This summer, learn how to start perennial herbs in a backyard garden nursery. You’ll enjoy better germination rates and save a lot of money when planting your own herb garden from scratch.

Perennial herbs are a smart investment, often living for years or even decades. Beyond their culinary and medicinal uses, herbs offer a wide range of benefits. They are excellent for repelling pests, attracting beneficial pollinators, and enhancing your garden’s visual appeal. 

By choosing to grow perennial herbs, you’re making a long-term commitment to your garden’s health and beauty. However, herb transplants can be expensive to purchase. It’s easy to spend hundreds of dollars on plant starts to fill out a nice herb garden. Starting your own herb seedlings is an obvious solution that will save you money, but there are some challenges to starting herbs from seed. 

Whether you’re planning out your gardening schedule for the year ahead or considering if you missed the window of opportunity to plant herbs this growing season, you may be wondering if summer is a good time to start herbs for your garden. The answer is yes–in fact, we think it’s one of the best times. This year, instead of planting your herb starts in the spring, try planting them in the summer using our step-by-step guide and see the results for yourself. 

Challenges of Starting Perennial Herbs Indoors in the Spring

Many people prefer to start their perennial herbs and flowers indoors in the spring with the rest of their garden starts. However, this presents a few challenges, and summer can actually be a much better time to start perennial herbs if you create the right conditions.

Here are some of the problems you can run into if you start your perennial herbs in the spring with the rest of your garden seedlings:

• Perennial herbs are often slow to germinate.
• You may have limited space.
• Insufficient light leads to weak, leggy growth.
• Cool, inconsistent temperatures may lower germination rates.
• There’s a greater risk of overwatering, which is a bigger problem with slow to germinate seeds.
• Many gardeners have problems with dampening off.
• Starting seeds indoors is time and labor intensive.

On the other hand, starting your perennial herbs outdoors in the middle of summer doesn’t take nearly as much effort, and you won’t have to worry about limited space. All you have to do is set up a small herb nursery area in your backyard. 

Since temperatures in the middle of summer are much warmer, you won’t have to worry about problems like dampening off, and there’s less risk of overwatering. You’ll also enjoy a better germination rate with the warmer temperatures.

What are Perennial Herbs?

Just like other plants, herbs are either perennials, biennials, or annuals. Plant lifespans matter when you are planning your garden, so it’s important to understand the difference.

• Annual herbs like basil, dill, and cilantro are easily grown from seed, and many can be sown directly or started indoors. They are started in the spring and die in the fall. 
• Biennial herbs like parsley and caraway grow for two years, blooming in their second year and going to seed.
• Perennial herbs live three or more years. Some plants, like rosemary and comfrey, can live for decades in the right environment. Many perennial herbs have a lifespan of about ten years, but it varies depending on your climate, growing zone, and their care.

Perennial herbs are nice because you can enjoy them fresh in the spring as soon as they start to grow. If you continue to replant them before they die out, you’ll never have to worry about not having enough.

Related: Plant Lifespans and Why They Matter

Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Perennial Herbs Outdoors

The first steps to starting perennial herbs outdoors in the summer is choosing the right herbs, finding the right location, and gathering your supplies. This step-by-step guide covers basic tips and tricks and provides detailed instructions to ensure your perennial herbs thrive.

1. Choosing Perennial Herbs to Start From Seed

While many perennial herbs can be grown successfully from seed, some are so difficult that it’s not worthwhile. For example, comfrey is difficult to grow from seed because it can take up to two years for seeds to germinate. 

While it’s much easier to grow some plants from starts, the following perennial herbs are excellent candidates for growing from seed:

• Sage
• Thyme
• Oregano
• Catnip
• Mint
• Lavender
• Chives
• Bergamot
• Chamomile
• Lovage
• Valerian

It’s possible to grow these perennial herbs from seed, but it’s more challenging, and many prefer to buy plant starts, take cuttings, or divide them to start new plantings: 

• Rosemary
• Tarragon
• Comfrey

Biennial herbs that you can grow from seed:

• Parsley
• Caraway

2. Find the Right Location to Start Your Herbs

While some gardeners like to sow perennial herb seeds directly in the soil, they are so tiny and slow to germinate that starting them in containers gives you better control over the conditions, ensures good germination rates, and gives them a better head start.

