First: Start herb seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before they are to go in the garden. Choose clean, small, 2-4 inch deep containers width drainage holes such as flats, peat pots, peat pellets or egg cartons.

Second: To avoid diseases and insect pests, use sterilized potting soil or a seed-starter mixture as a planting medium. Place 2 seeds together in small holes or furrows. Check individual seed packets for planting depth. Cover and lightly firm planting medium around the seeds.

Third: Thoroughly moisten. To retain moisture, cover the containers and trays loosely with plastic with a few holes perforated to allow air circulation. Plastic should not touch the planting medium.

Fourth: Place containers in a well-lit place, but avoid full sun. A sunny windowsill or greenhouse window is a good warm place to start seeds. Or place containers under grow lights for a minimum of 12 hours each day.

Fifth: Once seeds have germinated, place containers in full sun and remove the plastic cover. Start regular watering immediately. Transfer seedlings that have sprouted 4 or more leaves to individual interim 4-inch containers.

Last: Before planting them in the garden, harden off seedlings for a week by placing herbs in a sunny, protected spot outdoors for an hour at first, increasing the exposure by 1 hour daily. Bring them indoors at night.