Page 35 - The Flickering Cauldron Magazine - May 2022

You can normally tell hard shelled seeds as they wrinkled on the outside. They are wrinkled as they have been dehydrated to keep them free from rot, also making them safe for storage. Soaking them is necessary as they need to be completely rehydrated in order for them to sprout.
Once they are ready, put a light layer of gravel at the base of your pots, then you will to need add some potting compost (readily prepared, is ideal as you can be sure it is free of disease and will give your seeds the best chance) Don’t use normal soil from the garden, it is the wrong type of soil and effect your herbs success of growth.
Now make 4 or 5 small holes in the top of your compost for your seeds. You can use your finger for this or a thick pen top, whatever you feel comfortable with really.
It is important to follow the instructions on planting, as If you plant them too deep, they may not sprout, or too shallow and they may sprout too soon and have undeveloped roots. So if says plat your seeds 1/4”
deep, then measure and do exactly that.
Once you have got your holes ready for your seeds, place 3 or 4 seeds in each hole, and cover them with your soil.
Apply water to the soil till its thoroughly soaked, being extremely careful not to disturb the seeds you just planted.
I would suggest you do this in your sink before placing your herb pot into its tray or box, or you will get the overflow from the initial soaking spilling over from your drip trays, damaging the surface it sits on.
Allow the pots to drain in the sink before placing them in your herb box (otherwise your drip tray may overflow and damage your windowsill).
The Flickering Cauldron® Magazine - Flickering Magical Garden | 35