If you are concerned that it is already fall and you have not set up your herb garden or herb pots for your kitchen yet – it is not too late to get started. Planting the right herbs at this time of year will keep your existing supply healthy, or it is a great time to get your herb stock started. Below are some herbs that will thrive when sown or repotted during the fall season:
1.Cilantro
Cilantro can be easily affected by temperatures that are too high, making fall a perfect time to plant it. Cilantro enjoys cooler temperatures and a moist soil making it an ideal herb to grow in your kitchen, as it can also tolerate some hours of shade during the day. When properly cared for, cilantro can be ready to harvest in as little as three weeks. It can be grown for its leaves or its seeds, both offering unique flavor profiles to your chosen dishes.
2.Thyme
Thyme is another plant that will grow well if planted in the fall. If you are planting it in herb pots,they should be placed in a warm and sunny spot. Good drainage is important for thyme as it prevents root rot. Once thyme has been planted, it is hardy and low maintenance. Allowing it to establish its roots throughout fall and winter will result in a robust harvest in the spring. Thyme can be used all year round, dried or fresh in your favorite dishes, and is a great compliment to poultry, fish, or vegetable dishes.
3.Sage
This is another perennial herb that can be grown in the cooler fall temperatures. Like thyme, sage should be planted or potted in a well-drained part of your garden or container for your kitchen. If you are growing your sage indoors, keep in mind that the plant tends to grow wide, so ensure that it has enough room. Sage can be exposed to four to six hours of warmth and sunlight in cooler temperatures. Keep the soil moist, but do not overwater your sage plant. Sage can be used fresh from harvest or can be dried and stored for later use.
4.Rosemary
Rosemary can be safely planted up until early fall. It is important that it is planted in an area with full sunshine throughout the day. The soil for your rosemary plant should not get too waterlogged and should be watered when the top layer of soil feels dry. Your rosemary plant can be harvested from six weeks after planting. Rosemary can be harvested all year round, though the flavor profile may be at its best in the summer months. Rosemary can be used fresh, cut straight from your plant, or can be dried.
5.Dill
Dill can be another great addition to your kitchen herb selection. When kept indoors in a sunny and warm spot, dill can grow almost all year around. Dill should not be overwatered and prefers soil or containers that drain well. This herb grows very quickly and can be ready to harvest between four and eight weeks after planting. Dill is a great addition to fish dishes, fresh salads, or dressings.
6.Oregano
This fragrant herb will be an all-year feature in your kitchen. This plant will thrive if kept warm and in the sunlight. Soil should be kept moist if you are growing oregano indoors. Once the plant reaches four to five inches in height, it is ready to be harvested. It is best to harvest the leaves before the plant blooms when it has reached the highest concentration of essential oils.
7.Parsley
Parsley grows well in containers like herb potsand is easy to maintain indoors. The plant should be kept in a sunny spot and watered well at least once per week (ensuring that the container or pot allows for good drainage). Let your parsley plant establish itself for up to three months before you first harvest it. Parsley works well with fish dishes and a wide variety of vegetable and mediterranean dishes. It is often used in pasta or potato dishes, where its fresh, peppery flavor can stand out.