Countertop Harvest
Free 5-day course · Lesson 3 of 5 · About a 5-minute read
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Today is planting day!
Pots: the one non-negotiable is drainage holes. Herbs sitting in soggy soil are one of the most common causes of yellow leaves and dying plants. Use a saucer underneath and empty it after watering. Iowa State Extension also suggests one herb species per container, because they grow at different speeds and want different watering.
Soil: use fresh potting mix, not garden soil. University of Maryland Extension suggests two parts soilless potting mix to one part perlite for indoor herbs.
Planting:
- Starter plants: grocery-store basil is often dozens of seedlings in one pot. Split it into 2–3 pots so they don't crowd each other out.
- Seeds: sow shallowly and keep the mix evenly moist until they sprout. Cilantro and parsley have taproots and dislike being moved, so sow them straight into their final pot.
Then put everything in the bright spot you found on Day 1.
Your task: pot up your herbs and water them in well.
If you started with basil, our step-by-step guide walks through the whole setup: