Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting your herbal journey, this guide will explore the best herbs to plant in August, providing you with a repertoire of flavors, scents, and benefits that can enhance your kitchen, health, and garden aesthetics.

Basil

Basil is a beloved herb renowned for its vibrant flavor and versatility. In August, the warm weather allows basil plants to thrive, producing lush green leaves abundant in oil. This herb is ideal for planting in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil and benefits from full sunlight. If planting from seeds, consider starting them indoors a few weeks before August and then transplanting them outside, or plant them directly in the garden once the soil has warmed up.

Basil is perfect for culinary uses, adding a fragrant touch to dishes like pesto, tomato sauces, and salads. Beyond its culinary charm, basil also boasts various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties and a rich supply of antioxidants. Planting basil in August allows it to grow through the early fall, offering fresh leaves for your meals well into the season.

Chives

Chives are one of the easiest herbs to grow and are perfect for planting in August. These hardy perennials thrive in well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. Start your chive seeds directly in the garden, or you can sow them in pots for a more controlled growing environment. Chives don’t require much maintenance beyond regular watering, making them a great choice for those with a busy schedule.

Chives have a mild onion flavor that adds a fresh crunch to salads, soups, and fatty dishes like griled fish and meats. Their delicate purple flowers are not only edible; they also attract beneficial pollinators to your garden, contributing to the health of your plants. Planting chives in August ensures a robust harvest that can last for years, as these perennial herbs regrow each spring.

Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is a soothing herb belonging to the mint family, celebrated for its refreshing citrus scent. August is an excellent time to plant lemon balm, as it thrives in the warm summer months. When establishing your lemon balm, choose a location that enjoys full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. You can plant seeds directly or consider starting with transplants for quicker growth.

This herb is a fantastic addition to tea blends, salads, and desserts, providing a light, zesty flavor. It’s also known for its calming properties, which can help reduce stress and anxiety. Moreover, lemon balm attracts pollinators such as bees, further enhancing your garden’s vibrancy. By planting lemon balm in August, you give it a chance to establish strong roots before cooler weather sets in.

Dill

Dill is a flavorful herb that adds a unique taste to pickles, fish, and sauces. This annual herb thrives in August’s warm weather, and you can easily start it from seed. Dill prefers full sun and well-drained soil, so choose a sunny spot in your herb garden or in pots. The seeds should be sown directly into the ground, as they don’t transplant well.

Aside from its culinary uses, dill has several health benefits, including aiding digestion and having anti-inflammatory properties. Its feathery foliage and yellow flowers also attract beneficial insects, making it a boon to your garden’s ecosystem. August plantings of dill will allow you to harvest fresh leaves right into the fall, enhancing your culinary adventures with a burst of flavor.

Parsley

As a biennial herb typically grown as an annual, parsley is an essential addition to any herb garden. Planting parsley in August allows it to establish strong roots before the cooler weather arrives. Preferably, sow seeds directly in well-drained soil with full sun exposure, or start them indoors and transplant them later.

Parsley is a versatile herb packed with vitamins A, C, and K, and it brings a fresh zing to various dishes, from salads to sauces. It also has several antioxidant properties and can aid in digestion. With proper care, parsley planted in August can yield a harvest that continues well into the next season, providing fresh greens for your culinary creations.

Rosemary

Rosemary is a fragrant, woody herb that is not only the star of many culinary dishes, but also a versatile perennial plant that can thrive in various climates. In August, you can plant rosemary from transplants or cuttings to ensure that you have a successful harvest. Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil, as rosemary dislikes standing water.

Rosemary enhances dishes with its aromatic flavor, making it a favorite for roasts, marinades, and breads. Moreover, this herb has been shown to possess antioxidant properties and can improve memory and concentration. By planting rosemary in August, you can allow these robust plants time to establish before the first frost, yielding flavorful sprigs throughout the fall and into winter.

Lavender

Lavender is not only a stunning addition to any garden with its beautiful spikes of purple flowers, but it also comes with an array of practical uses. The best time to plant lavender is in August when the warm soil helps it establish a solid root system. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil; lavender prefers sandy or gravelly soil types as they require good drainage.

Beyond its beautiful aroma and aesthetic appeal, lavender has calming properties and can be used in culinary dishes, teas, and even homemade essential oils. The dried flowers make enchanting sachets and potpourri. Planting lavender in August allows you to enjoy the blossoms in the following summer, adding both beauty and fragrance to your garden.

