I'm no expert and certainly don't have my mother's green thumbs. But I'm really trying. My flat doesn't get much direct sun, so I put many of the herbs near the window, or outside (I have a little corner outside the flat). I'm growing culantro, lemon balm, thai basil, curry leaves, chilli, aloe vera (is this a herb?), moses in the cradle and something else I don't know the name of The Italian basil I grew was bought from Carrefour. It came in a pot. I put it near the window and it lasted about 4 months. I don't think I know enough about soils to advise. I'm still experimenting. But one thing I can say is that you have to fertilize. I use this organic one in a packet, you can get it from IKEA. If anyone else has tips, please share with us