When To Plant Herbs In The Garden

When to plant herbs in the garden depends mostly on your local climate and the specific herbs you’re growing, and it’s a question that has a sweet spot for nearly every gardener.
 
Getting the timing right when you plant herbs in the garden means the difference between a thriving, aromatic patch and a sad collection of wilted leaves.
 
In this post, we’ll dig into the best times to plant herbs, talk about cool-season versus warm-season varieties, and give you a clear roadmap so you know exactly when to plant herbs for a bountiful harvest.
 
Let’s break it down so you can get your hands dirty at the perfect moment.
 

When to Plant Herbs in the Garden: The Simple Answer

The simple answer to when to plant herbs in the garden is that tender herbs like basil and cilantro love warm soil, while hardy herbs like parsley and thyme can handle a bit of chill.
 
A good rule of thumb is to plant most herbs after your last expected frost date, but some can go in several weeks earlier without any trouble.
 
To know the exact date for your area, check your local frost calendar, and you’ll be able to plan when to plant herbs in the garden with confidence.
 

1. Cool-Season Herbs: Early Spring Planting

Cool-season herbs are the first ones you can get into the ground.
 
When to plant herbs like parsley, cilantro, dill, and chives in the garden is typically 2 to 4 weeks before the last frost.
 
These tough plants can tolerate light frosts and even a bit of snow, so they’re perfect for a spring kickoff.
 
If you plant them too late, they’ll bolt quickly in the heat, so early planting is key for these leafy favorites.
 
You can plant herbs in the garden as soon as the soil is workable, which is often in early spring when the ground thaws.
 

2. Warm-Season Herbs: After the Frost

Warm-season herbs are the divas of the garden, and they demand warm soil.
 
When to plant herbs like basil, rosemary, oregano, and marjoram in the garden is after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up to at least 60°F.
 
Planting these too early will just shock them, and they’ll sulk or die in cold, wet ground.
 
Aim to wait one to two weeks after your last frost date, and you’ll see them take off.
 
You can plant herbs in the garden in late spring or even early summer for these heat-lovers, and they’ll reward you all season long.
 

Best Time to Plant Herbs by Season

Let’s get more specific about when to plant herbs in the garden by breaking it down season by season.
 

1. Spring: The Prime Window

Spring is the classic answer to when to plant herbs in the garden, and it’s the busiest time for most growers.
 
In early spring, you can sow hardy annuals like cilantro and dill directly into the soil.
 
By mid-spring, as the risk of frost fades, you can transplant perennials like thyme, sage, and mint.
 
Late spring is perfect for tender annuals such as basil and summer savory, so you plant herbs in the garden as the days get longer and warmer.
 

2. Summer: Succession and Fall Crops

Summer might seem like a late time to start, but you can absolutely plant herbs in the garden during summer.
 
For a continuous harvest, sow quick-growing herbs like dill and cilantro every two to three weeks through the summer.
 
You can also plant herbs in the garden in late summer for a fall harvest, especially for cool-season varieties.
 
Just make sure to keep the soil consistently moist in the hot months to help seeds germinate.
 

3. Fall: The Overlooked Opportunity

Fall is a fantastic time to plant herbs in the garden if you live in a mild climate.
 
When to plant herbs in the garden for fall is about six to eight weeks before your first frost.
 
Hardy herbs like parsley, chives, and cilantro can be planted again, and they’ll often overwinter in zones 6 and warmer.
 
You can plant herbs in the garden in early fall to enjoy fresh flavor well into the colder months.
 

Factors That Affect When to Plant Herbs in the Garden

Beyond frost dates, a few other factors determine when to plant herbs in the garden for best results.
 

1. Your USDA Hardiness Zone

Your gardening zone is the biggest clue for when to plant herbs in the garden.
 
In warmer zones (8-10), you can plant herbs in the garden almost year-round, while colder zones (3-5) have a shorter window.
 
Check your zone online, and you’ll know whether you’re an early starter or a patient waiter.
 

2. Soil Temperature Matters

Soil temperature is more accurate than air temperature when deciding when to plant herbs in the garden.
 
Use a soil thermometer to check that the top few inches are at least 50°F for hardy herbs and 65°F for tender ones.
 
Cold soil will cause seeds to rot, so patience really pays off.
 
You plant herbs in the garden when the soil feels warm to the touch, and that’s a simple test many gardeners swear by.
 

3. Indoor Starts vs. Direct Sowing

If you start seeds indoors, you can get a jump on the season and plant herbs in the garden as transplants later.
 
Start seeds about 6-8 weeks before your last frost, then harden them off gradually.
 
Direct sowing is simpler for many herbs, but transplants let you control the exact time you plant herbs in the garden.
 

So, When to Plant Herbs in the Garden?

When to plant herbs in the garden is a mix of watching the calendar and reading your local weather.
 
The best time to plant herbs in the garden is in spring after the last frost, but you can also plant herbs in the garden in summer and fall if you choose the right varieties.
 
Cool-season herbs go in early spring, warm-season herbs wait for warm soil, and you can plant herbs in the garden in late summer for a second round.
 
Take note of your frost dates and soil temps, and you’ll master the perfect timing to plant herbs in the garden.
 
With a little planning, you’ll know exactly when you can plant herbs in the garden and enjoy a lush, flavorful herb bed all year long.
 
Happy gardening, and get those seeds in the ground at just the right moment.