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1. Consider growing from seedling plants. Seeds cost less, but some herbs can take more than half a season to grow big enough to harvest.

2. Plant in a strawberry pot. These planters have an open top and several openings along the sides in which you can plant separate seedlings. Buy one that's at least a foot tall.

3. Get the right soil. Most herbs require soil that drains well; dense or heavy clay soils will rot them. A good potting mix will contain wood chips or compost to provide nutrients, perlite or sand to increase drainage, and coir (a peat substitute) to absorb water.

4. Don't overfertilize. Herbs typically aren't heavy feeders and need only good soil (see above), sunlight, and water.

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