Knowing when to plant herbs in zone 7 is the key to a thriving, fragrant garden. Getting the timing right means your plants establish strong roots and produce abundant leaves for you to harvest.
Zone 7 offers a generous growing season with average winter lows between 0°F and 10°F. This climate is excellent for a wide variety of herbs, but frost dates are your main guide. Your last spring frost typically falls around mid-April, and your first fall frost arrives in mid-October. These dates are the framework for all your planting decisions.
When To Plant Herbs In Zone 7
Herbs fall into two main categories: hardy perennials and tender annuals. Each group has its own perfect planting window in zone 7.
Planting Hardy Perennial Herbs
These tough herbs survive winter and return each year. You can plant them in early spring or early fall.
- Early Spring Planting: Plant as soon as the soil is workable, usually 4-6 weeks before your last frost. The soil is moist and cool, which helps roots grow before summer heat.
- Early Fall Planting: Aim for about 6-8 weeks before your first fall frost. This gives plants time to settle in before winter dormancy.
Popular hardy perennials for zone 7 include:
- Thyme
- Sage
- Oregano
- Mint (best planted in containers to control its spread)
- Chives
- Lavender
- Rosemary (some varieties are hardy in zone 7 with good drainage)
Planting Tender Annual Herbs
These herbs are sensitive to frost and are grown as single-season plants. They must be planted after all danger of frost has passed.
- Direct Sow Outdoors: Wait until after your last spring frost date. The soil should be warm. For zone 7, this is usually from early May onward.
- Transplant Seedlings: You can start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost, then move the young plants outside in May.
Common tender annuals include:
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Dill
- Parsley (it’s a biennial but often grown as an annual)
- Lemongrass
Your Zone 7 Herb Planting Calendar
Here’s a simple month-by-month guide to keep you on track.
February – March
- Start seeds indoors for tender herbs like basil and parsley.
- Prune back existing woody perennial herbs like sage as new growth begins.
April
- Direct sow hardy herb seeds (like cilantro, dill) outdoors in late April if soil is warm enough.
- Transplant hardened-off perennial seedlings or purchased plants.
- Be prepared to cover young plants if a late frost is forcasted.
May
- After your last frost, transplant all tender herb seedlings outdoors.
- Direct sow basil, cilantro, and dill seeds sucesively every few weeks for a continuous harvest.
June – August
- This is prime harvest time. Regularly pinch and cut your herbs to encourage bushy growth.
- Keep an eye on watering during dry spells, especially for container herbs.
September – October
- Plant new perennial herbs or divide existing ones in early September.
- Harvest tender herbs heavily before the first fall frost. You can pot some to bring indoors.
- After the first frost, cut back perennial herbs and add a light layer of mulch for winter protection.
Step-by-Step: How to Plant Your Herbs
Follow these steps for success, whether you’re planting in the ground or in pots.
- Choose the Right Spot: Most herbs need at least 6 hours of direct sun daily. Ensure the location has well-draining soil.
- Prepare the Soil: Work the soil to a depth of about 12 inches. Mix in compost to improve drainage and fertility. Avoid heavy, wet soils.
- Plant at the Correct Depth: Dig a hole slightly larger than the plant’s root ball. For seeds, follow the packet instructions—some need light to germinate.
- Space Them Properly: Give plants room to grow. Check plant tags for mature width. Crowding can lead to poor air circulation and disease.
- Water Thoroughly: Water deeply immediately after planting to settle the soil around the roots.
- Add Mulch: Apply a thin layer of organic mulch, like straw or shredded bark, to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Keep it away from the plant stems.
Key Factors for Success in Zone 7
Beyond timing, a few local considerations will make a big difference.
Understanding Your Microclimate
Your specific yard might have unique conditions. A south-facing wall creates a warmer spot, allowing for earlier planting. A low, shady area might stay cooler and wetter. Observe these microclimates to adjust your timing.
Soil Temperature Matters
Some seeds, like cilantro, germinate poorly in warm soil. For a fall crop, plant them in late summer when soil begins to cool. A simple soil thermometer is a useful tool.
The Importance of Drainage
Winter wetness is often a bigger problem than cold in zone 7. Herbs like lavender and rosemary can fail if their roots sit in soggy soil over winter. Raised beds are a fantastic solution for improving drainage.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Planting Too Early: Impatience leads to frost damage. Tender herbs won’t recover from a cold shock.
- Overwatering: Herbs generally prefer slightly drier conditions. Let the soil dry out a bit between waterings.
- Using Rich Soil or Too Much Fertilizer: This can lead to lots of leafy growth with poor flavor. Herbs often thrive in moderately fertile soil.
- Ignoring Plant Size: That small rosemary start can grow three feet wide. Proper spacing from the begining prevents problems later.
FAQ: Planting Herbs in Zone 7
Can I grow rosemary year-round in zone 7?
Yes, many hardy rosemary varieties like ‘Arp’ or ‘Hill Hardy’ can survive zone 7 winters. Plant them in a very well-drained, sunny spot and avoid wet soil in winter.
When is the best time to plant mint in zone 7?
Plant mint in spring after the last frost or in early fall. Always plant it in a container or with a deep barrier, as its roots spread aggressively.
What herbs can I plant in July in zone 7?
In July, you can sow seeds for a fall harvest of fast-growing herbs like cilantro, dill, and parsley. Just provide extra water during germination in the summer heat.
Should I bring my basil inside before frost?
Basil is very cold-sensitive. You can pot it and bring it indoors to a sunny window before the first fall frost. It may not thrive all winter but will extend your harvest.
How do I protect my herbs in a zone 7 winter?
After the ground freezes, apply a light mulch like pine straw around perennial herbs. This prevents freeze-thaw cycles that can heave plants out of the ground. Avoid heavy, moisture-holding mulches like leaves.
By following this guide for when to plant herbs in zone 7, you set your garden up for a productive season. Remember to track your local frost dates and observe your own garden’s conditions. With a little planning, you’ll enjoy fresh flavors from spring straight through to fall.