Planting

Some herbs such as basil, chives, parsley, and dill grow easily from seed. Other simple-to-start varieties include angelica, borage, chamomile, chervil, cilantro, coriander, fennel, lemon balm, marjoram, sage, stevia, thyme, and winter savory. If you start herbs from seeds, follow the planting instructions on the seed packet. The basics are the same whether you start seeds indoors to get a jump on the growing season or plant them directly in the ground.

For more on starting herbs indoors see our story on starting herbs from seed.

The best time to plant an herb depends on its cold tolerance and the average last frost date in your area. Sow hardy perennial herb seeds outdoors several weeks before your average last frost date. Most tender, annual herbs, however, germinate better in warm soil -- so wait until after the average last frost date to plant them.

Find your area's average last frost date.

 

Plant container-grown herbs in the garden after danger of frost has passed. Dig a hole at least twice as wide as but no deeper than the pot in which the herb is growing. Slide the herb out of its nursery pot. Loosen or slice through any circling roots, then place the rootball into the hole and just barely cover it with soil. Water the root zone well after planting.