What’s in Your Kit:
- A beautiful porcelain windowsill box with bamboo lid and drip tray: 40 x 8 x 7 cm
- Seeds: Basil, Parsley, Chives
- Growing Medium: Organic coir propagation mix
- Instructions: Growing instructions and "hot tips"
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Planter
- Empty the coir propagation mix into a large bowl. Add 325ml of warm water and leave to rehydrate for several hours or overnight. This will fluff up the coir mix.
- When all the water is absorbed, mix the coir so it is moist throughout and should be soft and spongy.
- Transfer to the windowsill box.
- Place the planter on a tray or surface where drainage can be managed (though coir drains well, avoid waterlogging).
2. Sow the Seeds
Gently press seeds into the coir surface, but do not bury them deep. Light helps some seeds germinate, especially basil.
- Basil: Scatter thinly over one-third of the planter.
- Parsley: Scatter over the middle third.
- Chives: Scatter over the remaining third
Then, place the bamboo lid back on top to cover the seeds. Place the box where it will not be disturbed and out of direct sunlight.
When the first leaves start to appear, remove the lid (place lid on the bottom of the drop tray) and move to an area of indirect sunlight.
3. Watering
- First watering: Lightly mist or gently water the entire surface until evenly moist.
- Ongoing:
- Mist or water once per day, or when the surface starts to dry.
- Avoid overwatering – coir should feel like a wrung-out sponge.
- Tip: Use a spray bottle for even moisture and to avoid disturbing seeds.
4. Light Requirements
- Place the planter in a bright spot with indirect sunlight; a windowsill or balcony works well.
- Micro herbs need 4–6 hours of light daily.
- If indoors with limited light, consider using a small grow light.
5. Temperature
- Ideal range: 18–24°C
- Keep away from cold drafts or direct heaters.
What to Expect & Look Out For:
|
Herb |
Germination Time |
Harvest Time |
Notes |
|
Basil |
5–7 days |
10–14 days |
Sensitive to overwatering. Look for mould and reduce moisture if seen. |
|
Parsley |
10–14 days |
14–21 days |
Slower to sprout. Be patient. Keep warm. |
|
Chives |
7–10 days |
14–18 days |
Likes steady moisture. Keep evenly damp. |
Harvesting Tips:
- Harvest with clean scissors when herbs are 5–7 cm tall.
- Cut just above the base of the stem – don't pull.
- Harvest once for microgreens, or allow regrowth for a second smaller batch.
Extra Tips for Success:
- Rotate the planter every few days for even growth.
- If mold appears, increase air circulation and reduce watering slightly.
- Avoid direct, intense sunlight – it can dry out coir too quickly.
- Coir is nutrient-light – for longer-term growing (beyond microgreen stage), consider adding diluted organic liquid fertiliser.
