Starting Seeds - Simple Instructions from Several Sowers and a Bot
I found some really great seed starting charts put out by Fedco and Johnny’s Seeds that I’ve linked below. They include details about how to sow different types of seed. I figured I’d be able to find a few more charts with a simple web search, but I wasn’t able to find anything that was as comprehensive as I would have liked. Soo (no pun intended), I asked OpenAI’s ChatGPT to make me a chart. Check it out and see how you think it compares to the other charts. And just for fun, the AI-RT work below was generated by Adobe Firefly.
Fedco Seeds
HERB GROWING CHART VEGETABLE GROWING CHART FLOWER GROWING CHART
Johnny's Seeds
HERB GROWING GUIDE COMPARISON CHART - Sowing, Germination and Maturation Times, Seeding Methods, Sunlight Requirements, Mature Height & Spread, Hardiness Zones
AND HERE IS THE CHART BY CHAT GPT:
| Herb Type | Planting Depth | Germination Time | Ideal Temperature | Special Requirements | Uses | Interesting Fact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anise Hyssop | Surface | 14-21 days | 60-70°F (15-21°C) | Requires light for germination, well-drained soil | Culinary, Medicinal, Tea | Anise hyssop leaves have a licorice-like flavor |
| Basil | Surface | 5-10 days | 70-85°F (21-29°C) | Moist soil, full sun | Culinary, Medicinal, Aromatic | Basil is used in various cuisines worldwide |
| Borage | Surface | 7-14 days | 60-70°F (15-21°C) | Prefers direct seeding, keep soil moist | Culinary, Medicinal, Companion Plant | Borage flowers are edible and taste like cucumber |
| Calendula | Surface | 7-14 days | 70-75°F (21-24°C) | Moist, well-drained soil, full sun | Medicinal, Culinary, Ornamental | Calendula petals are edible and used in salads |
| Chamomile | Surface | 7-14 days | 60-70°F (15-21°C) | Well-drained soil, full sun to partial shade | Medicinal, Tea, Aromatic | Chamomile tea is known for its calming effects |
| Chives | Surface | 7-14 days | 60-70°F (15-21°C) | Well-drained soil, full sun to partial shade | Culinary, Ornamental | Chives add a mild onion flavor to dishes |
| Cilantro | Surface | 7-14 days | 60-75°F (15-24°C) | Moist, well-drained soil, light shade | Culinary, Medicinal, Aromatic | Cilantro leaves are used in various cuisines |
| Dill | Surface | 7-21 days | 60-70°F (15-21°C) | Moist, well-drained soil, full sun | Culinary, Medicinal, Aromatic | Dill is used in pickling and seasoning |
| Fennel | Surface | 7-14 days | 60-70°F (15-21°C) | Rich, well-drained soil, full sun | Culinary, Medicinal, Aromatic | Fennel seeds are used as a spice |
| Lavender | Surface | 14-28 days | 70-75°F (21-24°C) | Well-drained soil, full sun | Culinary, Medicinal, Aromatic | Lavender is known for its soothing fragrance |
| Lemon Balm | Surface | 10-14 days | 60-70°F (15-21°C) | Moist, well-drained soil, partial shade | Culinary, Medicinal, Tea | Lemon balm leaves have a citrusy scent |
| Lemon Grass | Surface | 7-21 days | 70-85°F (21-29°C) | Rich, well-drained soil, full sun | Culinary, Medicinal, Aromatic | Lemongrass is used in Asian cuisines |
| Marjoram | Surface | 7-14 days | 60-70°F (15-21°C) | Well-drained soil, full sun to partial shade | Culinary, Medicinal, Aromatic | Marjoram is often used in Italian dishes |
| Mint | Surface | 10-14 days | 60-70°F (15-21°C) | Moist, well-drained soil, partial shade | Culinary, Medicinal, Tea | Mint leaves are used in beverages and cooking |
| Oregano | Surface | 7-14 days | 60-70°F (15-21°C) | Well-drained soil, full sun to partial shade | Culinary, Medicinal, Aromatic | Oregano is a staple herb in Italian cuisine |
| Parsley | Surface | 14-21 days | 70-75°F (21-24°C) | Moist, well-drained soil, partial shade | Culinary, Medicinal, Garnish | Parsley is often used as a garnish |
| Rosemary | Surface | 14-21 days | 70-85°F (21-29°C) | Well-drained soil, full sun | Culinary, Medicinal, Aromatic | Rosemary has a pine-like fragrance |
| Sage | Surface | 10-21 days | 60-70°F (15-21°C) | Well-drained soil, full sun | Culinary, Medicinal, Aromatic | Sage leaves have a savory flavor |
| Savory | Surface | 14-21 days | 70-80°F (21-27°C) | Moist, well-drained soil, full sun | Culinary, Medicinal, Aromatic | Savory adds a peppery flavor to dishes |
| Stevia | Surface | 7-14 days | 70-75°F (21-24°C) | Moist, well-drained soil, partial shade | Culinary, Medicinal, Sweetener | Stevia leaves are used as a natural sweetener |
| Thyme | Surface | 14-28 days | 60-70°F (15-21°C) | Well-drained soil, full sun to partial shade | Culinary, Medicinal, Aromatic | Thyme is commonly used in cooking |
| Sweetgrass | Surface | 14-21 days | 70-75°F (21-24°C) | Moist, well-drained soil, full sun | Medicinal, Basket Weaving | Sweetgrass is used in indigenous crafts |
| Sweet Flag | Surface | 14-28 days | 65-75°F (18-24°C) | Moist, wet soil, full sun to partial shade | Medicinal, Fragrance | Sweet flag has aromatic rhizomes |
| Wormwood | Surface | 14-21 days | 60-70°F (15-21°C) | Well-drained, sandy soil, full sun | Medicinal, Insect Repellent | Wormwood leaves repel insects |
| Mexican Oregano | Surface | 7-14 days | 70-80°F (21-27°C) | Well-drained soil, full sun | Culinary, Medicinal, Aromatic | Mexican oregano has a strong flavor |
| Rose Geranium | Surface | 7-21 days | 70-80°F (21-27°C) | Well-drained soil, full sun | Medicinal, Aromatic | Rose geranium has a rose-like scent |
| Sage | Surface | 10-21 days | 60-70°F (15-21°C) | Well-drained soil, full sun | Culinary, Medicinal, Aromatic | Sage leaves have a savory flavor |
| Pineapple Sage | Surface | 7-21 days | 70-80°F (21-27°C) | Well-drained soil, full sun | Culinary, Aromatic | Pineapple sage leaves have a pineapple aroma |
| Green Myrtle | Surface | 28-56 days | 65-75°F (18-24°C) | Well-drained soil, full sun | Medicinal, Aromatic | Green myrtle has medicinal properties |
| Wormwood | Surface | 14-21 days | 60-70°F (15-21°C) | Well-drained, sandy soil, full sun | Medicinal, Insect Repellent | Wormwood leaves repel insects |