By Ted Roberson

For gardeners who have tried and possibly failed at planting

herbs in the spring or summer, you may have already figured out

that planting herbs in the fall is usually best for many herbs.

Especially for herbs grown from bulbs, planting them in the fall

gives them a chance to make roots and they will be ready for

harvest in the spring. Since herbs are almost always very

delicate plants, planting herbs in the fall is the best because

of the cool weather. The harsh humid conditions that occur in

many parts of the country throughout the summer means that herbs

will have a difficult time getting started, let alone surviving.

Of course, planting herbs in the fall is not for all climate

zones, especially for climate zones above 5 or 6, and not for

all herbs. In these climate zones, it is usually cool enough

through the spring and summer months to grow herbs and may be

too cool in the quickly approaching cold weather of the fall

months. If you are interested in particular herbs then it is

best to research their hardiness independently for climate zones

1-5.

For the rest of the country, planting herbs in the fall works

well because herbs need lots of sun, but do not need the

humidity that goes along with the sunshine. There is a fine

balance between too little and too much sunshine for these

delicate plants, who usually need about five to six hours of

sunlight a day. Keep in mind that there are a few herbs that

enjoy the shade, such as parsley and mint, but the majority of

herbs prefer at least a few hours of sunlight a day.

The best part about planting herbs in the fall is that herbs

can easily be planted in containers, just in case the weather

gets cold. This way herbs can be moved to a greenhouse or

indoors where grow lights or just placing them in a sunny window

will keep them at bay for the winter.

It really is best to start out small herb plants or herbs from

seeds in small pots in the fall and transfer them to the ground

in the spring, if at all. Since they are so fragile, placing

them right in the ground might mean not getting good results.

Remember that there are a few herbs that come in the form of

perennial bulbs, such as garlic, fennel, saffron, and shallots,

but the rest are in the form of plants or seeds. Herb perennial

bulbs should be placed in the ground as the fall weather

approaches, but at least 6-8 weeks before a freeze, this way

they have time to establish roots before becoming dormant.

There are both annual and perennial herbs as well as biennial

herbs. Popular annual herbs include basil, borage, cilantro,

chamomile, and rosemary. Popular perennials and biennials

include parsley, sage, and mint. Most herbs are annuals and the

point of planting herbs in the fall is to give them a chance to

get rooted and be prepared for an entire season in the early

spring and summer months. That means you will be harvesting

these annuals in the midst of the summer when the heat of the

summer is useful in helping dry herbs for storage.

About the Author: Ted Roberson owner of landscape living is a

landscape and garden enthusiast who has years of experience

working and creating outdoor living areas. Discover how you can

improve and maintain your landscape and garden area with simple

projects.

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