Light

You need a spot with good morning sun and afternoon shade. The summer sun is too harsh for tiny seedlings, which are designed by nature to germinate underneath the protection of large adult plants. Also, you don’t want your seedling containers to dry out. You can use shade cloth to create the perfect light level, and as long as your plants have some indirect light, they’ll grow nicely. Placing them on the eastern side of your house also works well. 

Water

A small drip irrigation system with adjustable spray emitters works wonderfully to keep your herb nursery moist without you having to pay constant attention to it. You will need to adjust the frequency and duration of waterings depending on the outdoor temperatures, but in general, a few times a day is required to make sure the small seedling containers don’t dry out too much.

Protection

While you can set up an herb nursery directly on the ground, you may need to elevate it on makeshift tables if you have dogs and chickens, for example. However, since putting them on tables won’t necessarily keep out all of the pests, you may need to use netting to keep them out.

3. Gather Supplies 

Once you have selected the perennial herbs to start and found the right location, you can gather your supplies. 

Containers

Seed trays, pots, or seedling trays with drainage holes. Since they grow slowly, you probably won’t have to transplant them into larger containers. You can just put them into the ground once they are big enough. 

Potting Mix

Use a high-quality organic potting soil or seed starting mix. Alternatively, you can make your own potting soil using fine-grain sand mixed with peat moss and compost. Most herb seeds are tiny, so sifting out the big chunks is also helpful.

Seeds

Many garden centers put their seed racks away after spring is over, but you can order from online seed companies like Urban Farmers or Johnny’s Selected Seeds. 

Shade Cloth

Shade cloth can make any part of the yard suitable for starting perennial herbs by protecting them from intense sunlight.

Drip Irrigation System

If you set up a small drip irrigation system or add a zone to your larger one, you can use adjustable spray emitters for consistent watering. A timer takes a lot of the work out of this chore and allows you to go camping for the weekend without worrying about your baby herbs drying out.

Netting

Protect seedlings from pests by using fine netting over the top of your containers.

Labels

Markers and plant labels will help you identify each herb variety. While they aren’t necessary, they can make it much easier to keep track, especially if you have multiple varieties of the same herb. At a minimum, write the name and planting date on each label.

Fertilizer

After your seedlings germinate and start to grow, use a balanced fertilizer to ensure optimal growth. Small seedlings don’t need a lot of fertilizer until they start to grow the second set of leaves, and even then, it’s easy to burn them if you use too much. One way is to use some fish fertilizer in a hose end sprayer to give them a quick boost.

4. Start Flats of Seeds 

Many herbs take about 14 to 21 days to germinate, and during this time they need adequate moisture to prevent drying out. Until they germinate, use saran wrap to hold the moisture in. Spray the tops of them with a pump sprayer or mister so that you don’t get them too wet or move the top layer of soil around. 

It’s best if you keep the seedling trays indoors until they germinate because they don’t need light and you can keep a closer eye on them. Once they germinate, move them outside to the herb nursery.

5. Continue to Monitor the Growth of Your Herb Starts

Herb seedlings are often slow to grow at first, so it’s essential to have patience. Once they get big enough, you may need to transplant them to a larger container or move them into their final location in the herb garden. You should plant them in the ground as soon as they are large enough, usually 1 to 2 inches, depending on the type of plant.

Once you plant them in the ground, consider using shade cloth and mulch to keep the ground from getting too hot and scorching them. They are tiny babies, and they need to be treated as such. Regularly check your drip irrigation system is working as it’s supposed to and adjust your watering schedule as needed.

