Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, Thyme and more…Nothing beats fresh when it comes to seasoning with herbs

By Donna Skattum

Fortunately, Florida’s climate lends itself to year-round growing of the most common herbs and, since the plants are usually small, herbs are particularly suited to container planting. In the garden, select a small space to group plants together away from vegetables to allow for controlled spraying, since very few pesticides are labeled for use on herbs. Keep in mind that some, especially the mints, proliferate and can become a weed if allowed to grow unchecked.

Keep them contained

Most herbs can be successfully grown in containers outdoors, protected from the relentless sun and the occasional frost as well as mold, pests and fungi.  Some will even thrive indoors, although remember to give them lots of sunlight.

Step By Step

  • For seeds: make a one inch hole with your finger, placing seeds two inches apart. Add soil until level is a couple of inches below the rim
  • For seedlings: make a two inch hole, two inches apart. Loosen the roots before insertion
  • Keep soil moist until sprouts emerge.   For the first two weeks use a spray bottle to prevent overwatering,
  • After two weeks water thoroughly once or twice a week
  • Follow individual guidelines for sunlight requirements,
  • Indoors, place potted herbs close to a south facing window to ensure adequate sunlight

 

University of Florida Extension Service Herb planting guide

November Chives, garlic, chives, fennel, rosemary, sage, lemon grass, salad burnet, lavender, dill, Greek oregano, lemon balm, lavender, Mexican tarragon, chervil, cilantro and thyme
December Garlic chives, chives, lemon grass (in a large pot), parsley, rosemary, Mexican tarragon, fennel, mint, thyme, lemon balm, Green oregano, salad burnet, lavenders, chervil and sage
January Chives, chervil, comfrey, catnip, coriander, fennel, mint, parsley, lavender, rosemary, sage and thyme
February Basil, comfrey, chervil, chives, dill, fennel, parsley, sweet marjoram, mint, sage and thyme
March Basil, chives coriander, dill, fennel, sweet marjoram, mint, sage and thyme
April Basil, chives, dill, borage, oregano, mint. rosemary, sage, sweet marjoram and thyme
May Basil, chives, dill, sage, rosemary, mint, sweet marjoram and thyme
June Basil, chives, dill, marjoram, mint, oregano, sage and thyme
July Basil, chives, dill, ginger, mint, oregano, sage, sweet marjoram, rosemary and thyme
August Chives, mint, oregano, cardamom, ginger, Mexican tarragon and rosemary
September Sweet basil, chives, garlic chives, sage, sweet marjoram, thyme, mint and rosemary
October Borage, chives, coriander, lavender, mint, rosemary, sage, sweet marjoram, lemon grass and thyme
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