Did you know that gardeners in colder climates suffer severe planting FOMO this time of year? The good news is, if you garden in Zones 8-10, you do not have to.
December is the month to plant the cool herbs, even though your green thumb is going slightly numb. The biggest mistake you can make now is putting your tools away for the winter.
Planting When the Heat is Off
Do not tell the northern gardeners, but we plant certain herbs now because our summers are not playing fair. Herbs like cilantro bolt under pressure, going to seed the minute heat arrives. Supersweet dill, too.
So we exploit the seasonal loophole that Zones 8-10 provide. Start them in cool soil while the weather is calm, to strengthen their roots and secure a rich harvest before the scorching summer sun takes over your entire life.
As long as your soil stays above about 45°F, these herbs root beautifully through winter!
No Seasonal Depression Here (Just Herbs)
Remember that sweet feeling of getting ahead? That is what December planting provides for your garden.
If you’d also like a few herbs growing indoors this season, here’s our guide to the best indoor winter herbs by zone.
1: Rosemary
Abandon the seeds. They test the virtue of patient people. Acquire a starter plant. Furthermore, grant it full sun and soil that drains better than a typical sieve.
Insist on 18 to 36 inches of distance from any lesser plants. The herb will require this space, becoming a substantial, evergreen, and fragrant shrub.
2: Thyme
Thyme mandates full sun but maintains exceptionally low standards regarding its soil. It happily accepts well-drained, stony, or poor dirt. Feel free to utilize the leftover gravel.
Also, water sparingly. This rustic herb thrives solely on independence and sunbeams and flowers violet-ly. In Zones 8-10, thyme actually grows better in winter and spring. The summer heat slows it down!
Quick tip: I always grow thyme in the driest corner of the garden, the spot every other plant hates. Somehow that’s where thyme decides to thrive.
3: Parsley
The seeds will not be rushed. Anticipate a minimum 20-day delay. Submit to their schedule by soaking them overnight for a minor advantage.
Sow the Parsley directly, as it suffers separation anxiety when handled by commoners. Its rich soil requires moisture. Do not look directly at the soil. It sprouts best in “pleasantly cool” soil, anything above about 50°F wakes the seeds up quickly. Which makes December pretty much perfect in warmer zones.
4: Sage
Plant a transplant that receives full sun. The soil requires better drainage than your kitchen sink and prefers neutral to slightly alkaline soil.
Furthermore, Sage rejects your well-meaning water offers as it prefers drought. Prune it frequently, or watch as it grows unkempt like your ex.
Quick tip: In my garden, sage does best when I ignore it. I give it a light drink right after planting, then back off completely. The less attention it gets, the happier it seems.
5: Oregano
Oregano is simple, requiring only full sun. Its robust nature demands you contain it, or it will conquer the bed, like your cat. Get a small transplant and place it in full sun. Trim the herb back frequently to encourage strong growth and ensure powerful flavor.
Quick tip: I always let the soil dry out before watering again, oregano tastes stronger that way. Too much water makes the leaves go bland, so a little neglect actually improves the flavor.
If you want a little help knowing which herbs truly depend on regular pruning, we put together this simple guide.
6: Chives
Start Chives with divisions, because transplant failure is a waste of precious energy you might lack. Place the clumps 6 to 8 inches apart, as spacing prevents the eventual crowding that your neighbors will judge over the fence.
Watering is the single requirement, but it must be consistent, or the plant will notice your laziness and boo you. Get revenge by slicing it, however, leaving one inch of green for guaranteed regrowth. You’re not a monster.
7: Cilantro
Why even bother with transplanting Cilantro? Directly sow the seeds outside, since this sensitive herb views root disturbance as a career-ending affront.
Plant them a quarter inch deep in full sun or partial shade, but monitor the heat, as the plant bolts faster than a thief in Rome.
Quick tip: Sow a new small batch every few weeks, because succession planting secures supply long after this joke lands.
8: Lemon Balm
Lemon Balm is an aromatic conqueror that spreads before you even realize the full danger. Plant it immediately in a sturdy container or a raised bed, as containment remains the only defense.
Use a small transplant or rooted cutting, because starting Lemon Balm from seeds tests the patience even of saintly people. Grant it full sun to partial shade, but ensure the rich soil never dries out completely.
If you’d prefer something even lower-maintenance, these herbs grow surprisingly well in just water all year long.
No Thyme For Waiting, Start December Planting
Planting herbs in December is fun, but Mother Nature still gets a vote, even in mild zones. Do not treat winter like it’s no big dill. We’re avoiding problems, not inviting them.
Do not assume winter rain handles all necessary hydration, because Zone 8-10 climates often feature extended dry spells, making consistent watering necessary for newly planted roots. Feel free to skip the rain gear, but check the soil every few days. Drought stresses herbs faster than a bad Tinder date.
Furthermore, remember that winter sunlight is weak and moves at a low angle like a teen on Sunday morning. Observe your containers closely. They expect maximum light exposure, so move the pots as necessary to track and catch the scarce rays.
The final threat involves a rare but possible cold snap. Monitor the forecast, because a sudden drop in temperature can prove fatal. Get a simple sheet and cover the delicate herbs, as if you’re hiding evidence.
And if you need an easier option during low-light months, here are some herbs that thrive right on a windowsill.
My Sage Advice, Unsurprisingly, Ends Here
As you can see, zone 8-10 planting proves you can indeed have it all. Ultimately, the joke is on anyone who thinks gardening ceases when the tinsel appears.
And once everything is growing, make sure the herbs you plant together actually get along. Take a look at our guide about some pairings really shouldn’t share the same space.
