When to plant what...

[Lizz9311]

I've been searching the interwebs for a good list of when to plant what herbs in zone 5. I found a wonderful schedule for vegetable planting, but am having no luck finding something similar for herbs.

Does anyone know of a good resource for this information?

Thanks in advance!

[VA Gardener]

Having read a lot of gardening books, I go by these general guidelines:

Plant perennial herb plants either in the spring or fall.
Plant annual/biennial cool-loving herb seeds (dill, cilantro, parsley etc) early spring or late fall.
Plant annual heat-loving herb seeds (basils) late spring or early summer.

I hope this helps.

[Lizz9311]

Do you have any more specific dates you go by? I'm a novice at all this and I want to give the plants the best chance at survival as I can.

[VA Gardener]

Originally Posted by Lizz9311

Do you have any more specific dates you go by? I'm a novice at all this and I want to give the plants the best chance at survival as I can.

I am in a warmer zone, so my dates would be different from yours. But basically, go by your last spring and first fall frost.

So, perennial plants - plant after the last spring frost and well before the first fall frost, so they can get established. You just don't want to plant them in the heat of the summer.

Annual/biennial cool-loving herb seeds - I plant before the last spring frost, and before the first fall frost.

Annual heat-loving herb seeds - I plant way after the last spring frost - basil doesn't like low temperatures at all.

[remy]

With warm weather herbs like basil, you can start them inside at the same time as tomatoes or a little after to get jump on things.
For some herbs like, dill, I plant in small pots outside in March/April, and they will sprout once the temps are right for them. Then I transplant to bigger pots or the garden.
If there's certain herb or herbs in particular you are wondering about, please ask. There's quite a variety of plants out there.
Remy