plants daily to ensure straight plants as they grow.

Thin the seedlings, as per the specific herb package, when the plants have reached 1 to 2 inches tall.

Keep the soil in the herb containers moist at all times. Pressing your finger into the soil is an easy way to check for dampness.

Harvest the herbs, as directed on the seed package, when ready to use.