10 Herbs You Should Plant This Fall (Perfect for Gardens & Containers)
Just because the air’s starting to get that crispy edge doesn’t mean your gardening days are over.
In fact, fall might be the perfect season to sneak in some herb planting—whether you’ve got raised beds out back or a few pots on the patio.
Cooler weather makes it easier on young plants, and let’s be honest, there’s something satisfying about having fresh herbs ready for soups, teas, and cozy dinners when the leaves start to turn.
So, if your hands are itching for some dirt time this fall, here’s a laid-back guide to herbs that don’t mind a chill and actually thrive as the temps drop.
Why Fall is Prime Herb Time
Fall’s kind of sneaky-good for herbs. The soil is still warm enough to help seeds germinate or young plants root in, but the blazing summer sun’s long gone.
That means less stress, fewer bugs, and more manageable watering. Herbs like a gentle start, and autumn gives them just that.
If you’re planting in containers, even better—you can move them around as needed. Pop ’em inside when the frost rolls in or keep them close to the kitchen door for easy access.
Best Herbs for Fall Planting
Here’s a little herb rundown. Some of these are annuals that love the short season, others are perennials that’ll come back stronger next year.
Either way, they all do well in fall and are happy in both the ground or containers.
| Herb | Garden Bed | Container | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parsley | Yes | Yes | Cool-loving and slow to bolt |
| Chives | Yes | Yes | Hardy perennial, great for borders |
| Cilantro | Yes | Yes | Prefers cooler temps, bolts in heat |
| Dill | Yes | Yes | Easy grower, especially from seed |
| Sage | Yes | Yes | Woody perennial with lovely flavor |
| Thyme | Yes | Yes | Tiny leaves, big flavor, very hardy |
| Rosemary | Yes | Yes | Needs some protection in cold zones |
| Oregano | Yes | Yes | Tough little herb, spreads easily |
| Mint | No | Yes | Best in containers—loves to take over |
| Fennel | Yes | Yes | Feathery and aromatic, also edible bulbs |
Beds vs. Pots
If you’ve got a garden bed, great—let those herbs spread out. Perennials like rosemary, thyme, and chives love space and can settle in for the long haul.
Just don’t forget to mulch once winter starts creeping in.
Containers are super handy too, especially for herbs that prefer a bit of control, like mint (that stuff’s a garden bully).
They’re easy to bring indoors when the frost bites and perfect for apartment balconies or tiny spaces.
A Few Handy Tips
Here’s what I usually do when fall planting:
- Loosen the soil and toss in a bit of compost. It keeps things light and airy and gives the bulbs something nourishing to munch on while they settle in.
- Water consistently, but don’t drown them. Fall weather can be a bit unpredictable.
- Keep an eye on the night temps. If they start dipping too low, cover garden beds with frost cloth or bring pots inside.
- Don’t expect rapid growth. Fall herbs tend to grow slowly and steadily—like a good stew simmering all day.
Herbs I Keep Replanting Every Fall
Some herbs just make themselves essential. Like, I can’t get through a week without grabbing handfuls of parsley or chives.
They’re just so forgiving and useful in nearly everything. Cilantro and dill? Those are quick growers that perk up anything from curries to salads.
And then there’s sage and rosemary—those two make the whole house smell like Sunday roast just by being near them.
I also love thyme and oregano for their no-fuss nature. They quietly thrive, and you hardly need to do anything once they’re settled in.
Mint stays in its own pot because, well, we’ve had words in the past… it tried to move in everywhere.
Wrapping It Up
Don’t hang up the trowel just because summer’s wrapped up. Autumn herbs bring something special to the garden—and the kitchen.
They’re lower maintenance, surprisingly resilient, and a total joy to grow when the world outside starts slowing down.
Whether you’re planting them in the ground or tucking them into a few pots by the window, herbs are one of those small joys that just keep giving.
Plant them now, and they’ll carry you right through winter and into next spring with flavor, fragrance, and a little splash of green when everything else has gone quiet.
