Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Growing Herbs from Seeds at Home
- Astrid van Essen
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
If you’re anything like me and absolutely love plants, then growing herbs from seeds should feel like a no-brainer. They’re beautiful, fragrant, and handy — whether you're adding fresh flavours to your cooking, brewing your own herbal teas, or simply bringing a vibrant touch of green into your home.
Starting herbs from seeds is one of the most rewarding ways to connect with nature, but it’s easy to fall into a few common traps along the way. I've learned from experience that a bit of preparation can make all the difference.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the top five mistakes to avoid when growing herbs from seeds at home, along with tips to help your plants thrive.
Mistake #1: Choosing the Wrong Seeds
Understanding Which Herbs Grow Well Indoors
Not all herbs are created equal when it comes to indoor growing. Some varieties, such as basil, parsley, chives, and coriander, are particularly well-suited for home environments, while others, like dill or fennel, prefer expansive outdoor gardens. Selecting herbs that adapt easily to pots increases the success rate.
Heirloom vs. Hybrid Seeds: What’s Better for Beginners?
Heirloom seeds offer time-tested reliability and unique flavours, whereas hybrid seeds are bred for resilience and rapid growth. For beginners, heirloom varieties of easy-to-grow plants, such as basil and thyme, offer both simplicity and a rich gardening experience.
Mistake #2: Using Poor-Quality Soil
Why Seed Starting Mix Matters
Ordinary garden soil is often too heavy for seedlings to grow in. A light, well-aerated seed-starting mix provides the ideal balance of moisture retention and drainage, giving tiny roots the perfect environment to establish themselves.
Signs Your Soil Isn’t Suitable for Herbs
If water pools on the surface or your seedlings look spindly and weak, poor soil may be to blame. Compacted or overly wet soil deprives roots of oxygen, leading to stunted growth or fungal issues.
DIY Soil Mix Recipe for Concrete Planters
For an ideal homemade mix, combine two parts coconut coir or peat moss, one part perlite, and one part vermiculite. This blend works exceptionally well in concrete planters, allowing for excellent drainage while maintaining sufficient moisture.
Mistake #3: Overwatering or Underwatering
How to Tell If Your Herbs Are Getting Too Much or Too Little Water
Wilting can be deceptive — it results from both overwatering and underwatering. Check soil moisture by inserting your finger about an inch deep. If it feels dry, it’s time to water; if it feels damp, wait a day or two.
The Role of Drainage in Concrete Planters
Concrete and earthenware pots offer natural breathability, helping prevent root rot. Always ensure your planters have drainage holes or create a layer of pebbles at the base to facilitate water flow.
For even better results when growing herbs, it’s worth checking out this post on the benefits of using pot feet — they help protect both your concrete planters and your plants by improving drainage and airflow.
Setting Up a Watering Schedule for Seedlings
Young herbs prefer consistent moisture but dislike having their roots in soggy conditions. Mist lightly once or twice daily when the seeds are germinating, and water more deeply once the seedlings have developed their first true leaves.
Mistake #4: Insufficient Light Exposure
How Much Light Do Herb Seeds Really Need?
Most herb seeds require at least six to eight hours of bright, indirect sunlight each day. Without enough light, seedlings become leggy, thin, and weak.
Best Indoor Lighting Options for Seed Starting
If natural light is limited, consider investing in grow lights equipped with full-spectrum bulbs. Position them close to the seedlings — about 5–10 cm above — and adjust as the plants grow.
Placing Concrete Planters for Maximum Sunlight
Place your concrete planters on sunny windowsills, conservatories, or under skylights where herbs can bathe in natural light. Concrete's thermal properties can even help moderate temperature swings near windows.
Mistake #5: Skipping the Hardening-Off Process
What Is Hardening Off and Why Is It Critical?
Hardening off is the process of gradually acclimating seedlings to outdoor conditions. Without it, tender plants can experience shock from wind, sunlight, and temperature variations.
Step-by-Step Guide to Hardening Off Herbs Before Moving Outdoors
Start by placing your seedlings outdoors in a sheltered, shaded spot for a few hours each day, increasing their exposure gradually over 7–10 days. Bring them in at night until they’re strong enough to stay outside permanently.
Bonus Tips for Growing Herbs Successfully
Ideal Temperature and Humidity Conditions
Herbs thrive at temperatures between 18°c and 24°c. Ensure consistent warmth by avoiding placement near radiators or draughty windows.
Common Pests and How to Prevent Them Naturally
Aphids, spider mites, and fungus gnats can be a nuisance. Combat them with neem oil sprays or introduce beneficial insects, such as ladybirds, if needed.
Companion Planting: Growing Herbs Together for Better Growth
Certain herbs thrive when grown together. Basil and parsley, for example, thrive in similar conditions and can be combined in a concrete planter, creating a lush, aromatic display.
If you want to dive even deeper into choosing the right herb combinations and understanding the amount of sunlight your herbs need, I’ve shared more tips in this blog post about sunlight needs and perfect plant pairings.
Why Concrete Planters Are Ideal for Herb Growing (Ok, we may be a little biased....:-)
Benefits of Concrete for Moisture Control and Root Health
Concrete planters offer superior insulation, protecting roots from rapid temperature changes. Their porous nature allows excess moisture to evaporate naturally, reducing the risk of overwatering issues.
Design Tips: Styling Your Home with Concrete Herb Planters
Group different sizes and shapes of concrete pots together for a curated, organic look. Opt for minimalist styling to let the fresh greenery take centre stage — a perfect pairing for Botanical Blueprint’s modern designs.
Conclusion
Growing your herbs from seeds might feel a little intimidating at first, but trust me — it’s one of the most rewarding things you can do for yourself and your space. By choosing the right seeds, using a high-quality soil mix, watering carefully, ensuring your plants receive sufficient light, and taking the time to harden them off properly, you’re setting yourself up for success.
There’s nothing quite like plucking fresh herbs from your planters and using them straight away in a dish, a drink, or even to enjoy their beautiful scent. Once you get started, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without your little herb garden at home.
Happy planting!
Growing Herbs from Seeds: FAQs
What are the easiest herbs to grow from seed indoors? Basil, parsley, chives, coriander, and mint are among the easiest herbs to grow indoors from seeds.
How long does it take for herbs to germinate? Most herbs germinate within 7 to 21 days, depending on the variety and growing conditions.
Can I reuse concrete planters for different herbs? Yes, ensure you thoroughly clean and disinfect the planters between uses to prevent the spread of disease.
What’s the best temperature for growing herbs indoors? A steady temperature between 18°C and 24°C is ideal for most herbs.
How can I tell if my seedlings are healthy? Healthy seedlings appear sturdy, upright, with vibrant green leaves and a compact growth habit.
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