Early Spring Herbs: Your Guide to Getting Started

The first green shoots of herbs pushing through the soil mark the true beginning of gardening season. Early spring brings the perfect opportunity to start your herb garden while temperatures are mild and rainfall is plentiful. These aromatic plants not only enhance your cooking but also attract beneficial pollinators to your garden.

Starting herbs in early spring gives them time to establish strong root systems before summer heat arrives. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced gardener, this guide will help you select the right herbs and provide the care they need during this sometimes unpredictable season.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases and sometimes recommend products from other sellers at no extra cost to you. For more details see my disclosure policy and privacy policy.

Best Herbs for Early Spring Planting

Some herbs thrive when planted early, while others need warmer soil. Here are the top performers for early spring:

Chives

Chives are often among the first herbs to emerge in spring, with their slender green shoots pushing through the soil even when nights remain chilly. This cold-hardy perennial can withstand light frosts without damage, making it perfect for early spring gardens. Chives grow in tidy clumps that gradually expand each year, with beautiful purple pom-pom flowers that appear in late spring.

Their mild onion flavor adds brightness to eggs, potatoes, soups, and salads without overpowering other ingredients. For the freshest flavor, snip chives with scissors rather than cutting with a knife. The flowers are also edible and make a stunning garnish for spring dishes.

Mint

Mint awakens early in the gardening season, sending up aromatic shoots as soon as the soil warms slightly. This vigorous grower spreads by underground runners and can quickly take over a garden bed if not contained. Always plant mint in containers or use barriers that extend at least 10 inches into the soil to keep it in bounds.

Fresh mint comes in dozens of varieties beyond common peppermint and spearmint, including chocolate mint, apple mint, and pineapple mint. The leaves make wonderful teas, cocktails, and additions to spring salads. Mint also pairs beautifully with lamb dishes and early spring peas. Harvest regularly to encourage bushy growth and prevent flowering, which can make the leaves less flavorful.

Parsley

Though often relegated to garnish status, parsley deserves a prominent place in the early spring garden. This biennial is typically grown as an annual and comes in flat-leaf (Italian) and curly varieties. Flat-leaf types offer more robust flavor for cooking, while curly varieties make attractive garnishes and garden borders.

Parsley seeds germinate slowly but can handle cool soil temperatures, making them suitable for early spring planting. The plants develop a deep taproot that helps them withstand dry periods later in the season. Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, parsley adds bright, herbaceous flavor to soups, stews, tabbouleh, and chimichurri sauce. Allow some plants to flower in their second year to attract beneficial insects and self-seed in your garden.

Thyme

This woody perennial herb awakens early in spring, with tiny new leaves emerging on last year’s stems. Thyme is exceptionally cold-hardy and drought-tolerant once established, making it perfect for unpredictable spring weather. The plant forms an attractive ground cover in sunny spots and works well in rock gardens or between stepping stones.

Thyme comes in numerous varieties, including common thyme, lemon thyme, and woolly thyme, each with subtle flavor differences. Its tiny leaves pack tremendous flavor that intensifies when dried. Thyme pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, stews, and root vegetables. The plants also attract bees and other pollinators when they flower in early summer, making them valuable additions to any garden ecosystem.

Sage

With its soft, silvery-green leaves and subtle blue-purple flowers, sage is both beautiful and practical in the early spring garden. This Mediterranean perennial appreciates well-drained soil and can handle light frosts and cool temperatures. New growth emerges from woody stems in early spring, gradually forming a bushy plant that reaches 1-2 feet in height.

Sage’s earthy, slightly peppery flavor pairs wonderfully with poultry, pork, and fall vegetables. The leaves can be used fresh or dried and maintain their potent flavor through various cooking methods. Beyond common garden sage, look for varieties like purple sage, golden sage, or pineapple sage to add visual interest to your herb garden. Prune sage plants in early spring to encourage compact growth and prevent them from becoming woody and sparse.

Cilantro

Cilantro (also known as coriander when it goes to seed) thrives in the cool conditions of early spring. Unlike many herbs that peak in summer, cilantro actually bolts (goes to seed) quickly when temperatures rise, making early spring the perfect time to enjoy its bright, citrusy leaves. Plant cilantro in succession every 2-3 weeks for a continuous harvest through spring.

This herb grows quickly from seed, often ready for light harvesting within 3-4 weeks. Its delicate leaves add distinctive flavor to Mexican, Indian, and Southeast Asian cuisines. When cilantro eventually flowers in warmer weather, allow some plants to develop seeds (coriander), which can be harvested for spice or saved for planting next season. The flowers also attract beneficial insects to your garden.

