If this were any easier, the thing would plant itself. The seeds are attached to ten matchlike strips of cardboard inside a matchbook. Just rip one off, stick it upside down into potting soil, spritz it with water, et voila. My first sprout appeared in just two days. Matchbooks come in two varieties: mixed herbs or wildflowers. The herbs are a mix of basil, parsley, chives, and thyme. Wildflower matchbooks include cornflowers, Shasta daisies, marigolds, and poppies.

Pros: Cheap, easy, quick to sprout.

Cons: Can’t choose which herbs or flowers to grow; not many seeds on each matchstick so some may be duds; need your own pot and soil.

Where to buy: Check matchstickgarden.com for links to retailers.

What I paid: $2.50 per matchbook