Herb Activity Sheet

Growing Herbs From Seeds

Seeds can be grown directly into the ground, but they can also be started in trays and pots using compost.

basil, marjoram, garlic chives and rocket.

Almost fill the tray/pots with damp compost
Using a rounded-end spatula, sprinkle a few seeds thinly over the compost
Cover with a thin layer of compost
Water sparingly
Place in a warm, light place (on a window sill or in a conservatory) and wait for the seedlings to appear. This should take between 2 -5 days, depending on conditions
Water regularly to keep the compost damp
Turn the pots/trays regularly when the seedlings appear.
Do you know why you need to do this?
When the seedlings are big enough, prick out the young seedlings.
("Prick out" means lift out the seedlings carefully and plant them in another, perhaps bigger, pot or tray where they will have more room to grow.) You can prick them out into your garden.
How can you tell when the seeds are big enough?

All green plants need

Can you think of an experiment to test this?

Clue: suppose you excluded one of the things mentioned above.

Then Test Condition 1 might be

Think about

How long your test will last
How you will make sure it is a fair test
What you notice when the seeds begin to germinate
When you prick out the young plants, what you notice about the seedling
Counting how many seedlings germinated (grew into plants)
Estimating the number of seeds that did not germinate (the seed packet might give you a clue how to do this)
Writing down your observations
Using a table to record your findings
Doing some reading to find out why a plant needs leaves and roots
Writing a report on what you did, using your observations. Include your table of results and any drawings you make.

Seed pots

Seed trays

Seed Trays planted and labeled

Seed trays and pots planted

Germinated seeds ready for pricking out.

Seeds germinated between 2 to 5 days