Herbs to Plant in Fall for a Flavorful Home Garden
Fall Herbs
As the leaves start to fall and the air gets a little cooler, it's time to think about what you're planting in your garden for the upcoming colder months.
Fall is an often overlooked season in gardening but it's actually a great time to plant a variety of hardy herbs.
You've got everything from lavender, with its punchy purple flowers, to sage, known for its strong scent and medicinal uses, ready to thrive in the unique conditions that autumn brings.
We're here to help you navigate the ins and outs of fall herb planting. These aren't just plants that'll give your stews and casseroles some extra oomph during the winter months.
They also offer natural remedies, help enrich your soil, and keep your garden looking lively as the days get shorter.
Discover herbs that are just right for the season and watch your garden flourish with the abundance that only autumn can bring.
Ready to make the most out of fall and explore the world of these fascinating herbs?
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The Best Herbs to Plant in Fall
As the chill of autumn creeps in and summer fades away, a new season of gardening is upon us!
While spring may be the traditional time to plant your garden, fall is an often overlooked yet equally rewarding opportunity to cultivate herbs that will add flavor and life to your outdoor space.
Get excited for the tastes of fall with this list of herbs to plant in your home garden!
From parsley and rosemary to sage and chives, these ten herbs are sure to add some flavor to your outdoor space as we bid summer adieu.
1 Parsley
I've always been enamored by the versatility and charm of parsley. This humble herb is not only a culinary staple but also a delightful addition to any autumn garden.
Parsley is a biennial herb, meaning it has a two-year life cycle. By planting in the fall, you'll enjoy a head start on the following growing season, allowing your parsley to establish a strong root system and flourish even more when spring arrives.
The ideal time to plant parsley in the fall is approximately 6-8 weeks before the first expected frost date. This provides ample time for the herb to become established before winter sets in.
2 Sage
Sage is a hardy herb that can be planted in the fall season.
Sage prefers cooler temperatures, so it is best to plant it when temperatures are between 50-70°F. This allows the plant time to establish itself before winter sets in.
Sage is a perennial herb that will return each year with proper care and maintenance.
In my neighborhood, there are garden beds where sage has been growing for years. The tall stalks of sage have beautiful purple flowers that attract pollinators.
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3 Rosemary
Rosemary is a great herb to plant in the fall, as it can survive cold temperatures and even a small amount of snow.
Rosemary plants are hardy and can be grown in the ground or in containers, making them an ideal choice for gardeners of all levels.
When planting rosemary, it's important to remember that it doesn't like wet roots, so if your soil is heavy or wet, consider planting it in a pot instead.
4 Cilantro
The vibrant and aromatic cilantro is a true delight in any garden, especially during the fall season.
This enchanting herb not only adds a burst of flavor to your culinary creations but also imparts a touch of elegance to your autumnal landscape.
Cilantro, an annual herb, benefits greatly from fall planting as it likes cooler temperatures and will bolt quickly in warmer temperatures.
5 Thyme
Thyme is a fragrant and flavorful herb that can be planted in the fall for a delicious harvest.
Thyme is a hardy herb that's ideal for fall planting. It thrives in cooler temperatures and can easily withstand the frost of winter.
Plant your thyme around 6-8 weeks before the first expected frost date, making sure to water regularly until it becomes established.
Once planted, you won't need to worry much about maintenance as thyme is a low-maintenance herb that's easy to care for.
6 Lavender
Lavender is a beautiful and aromatic herb that's perfect for the autumn season.
Its delicate flowers add a wonderful hint of color to any outdoor space, while its calming scent brings an ambiance of peace and tranquility.
Lavender likes cooler temperatures, so planting it in the fall is ideal. However, be sure to plant your lavender 6-8 weeks prior to the first expected frost date, as it takes a bit of time for the roots to become established.
7 Chives
Chives are a wonderful and easy herb to plant in the fall.
This perennial is an excellent addition to any garden as it adds a subtle onion flavor and lush green foliage to your outdoor space.
When planting chives, be sure to provide them with ample sunlight and moist soil.
Chives can be planted anytime between late summer and early autumn, they will die back in the winter months but once early spring rolls in, they will regrow.
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8 Greek Oregano
Greek oregano is an excellent herb to plant in the fall due to its hardy nature and ability to thrive in cooler temperatures.
As a perennial, it will continue to grow year after year, providing you with a fresh supply of aromatic and flavorful leaves.
Planting Greek oregano in the fall allows it to establish strong roots before winter sets in, ensuring a robust and healthy plant come springtime.
Additionally, this versatile herb can be used in numerous culinary dishes, from Mediterranean cuisine to comforting soups and stews, making it a valuable addition to your fall garden.
9 Chervil
Chervil is an elegant and flavorful annual herb that's perfect for any fall garden.
Its delicate foliage adds texture and color to your outdoor space, while its subtle anise flavor enhances a variety of culinary dishes.
When planting chervil, it's important to remember that this annual herb prefers cooler temperatures and will bolt quickly in warmer climates.
10 Mint
Mint is a great herb to plant in the fall as it grows quickly and easily.
It can be planted directly into the ground or in containers, making it an ideal choice for gardeners of all levels.
Mint prefers sunny spots with well-drained soil and can tolerate colder temperatures, so you don't need to worry about bringing it indoors during winter months.
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How to Overwinter Herbs
Overwintering is the process of preparing a plant for the cold winter months. It is essential to take appropriate measures to ensure that your herbs survive the winter and returns healthy in the spring.
To overwinter any of these herbs successfully, it's important to decide whether you plan to bring them indoors or leave them outdoors.
For those that you plan to keep outdoors, you need to protect your herbs from cold temperatures and keep their roots insulated from frost damage during the colder months of winter. A layer of mulch using straw or shredded leaves is an easy way to keep the soil warm. For areas with extreme winter weather, consider sheltering your plants with a frost blanket or cloche.
Alternatively, you can also bring your herbs indoors and place them on your kitchen window sill. This is recommended if you live in an area where temperatures drop below freezing regularly. Keep your potted herbs indoors until springtime arrives again!
By taking these steps, you will be able to enjoy the bounty of your herbs all year long.
Advice for Growing Herbs during the Fall
With proper planning, you can enjoy flavorful herbs in your garden all year round. Six to eight weeks before the first expected frost date is recommended for planting, ensuring that the roots have enough time to become established.
Additionally, it's important to ensure there is proper water drainage for optimal growth.
When selecting the herbs for your garden, be sure to select those that prefer cooler temperatures and can tolerate a mild winter climate.
Also, make sure you overwinter your herbs appropriately if temperatures drop too low in your area.
With the right herbs and appropriate winter preparation, you can enjoy the fresh flavor in your cooking all year round!
Lastly, don't forget to harvest any remaining herbs before the first frost arrives. This will ensure that you get the most out of your herb garden this fall season!
