newbie struggling with growing

[tiggerlit]

hi
wondered if anyone could help me as im getting disheartened with it all.
im not brainy but try my best and this is my second year in growing my own veg.
this year im trying to start a herb garden for my partner whos a chef but its not happening.
i sowed some chive seeds and they are growing but they are so stringy and look awful. i can take a pic and show someone. also i have sowed some other seeds but a insect or something has eaten the bits of paper that had the names on so that i knew what was growing.
are herbs hard to grow im on a budget so cant buy expensive seeds.
the only thing thats doing great is my different types of mint. even my veg plants are looking abit sorry for them selfs. i do try my best in growing stuff but maybe im just not doing it all right?, is there a book i could get which is for thick people lol.
maybe there is someone on here that dosent live far from me that wouldnt mind having a look at what im doing i would pay petrol money.
all my seeds and plants are in a poly tunnel
any help would be great
thanks in advance
becki

[Two_Sheds]

Becki, Chives do much better from division than from seeds, and results are quicker.

Post some photos on here so we can see what your "problems" are. No need for meetings with the internet!

[Two_Sheds]

even my veg plants are looking abit sorry for them selfs.

too cold? too much water?
post some photos so we can see!
and, can you put your location into your profile, so we know where you are.

[Nicos]

It sounds like you are doing fine- you just need a helping hand- we all do from time to time!!!

Having the use of a polytunnel is fantastic- you should be able to get really good results

Don't worry about not knowing the names of your seedlings- it's great fun for us to have a guess- just take some piccies as you suggest.
Where abouts are you??

Oh- and welcome to the Vine!!

[BFG]

Get "The Complete Book Of Herbs" off ebay (I got it for £3.5 delivered) and have a good read. It's brilliant and tells you everything you need to know and more.

Gardening is about putting the right plant in the right place and letting it do it's thing. You just need to know the right place/conditions.

Most herbs like well drained soil and plenty of sun. Mints and some others like damper shadier conditions.

If the mints are doing well, then that might suggest it's too damp or shady for the rest?

I don't know about polly tunnels. Do they stop any light? Maybe try putting some out in the open and see if they like it there better?