Herbs - Planning, Planting, and Growing Your Herb Garden - Preparing Your Seeds

Use organic, heritage, non-genetically modified (non-GMO/GMO free) seeds whenever possible to ensure maximum seed quality and genetic diversity. GMO and intentionally-sterile seeds should be strictly avoided, as their long-term effects on the surrounding environment are simply not known. In addition, organic/heritage seeds contain sufficient diversity to overcome most pest/disease situations. They also do not negatively contaminate the species' gene pool with their use.

Any herbs that you are planning to start from seed should be sprouted indoors around the beginning of April, approximately 6 weeks before the last frost (see Herb Propagation for more information). Some annuals can be directly seeded into your garden. Consult the information on the seed package for the recommended sowing time.