Hi Jo Jo

Corriander is quite easy to germinate, I did some about a fortnight ago in a cold greenhouse and its come through (first set of leaves). If you grow mint, keep it in a pot as its quite invasive, one sprig of mint clumps up pretty fast if put in the ground.

I tried basil last year, it germinated ok but growing on was difficult until the weather really warmed up, basil doesn't tolerate temperatures below 5c. This year I'm going to grow on a south facing window sill and see if this is better.

I have just planted up a window box with perienal herbs, I think the best tip is to make sure the soil is free draining, I use the polystyreen plant boxes broken down into pieces in the bottom of my pots this helps with drainage. Compost that has grit incorporated also works.