Herbs feed the palate and the soul! They add color and contrast to the landscape, perfume our homes, heal our wounds, and tantalize our taste buds. They are easy to grow. Whether in the garden or on the windowsill, learn their likes and dislikes, and you'll be rewarded with flavor and beauty.

Germination Codes
Check the code at the end of the description for specific germination requirements.
(1) Germinates at temperatures between 60-75°F.
(2) Larger seeds need to be covered with soil at least as thick as the seed itself. May be slow and erratic to germinate.
(3) These seeds need a period of cold stratification for successful germination. Best results are obtained when the seeds are kept warm and moist for 2 weeks followed by temperatures of 33-35°F for 4-6 weeks or until germination starts.
(4) No special requirements, but germination may be slow and erratic.

Culture
• Fertile, well-drained soil provides the best results
• Harvest and fertilize regularly to encourage vegetative growth
• Apply 1 cup of TSC's Complete fertilizer per 5 row feet, and 1 inch of compost
• For leafy herbs snip off flower buds as they appear

Transplanting
• Start seeds 6-8 weeks before anticipated transplant date
• Small seeds (thyme, savory, marjoram, oregano) can be gently pressed onto surface of the soil—don't cover or bury seed
• Fertilize with Age Old Grow every 10-14 days for optimum growth
• Small seedlings such as thyme, savory and sweet marjoram may be successfully transplanted in small clumps
• Hardy herbs can be transplanted after the last frost
• Transplant tender herbs after last frost when weather has stabilized

Harvest & Storage
• Fresh use: Harvest only as needed
• Drying: Harvest at peak maturity, hang small bunches from ceiling in a dry, warm (80-90°F), dark location with good ventilation for 1-2 weeks
• Distilling: Harvest when blooms are just beginning to appear; at this point the leaves contain the highest level of essential oils

Basil

Ocimum basilicum

Culture
• Basil is a fast-growing annual that requires fertile, well-drained soil
• Apply 1 cup of TSC's Complete fertilizer per 10 row feet, and 1 inch of compost
• For best flavor harvest when plants are young, avoid extreme heat or environmental stress
• Flavor declines after plants bloom

Direct Sowing
• Not recommended until nighttime temperatures are consistently above 50°F
• Germination code: (1)

Transplanting
• Start 3-4 weeks before anticipated transplant date
• Plant well after frost when weather has stabilized
• Fertilize every 10-14 days with Age Old Grow

Insects & Diseases
• Common insects: Aphids, spider mites, thrips, stink bugs, Japanese beetles
• Insect control: Keep plants covered with row cover, spray with Pyrethrin
• Common diseases: Fusarium, powdery mildew, downy mildew, bacterial leaf spot
• Disease prevention: Avoid crowding plants and wetting foliage, treat with Zonix for mildew

Harvest & Storage
• Flowers range from white to shades of pink and purple and begin to appear from late July into August
• Harvest continually and pinch off flowers to encourage leaf growth