Barnwood Herb Planter

Instructions - Barnwood Herb Planter

This kit includes six packets of seed so that you can mix and match the types of herbs you want to grow in your new barnwood planter. Each packet has enough seed to plant the entire planter, so you could do a single crop, or several crops in the planter. We don’t recommend planting more than 4 types of herbs in a single planter.
Contents:

• One reclaimed barnwood planter One drip tray for the planter
• Two wondersoil compressed grow medium disks – enough for the planter 6 packets of herb seeds
• Instruction Sheet

Planting Directions:

1. Refer to Individual Seed Instructions on the back side of this sheet for specific herb requirements. The instructions on the reverse include instructions for more culinary herbs than are included in this kit in case you decide to experiment with other herbs.
2. Expand the soil disks by placing them in a bucket or large bowl and adding 5 to 6 cups of warm water. The disks will absorb the water and expand into pre-fertilized rich grow medium for your planter. The 2 disks will create exactly the right amount of soil for your planter.
3. Transfer the soil into your barnwood planter, holding back enough to cover your seeds with 1/4th inch to ½ inch of soil.
4. Sow your seeds per the directions on the back of this instruction sheet, for each type of seed you choose. Use excess soil to cover your seeds at indicated depth. Keep in a warm location away from direct sunlight.
5. After first true leaves appear, snip back all shoots except strongest seedlings of each type, allowing room between seedlings to grow.
6. Water occasionally to keep the soil moist, using care not to over water. The planter will drain excess water so be sure to use and drain the drip tray to avoid a mess. Water in the drip tray may be a sign of over watering. To harden your plants, place in shade outside for several days (bring plants in at night).

General Information about Growing Herbs:

• Herbs like sun. They need 5 or more hours of direct sunlight. If you already have grow lights, use them--or set the herbs near a window where they will get at least 4 to 5 hours of sun.
• The soil must be kept moist, however, herbs dislike always being in extremely wet soil. So the main thing your herbs need are adequate light, warm temperatures, fertilizer (later in the growing stage) and humidity.
• Most of the herbs we have included in this kit, are compact and low growing and therefore suitable for container growing. Keeping the plant bushy instead of letting it get tall and gangly is accomplished by pinching off the terminal ends (use the ends each time to flavor your foods or make your teas).
• Herbs prefer warm temperatures of about 65 to 70 degrees. If the air in your house is not particularly humid, misting the herbs once or twice during the day will suffice. Once your herbs have reached two to three inches in height, let the soil dry out between watering. Too much water can kill the herbs. Feel the soil. It should be dry to about an inch down. Then water with warm water instead of cold.
• After your herbs have reached maturity, they can be fertilized. The wonder soil will provide nutrients ideal for herbs for the first 2 to 4 weeks of growth. Mix about a tablespoon of Azomite with your water. Or follow the directions on any other commercially available fertilizer.
• Possible problems: Insects- Put a few drops of dish detergent in a spray bottle. Fill with water and spray on plants. Plants can get too thick after awhile and need thin- ning. Plants can be over watered.

General Things to think about:

• Read the instruction on each package before you plant. Some seeds need to be frozen overnight or longer before planting. Also, sometimes your herbs will sprout faster if you soak them for 2 to 3 hours before planting.
• If you are planning to transplant to an outside garden, you must wait until the temperatures are warm in the late spring. Then, take the plant outdoors for a few hours each day, increasing the time each day over a period of about two weeks until the plant hardens, i.e. gets used to the outside weather. While they are outdoors for this two weeks gradually cut down on the amount of water you give them. Put them in a place that is sunny but that is sheltered from the wind. Then for the transplant, water with warm water. Dig a hole where you want the herb to be and gently turn upside down and remove the pot. Plant the entire soil, which surrounds the plant, cover with a small amount of earth and tamp down gently. From this point forward, don’t over water.

If you plan to keep the plants indoors:

• Water when soil 1 inch down is dry.
• Pinch off terminal ends of plants to keep herbs bushy.
• Gradually use your herbs to cook with, flavor your salads, etc. or make tea.

Storage of Seeds: If you store your seeds properly, they will last about three years. Keep the seed in the plastic bags. Make sure they are airtight. Put all the little bags into the mylar bag. Seal it in such a way that it is airtight. Zip it shut. (You want it to be airtight because if moisture gets into the package, it will ruin the seeds.) Put your package of seeds into the freezer. If you don’t have room in the freezer, you can put them in the refrigerator. The seeds should last from two to three years. Some seeds don’t last that long, for example: peppermint and chives are only good for about a year.