How to grow herbs?

I have never gardened ever! but want some fresh herbs to cook with this summer. Where is the best place to buy seeds? Where should be be planted? how much do I water them?

I am wanting to plant thyme, rosemary, mint, parsley...just a couple of things. Any advice??
How to grow herbs?
Oh, if you love cooking you'll have a lot of fun with herbs. I've never grown anything from seeds before, but most of the herbs I have planted will self-seed as annuals (plants that die after a season).



For most kinds off cooking, you'll need rosemary, basil, oregano, thyme, parsley and sage.



Each of these needs lots of sun, so plant them in a sunny spot of your yard or keep them in a north-facing window of your house. Don't over-water them, just give them a drink now and then, keeping in mind that too much water will rot the roots.



When you transplant the plants (which should cost you about $1.50 per plant most places), massage the roots a bit after removing them from the container. This will help the roots spread once you plant them.



The rosemary and basil will likely be the first ones to show rapid growth. You can pinch rosemary stalks into whatever shape you want. Just cut what you need as you need it, but try to do it in the morning because trimming the plants at night can encourage disease.



The oregano tastes much better when dried. You can dry the leaves in a little baggie, or in the microwave. Sprinkle it on pasta and pizza.



The sage, parsley and thyme are good for soups, stews and slow-cooking dishes. Sage is the exception to the rule of putting the herbs in just before you're done cooking. Basil is just the opposite.



Herbs are great because they aren't too picky about growing conditions. Oregano especially will thrive even in poor soil. If you choose to plant any mint, keep in mind that it has a habit of taking over gardens, so harvest it regularly and treat yourself to some mint tea! Dried mint brews better than fresh, but you can make a mean mojito with fresh mint.



If you have any more questions, e-mail me. Enjoy!
Reply:Had to chuckle when I read your question....I'm in the same boat. I just went to Wal-Mart and bought some starter herb plants. I have sweet basil, thyme, mint, rosemary, dill, %26amp; oregano. I bought some potting soil, put in a pot and buried the roots. I water when it appears to be dry. Herbs, from what I've read, appreciate full sun. Now, other than that, I know basically nothing either. But, the good news is that you don't have to start with seeds....now, if only I knew how to COOK with fresh herbs I'd be delirious. Experimentation, I guess.
Reply:Many retail grocery/department stores will carry seeds in their gardening areas. Places like Target, Meijer, WalMart (I assume, although I've not been there,) and the like. Herbs are generally relatively easy to grow, and can be grown either outside in a garden or inside in containers (flower pots, empty yogurt cups with drainage holes poked in the bottom, etc.) If you buy the seeds in a packet, there should be growing instructions on the package somewhere. I have also seen, although nowhere near as often as the seeds, pre-started herbs grown in little containers. Those tend to cost a little more than seeds, but instead of planting and all such work, with those the plant is already there and you just have to use it and try to keep it alive. I hope this helps.
Reply:buy a book, thatw ay you will always have a reference as opposed to depending on yahoo answers...