Question
Dear Darlene,

I recently was advised by an employee at a garden center to use a little rooting hormone powder in with some seeds for an herb garden I plan to grow at my church.  The seeds all sprouted pretty quickly, but now I am concerned that the herbs may not be safe for consumption!  I just didn't really think about it before I sprouted them.  Any idea?

Thanks,
Mary
Boise, ID

Answer
Mary,

Rooting hormone is a chemical that has an effect on plants but is not a true hormone that will have any effect on humans. It is also water soluable and will be washed away by the time your plants have grown to edible size.

I am baffled as to why they would suggest that you apply them to seeds to begin with as I have never heard of it having any effect on seeds sprouting.  But at this time you should not have anything to be concerned about. Have a good summer raising your herb garden.

Darlene