Turmeric

Turmeric, the golden spice known for its vibrant color and health benefits, can also be grown in your garden. August is a great time for planting turmeric rhizomes in warm, moist soil. Turmeric loves heat and humidity, making it a perfect candidate as summer transitions into late summer. When planting, ensure your soil is rich in organic matter and provide sufficient water regularly.

This herb is renowned for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a valuable addition to your diet. Additionally, turmeric can be used in various dishes, providing a unique flavor and a golden hue. Planting turmeric in August offers the chance to harvest rhizomes the following spring, filling your kitchen with this celebrated spice.

Ginger

Ginger is another versatile and medicinal herb that thrives when planted in August. Like turmeric, ginger is grown from rhizomes, making it relatively straightforward to start in your garden. Select a spot with warm, moist soil and partial shade, as ginger prefers indirect sunlight.

Ginger is famous for its digestive benefits and has anti-inflammatory effects. It can be used in a multitude of dishes, from stir-fries to teas, and lends itself well to both sweet and savory recipes. By planting ginger in August, you’ll allow it to establish itself, leading to a bountiful harvest of this aromatic root the following year.

Arugula

Arugula, or rocket, is a fast-growing leafy green that adds a peppery kick to salads and dishes. August is an ideal time to plant arugula, as this cool-season crop thrives in the lingering warmth of summer. It flourishes in well-drained soil and can be directly seeded in the ground or containers.

This leafy green is not only delicious but also nutritious, packed with vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin K. The fast-growing nature of arugula means you can expect a quick harvest, often within a few weeks of planting. By sowing arugula in August, you have the chance to enjoy fresh, nutritious greens well into fall, enhancing your salads and culinary creations.

Cilantro

Cilantro, or coriander, is a popular herb with a distinct flavor that brightens up dishes, making it a versatile addition to sauces, salads, and so many cuisines worldwide. Planting cilantro in August is ideal, as it thrives in cooler weather but can still germinate well in the warmth of late summer. Plant seeds directly in well-drained soil and keep them adequately watered.

Cilantro has numerous health benefits, including antioxidant properties and high vitamin content. However, it’s essential to note that cilantro bolts quickly in hot weather, so planting in August allows you to enjoy fresh greens before the cooler temperatures set in. Plants started in August can provide flavorful leaves for various dishes, enhancing your culinary explorations.

Lemongrass

Lemongrass is a fragrant herb widely used in Asian cuisine, known for its citrusy flavor and aroma. While it can be grown from seeds, starting from transplants in August is often more successful. Choose a sunny spot with moist, well-drained soil for optimal growth.

This herb is not only versatile in cooking – adding zest to soups, curries, and marinades – but it also possesses anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Planting lemongrass in August allows it to take root well before the cooler weather arrives, yielding bountiful stalks for your dishes well into the fall.

Oregano

Oregano is a fundamental herb in Mediterranean cuisine, imparting a robust flavor to various dishes from pasta sauces to roasted vegetables. Planting oregano from transplants in August is ideal, as it allows you to establish strong plants before the onset of colder temperatures. Select a sunny location with well-drained soil to promote healthy growth.

Oregano is also known for its antioxidant properties and potential health benefits, including aiding digestion and boosting the immune system. By planting oregano in August, you can enjoy fresh leaves throughout the fall, adding a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire.

Thyme

Thyme is an aromatic herb that is a staple in many kitchens, known for its earthy flavor and fragrance. August is an excellent time to plant thyme, especially when starting from transplants. Choosing a sunny spot with well-drained soil will encourage healthy growth.

This hardy herb is low-maintenance and drought-resistant, making it adaptable and resilient in various growing conditions. Thyme boasts several medicinal properties, including antibacterial effects and potential benefits for respiratory health. By planting thyme in August, you give it a chance to establish itself, allowing you to enjoy fresh sprigs all the way into fall, enhancing countless dishes with its rich flavor.

Conclusion

August is a fantastic month for planting a variety of herbs, each bringing unique flavors and benefits to your garden and kitchen. By choosing the right herbs tailored to the warm climate of late summer, you can extend your harvest season and enjoy fresh flavors well into the cooler months.