Dill

Direct sow dill seeds as soon as the soil can be worked in early spring for quick results. This tall, feathery herb grows rapidly in cool weather, often reaching 2-3 feet in height. Dill’s delicate blue-green foliage adds vertical interest to the herb garden while its umbrella-shaped yellow flower clusters attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and parasitic wasps.

The fresh leaves have a distinctive tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with fish, potatoes, cucumbers, and yogurt-based dishes. Both the leaves (dill weed) and seeds are useful in the kitchen, particularly for pickling. Dill reseeds readily, so allow some plants to flower and set seed for volunteers next season. Harvest dill leaves before the plant flowers for the best flavor, as they become less potent afterward.

Preparing Your Garden for Early Spring Herbs

Setting up the right environment helps your herbs thrive despite early spring’s unpredictable weather:

Check soil drainage – Few herbs tolerate waterlogged soil. If your garden holds water, consider raised beds or containers.
Test soil pH – Most herbs prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0). Simple soil test kits from garden centers can help determine if amendments are needed.
Add compost – Work in 1-2 inches of compost to add nutrients and improve soil structure. Herbs generally don’t need heavy fertilizing, but compost provides a good foundation.
Clear debris – Remove any remaining plant material from last season that might harbor pests or disease.
Plan for sun – Most culinary herbs need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. Observe your garden in early spring to identify the sunniest spots.

Starting Seeds vs. Buying Seedlings

You have two main options for establishing your herb garden:

Starting from seed:

More economical
Greater variety of options
Satisfaction of growing from scratch
Better for direct-sow herbs like dill and cilantro

Buying seedlings:

Instant garden
Earlier harvest
Better success rate for slow-germinating herbs like rosemary and sage
Ideal for beginners

For the best results, combine approaches. Start easy-to-grow herbs like basil and cilantro from seed, while purchasing small plants of perennial herbs like rosemary and thyme.

Protection from Late Frosts

Early spring weather can be unpredictable. Protect your young herbs from surprise frosts with these methods:

Row covers – Lightweight fabric barriers allow light and water through while providing 2-4 degrees of frost protection.
Cloches – Individual plant covers made from plastic or glass protect sensitive seedlings.
Cold frames – These mini-greenhouses capture solar heat during the day to keep plants warm at night.
Watch the forecast – Keep an eye on weather predictions and be ready to cover plants when temperatures dip below 32°F (0°C).
Container mobility – Herbs in containers can be moved to protected areas during cold snaps.

Watering Wisely in Early Spring

Proper watering is critical during establishment:

Water thoroughly but less frequently to encourage deep root growth.
Water in the morning so foliage can dry before evening, reducing disease risk.
Check soil moisture by inserting your finger about an inch deep – if it feels dry, it’s time to water.
Use mulch around plants (staying away from stems) to conserve moisture and moderate soil temperature.

Common Early Spring Herb Challenges

Be prepared for these typical issues:

Slugs and snails – These pests are active in moist spring conditions. Use copper tape, diatomaceous earth, or beer traps to control them.
Damping off – This fungal disease affects seedlings. Prevent it with good air circulation and by avoiding overwatering.
Temperature fluctuations – These can stress plants. Hardening off seedlings gradually acclimates them to outdoor conditions.
Weeds – Spring brings weed seeds to life. Mulch well and weed regularly while weeds are small.

Harvesting Your Early Spring Herbs

Once your herbs are established, proper harvesting techniques encourage bushier growth and continued production:

Harvest in the morning when essential oils are strongest.
Take no more than one-third of the plant at once.
Use sharp scissors or pruners for clean cuts.
Pinch back growing tips regularly to encourage branching.

Preserving Spring Bounty

If your herbs grow faster than you can use them:

Dry hardy herbs like thyme, sage, and oregano by hanging bundles in a warm, dry place.
Freeze herbs like chives, basil, and parsley in ice cube trays with water or olive oil.
Make herb butters, pestos, or vinegars to preserve fresh flavors.

Herb Companions for Success

Some plants grow better together. Try these combinations:

Plant chives near carrots to deter carrot flies.
Grow basil alongside tomatoes for improved flavor and pest protection.
Pair rosemary with cabbage family plants to repel cabbage moths.
Keep mint isolated as it tends to overtake neighboring plants.

Final Thoughts

Early spring herb gardening connects you to the changing seasons and provides fresh flavors for your kitchen. The effort you put in now will reward you with months of harvests and the satisfaction of growing your own food.

Start small with a few reliable herbs and expand as you gain confidence. By midsummer, you’ll be enjoying the fruits of your early spring labor in countless dishes and wondering why you didn’t start herb gardening sooner!

What herbs are you most excited to plant this season?

Early Spring Herbs: Your Guide to Getting Started