This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
The best time to plant herbs outdoors is after the last spring frost has passed and the soil has warmed up enough for tender roots to thrive.
Knowing when to plant herbs outdoors isn’t just about picking a random warm day, because different herbs have different tolerances to cold and frost.
Some herbs are hardy and can go outside weeks earlier, while others are tender and will die if they get even a hint of frost.
In this post, we’ll break down exactly when to plant herbs outdoors, the key signs to look for, and how to time your planting for the best harvest possible.
Let’s dig into the details so you can get your herb garden started with confidence.
When To Plant Herbs Outdoors: The Simple Answer
When to plant herbs outdoors really comes down to your local frost dates and the type of herbs you’re growing.
As a general rule of thumb, you should wait to plant herbs outdoors until the danger of frost has completely vanished, which is typically two to four weeks after your last expected frost date.
But that’s a broad statement, so let’s get more specific about timing when you plant herbs outdoors based on their hardiness.
Hardy Herbs: Early Spring Planting
Hardy herbs like thyme, sage, oregano, and mint can handle a light frost and cooler soil temperatures.
You can confidently plant these herbs outdoors about two to three weeks before your last average frost date.
These tough perennials actually benefit from going in the ground early, because the cool weather helps them establish strong root systems before the summer heat kicks in.
If you’re wondering when to plant herbs outdoors like parsley and chives, they also fall into this hardy category and can handle the chill.
Just keep an eye on the forecast, and if a hard freeze is predicted, toss a frost cloth over them for protection.
Tender Herbs: Wait For Warm Soil
Tender herbs like basil, cilantro, and dill absolutely hate the cold and will not survive frost.
For these, you should wait to plant herbs outdoors until the soil temperature has consistently reached at least 60°F (15°C).
This usually happens about one to two weeks after your last frost date, and sometimes even later in cooler regions.
When you plant herbs outdoors too early in cold, damp soil, they’ll likely suffer from stunted growth or rot before they even get a chance to thrive.
So patience is key here, because waiting just a couple extra weeks can make all the difference.
Annual Herbs: Mid-Spring To Early Summer
Annual herbs like dill, cilantro, and chamomile grow quickly from seed and prefer to be planted directly outdoors.
You can start sowing these seeds outdoors a few weeks before the last frost, as they actually germinate better in cooler weather.
However, if you’re transplanting nursery starts of these annuals, you’ll want to wait until after the last frost like you would for tender perennials.
The key is to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, which helps the seeds germinate quickly and get growing.
Key Signs That It’s Time To Plant Herbs Outdoors
Beyond just checking the calendar, there are a few signs that will tell you exactly when to plant herbs outdoors.
Observing your local environment is actually the most reliable way to time your planting perfectly.
Soil Temperature Is Your Best Guide
A simple soil thermometer is your best friend when deciding when to plant herbs outdoors.
Insert it a few inches into the ground in the morning, and check what the reading says.
If the soil is above 65°F (18°C) for tender herbs, you’re in the clear.
For hardy herbs, a reading above 50°F (10°C) is sufficient to get them in the ground.
Soil temperature matters more than air temperature, because roots grow best when the earth around them is warm.
Nighttime Temperatures Stay Above 50°F
Even if daytime temps are gorgeous, cold nights can still damage your herbs.
When you plant herbs outdoors, ensure that nighttime lows are consistently staying above 50°F (10°C).
If you see a forecast dip below that, it’s a strong sign to hold off for a week or so.
This is especially critical for basil, as even a single cold night can cause black spots and stunt the plant permanently.
Your Last Frost Date Has Passed
Find your local last frost date by searching online or asking at a garden center.
That date is the average, but remember that weather doesn’t always follow averages perfectly.
A good rule is to wait at least one full week after that date before you plant herbs outdoors, just to be safe.
Local farmers and extension offices often post updated frost warnings, so check those resources too.
Month-By-Month Guide To Planting Herbs Outdoors
Let’s break down when to plant herbs outdoors by month, so you can plan your garden schedule easily.
This general timeline works for most temperate climates in the Northern Hemisphere.
March And April: Hardy Herbs Go First
In early spring, you can plant hardy herbs like mint, oregano, thyme, and sage outdoors.
These are your earliest plantings, and they’ll tolerate the cool, damp conditions of early spring.
You can also sow seeds of cilantro and dill directly into the ground during this window.
Just be ready to cover them if a heavy frost is predicted.
May: The Sweet Spot For Most Herbs
By May, most regions have passed their last frost date, making it the prime time to plant herbs outdoors.
This is when you can safely transplant basil, parsley, rosemary, and other tender favorites.
If the soil still feels cold, delay by a week or two, but May is generally your golden window.
Aim for a cloudy day or late afternoon to reduce transplant shock on your young plants.
June And Beyond: Heat-Loving Herbs
If you missed the spring window, you can still plant herbs outdoors in early summer.
Tender herbs like basil and lemongrass really thrive when soil temperatures are warm and steady.
You can succession plant quick-growing herbs like dill and cilantro every few weeks for a continuous harvest.
As long as you give them enough water, they’ll catch up quickly even with a later start.
Tips For Success When You Plant Herbs Outdoors
Once you know when to plant herbs outdoors, you’ll also want to set them up for success.
Proper planting technique ensures your herbs get off to a strong, healthy start.
Harden Off Your Transplants
If you grew your herbs indoors or bought them from a greenhouse, they need a period of adjustment.
About a week before you plant herbs outdoors, start exposing them to outside conditions gradually.
Place them in a sheltered spot in the shade for a few hours each day, slowly increasing their time outside.
This process prevents shock and helps the leaves thicken up so they don’t sunburn.
Choose The Right Location
Most culinary herbs need at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day.
Pick a spot with well-draining soil, as most herbs prefer to dry out slightly between waterings.
Improving your soil with compost before planting will also help your herbs establish strong roots.
If your garden has heavy clay, consider raised beds or containers instead.
Water Wisely After Planting
Right after you plant herbs outdoors, give them a deep watering to settle the soil around the roots.
After that, water them whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Avoid overwatering, as herbs like basil and rosemary can develop root rot in soggy conditions.
A layer of mulch around the base helps retain moisture and keeps the roots cool.
So, When To Plant Herbs Outdoors?
The best time to plant herbs outdoors is after the last spring frost, when soil temperatures are warm enough for each specific herb type.
Hardy herbs can go out two to three weeks before the last frost, while tender herbs need to wait until the soil warms to at least 60°F.
When you plant herbs outdoors at the right time, you give them the best chance to grow lush, flavorful, and productive all season long.
So check your frost dates, warm up that soil, and get ready to enjoy a beautiful herb garden from your very own backyard.