Herb Garden

Because growing requirements vary among herbs, be sure to read each seed packet before you begin.

Materials

• Marker
• Popsicle sticks
• Empty coffee cans or other leakproof containers
• Potting soil
• Herb seeds, such as basil, thyme, rosemary, parsley, sage, marjoram, oregano, dill, cilantro, mint, or chives
• Spray bottle full of water

Directions

1. Help your child write the name of each herb on a Popsicle stick.
2. Fill each container two-thirds full of potting soil. Plant the seeds according to the instructions on the packets, using a different container for each herb.
3. Mark each container with the appropriate Popsicle stick.
4. Spray each container with water until the surface of the soil is completely damp.
5. Place the containers by a sunny window.
6. Spray the containers regularly to keep the soil damp but not wet.
7. Seedlings will appear in two to four weeks, depending on the herb.
8. Let the plants grow for several weeks.
9. Use the leaves for cooking and freeze or dry any surplus.
10. You can freeze herbs by chopping them, mixing them with a bit of water, and freezing them in ice cube trays.