Starting seeds is a cornerstone of my herbal practice, not to mention my sweet sideline as homestead queen. I highly recommend growing this skill, as it quintuples your access to strange and interesting plants. There is a great, wide, green world of herbs and flowers out there beyond the garden center, and it can be yours for a small investment in supplies, a bunch of practice, and the willingness to try again. Here is an article on starting fussy medicinal plants that I hope you find helpful!
Starting Medicinal Plants from Seed
You’ve got the moisture level right when the soil clumps in your hand.