6. Enjoy Your Herbs!

Continue to care for your herbs by providing adequate moisture and nutrients, and keeping the area weed free. Herbs are generally easy to grow, and many of them thrive with neglect, but they also like to have their own space. Well-drained soil is a must for herbs like thyme, oregano, and lavender, as they don’t like to have their feet wet.

Let them become established before using them. The following spring after you plant them, you can start using them, but wait until they have plenty of growth and never pick more than one third of the plant. 

Some people like to keep a few herbs in containers and bring them into house to grow throughout the winter. While this is a good strategy, it works better with some plants than others because many herbs need a dormant period.

Benefits of Herbs

Herbs offer numerous benefits, ranging from culinary uses to medicinal applications. Here are some of the many benefits you’ll experience by having herbs growing on your permaculture homestead.

Culinary Uses

Herbs enhance the flavor and aroma of food, whether they are used dried or fresh, having plenty of homegrown herbs on hand will elevate the taste of your soups, stews, salads, sauces, and marinades.

Medicinal Applications

Herbs have medicinal properties and have been used by humans for thousands of years. If you’ve never used herbs as medicine, start small and learn as you go. Be safe, however, because many of them are powerful and can have unwanted side effects. 

Aromatic Uses

Herbs contribute to the delightful fragrances in your garden, and there is plenty of science behind the use of herbs in aromatherapy. Use herbs in potpourri, pomanders, homemade incense sticks, dried wreaths, and more. 

Pest Repellents

Both annual and perennial herbs are excellent pest repellents. Strong smelling herbs like catnip, chives, mint, sage, lavender, and pennyroyal can deter all types of pests, from insects to animals.

Read More: Guide to Companion Planting for Pest Control

Attract Beneficial Pollinators

Some of the most attractive plants for bringing beneficial pollinators into your garden are annual herbs like dill, fennel, and cilantro, and many of these will reseed themselves every year. Planting large spaces of refugia for beneficial insects like bees and butterflies will improve the pollination of orchards, fruits, and vegetables in your garden. These plants will also attract predatory insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which help maintain ecological balance and promote garden health through diversity.

Soil Improvement

One of the best plants for improving soil is comfrey. It has deep roots which promote nutrient cycling and the plant can be cut back a few times a year to use in your compost pile. Other herbs like mint, thyme, and oregano are excellent ground covers that help suppress weeds and prevent soil erosion without requiring a lot of water.

Low Maintenance

Once you get them started, many herbs are easy to grow and require minimal care, making them ideal for beginner gardeners or those with limited time and resources. If they are properly mulched, almost no care is required except for an annual pruning. Be sure to learn more about the best time to prune individual types of herb plants. Some do better pruned in the spring, while others can be cut back to the ground in the fall.

Drought Tolerance

Herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage are drought tolerant, so they perform well when planted at the edges of your garden. (Principle 11 of the 12 Permaculture Principles: Use edges and value the marginal.) They are also great choices for xeriscaping and other sustainable landscaping designs.

Year Round Harvest

Almost all perennial herbs can be harvested throughout the growing season, although there are optimal times for harvest depending on how you will use them. Herbs like chives can even be brought into a greenhouse or put in a cold frame to enjoy during the winter months in most growing zones.

Sustainability

Herbs are easy to grow organically because the have natural properties that make them resistant to pests. The sustainability of herbs also extends to your pocketbook, because they are much cheaper to grow than they are to buy at the store, and you’ll enjoy the better quality. 

In summary, herbs offer a multitude of benefits, making them invaluable assets in culinary, medicinal, and ecological contexts. Whether grown in gardens, containers, or indoor spaces, herbs enrich our lives in numerous ways, enhancing health, flavor, and well-being.

Discover More Ways to Garden Organically

Whether you’re new to the idea of permaculture and organic gardening, or you’re a seasoned pro, there are plenty of tips, tricks, and tidbits of valuable information in our comprehensive homesteading subject guides. You’ll find links and resources to help you successfully navigate the homesteading life, including free resources like planners and checklists.