Can You Grow Herbs Outside All Year Round?

CAN YOU GROW HERBS OUTSIDE ALL YEAR?

All you need to know is:

• What herbs can be grown all year round?
• What garden furniture is best for growing herbs outdoors?
• How can you make the most of your herbs out of season?

What herbs can be grown in cold weather?

Knowing what herbs can grow in colder weather and what herbs can be grown in warmer weather can help you plan out your herb gardens.

Cool-weather herbs typically thrive from September through to February while warm-weather herbs will grow in the warmer months between February and September. Most perennial and biennial herbs will keep growing all year round if sheltered and protected from the cold.

One key thing to remember is that nearly all herbs do best when they have access to direct sunlight. Be sure to check the guidance on each herb before planting to achieve the best results.

Cool weather herbs include:

• Chives
• Mint
• Coriander
• Parsley
• Rosemary

Warm weather herbs include:

• Basil
• Oregano
• Dill
• Sage
• Thyme
• Lavender

What garden furniture is needed to grow herbs outside?

Herb planters

No matter the size of your outdoor space, it can be easy to grow herbs outside. The easiest way to do this is with a herb planter. Herb planters can come in all shapes and sizes including raised herb planters which provide extra outdoor storage space, vertical herb stands that help conserve space, and ladder or stepped planters to help keep plants separate but maximise sun exposure.

Browse Zest’s range of Herb Planters

Cold Frames

To help keep your warm weather herbs growing all year round, using a cold frame can provide the extra protection you need in the colder months.

A cold frame can be used on its own, or in some cases can be used with your existing herb planters. It will help protect herbs against frost and colder temperatures and are a great alternative to a greenhouse if space is limited.

Take a look at Zest’s compatible Cold Frames

Greenhouses

If you have more outdoor space, a greenhouse is a great option for year-round herbs. These days they come in all shapes and sizes to suit any environment. Tall greenhouses are perfect for placing up against walls while still providing enough space for plants. A compact greenhouse is perfect for a smaller patio or balcony as it can fit larger or taller herbs like chives or lavender while keeping its footprint low.

Find out more about Zest’s newest Greenhouses

Making the most of your herbs all year round

Growing herb plants all year round will provide you with an abundance of herbs to use in your daily life. Here are some things you can do to avoid waste:

• Use cuttings from your existing plants to create new ones and give them to family and friends. Let them grow and develop in a greenhouse or cold frame for better growth.
• Freeze your herbs that don’t dry well like chives, dill, parsley and tarragon.
• Wash and freeze on a greaseproof lined tray and then store them in freezer bags.
• Bunch fresh herbs together and hang them in a warm place to dry before storing in airtight containers for easily accessible dried herbs.
• Freeze your herbs in ice cube trays with water, butter or oil to add to your cooking.

From herb planters and raised beds to cold frames and greenhouses, Zest designs products for outdoor grow your own enthusiasts.