UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Note this is a general guide. I am by no means an expert with growing all the herbs available to us. Knowing your average last frost date is important. For me it is mid October (Ask around in your area). A late frost is always possible and this is when having old bed sheets and/or buckets at the ready to cover your plantings is required. 

For areas outside of Tasmania, refer to local resources. 

If in doubt wait a few weeks before starting. Below lists the earliest date to start. Generally you want to get your herbs going for full seasons growth, so in many cases, it would not be worth starting say Sage in March.

Anise

• Sow in the garden as early as two weeks before the average last frost date (September to November).
• As they have a taproot, direct seeding is preferable, but carefully taking out of a pot can be achieved also.

Lemon Balm (Bee Balm)

• Start seeds indoors up to 8 weeks before the last spring frost (late July to September). Keep the seed at around starting mix at 13°C or thereabouts (however I have germinated at 20 and accepted a bit lower germination
• If direct sowing, wait until about 1 or 2 weeks before your last frost date.

Basil

• Start basil indoors from 6 weeks before the last frost for planting out in the garden after the weather has warmed (three or more weeks after the last frost)
• Really needs 21°C for decent germination.
• Direct sow when soil is the above temps.
• in volatile springs, mid to late December may be the best time to plant outside.

Borage

• Seeds come up quickly at a warmish temperature. Can start up to 8 weeks before last frost date indoors.
• Due to preference for warmer soil, best to direct seed after your last frost date (October/November for much of Tasmania).

Caraway

• Sow indoors 3 to 4 weeks before the average last frost or sow outdoors direct after last frost in spring (Can sow in autumn also).

Chamomile

• Sow indoors from 3 to 4 weeks before your last frost date.
• Sow outdoors when soils warmed to 20°C after last frost date.

Chervil

• Sow indoors from 3 to 4 weeks before your last frost date and in February to April
• Transplant gently as they have a taproot
• Direct sow after last frost date for spring/summer plants plus February and March for winter.

Chives

• Start in late July to December, quick to germinate at 20°C
• best to plant out after last frost date (although a mild frost has not hurt me in the past)
•  Can direct sow from 4 weeks before last frost date (however higher germination rate of seed is achieved with warmer soils).

Coriander

• Has a taproot so be gentle if transplanting from punnets (I do this successfully, you just don’t want seedlings older than 4 weeks)
• I start in late July indoors and plant out 4 weeks after this. 
• Direct seeding is possible, but colder soils will mean slower germination (up to 4 weeks in July/August).
• Either way, sow/plant every 3 weeks to maintain a supply through spring to early summer.
• I don’t sow in mid November to mid February, then I start again every 3 weeks. Over summer they go to flower quick, so if you want seeds for the kitchen, keep growing.

Cress

• Can direct seed 4 to 6 weeks before last frost to around October/November then sow in late February to early April for winter.
• Quick grower, and you only need a couple of plants.

Dill

• Can start indoors 4 to 6 weeks before last frost or direct seeded after last frost.
• gently handle seedlings as they have a taproot.
• will bolt over the warmer months (can sow every 4 weeks). Easiest growing is in autumn/winter.

Fennel

• grows best between 14°C and 22°C
• Can start indoors 4 weeks before last frost date. Like Dill, handle seedlings gently as they have a taproot (best to raise in a single pot than shallow punnets).
• Easiest growing is plants down in late February and March for fennel bulbs.
• Grow anytime for leaf.

Hyssop

• Sow hyssop indoors in early spring from two weeks or so before the last frost. Direct seed after last frost date.

Lovage

• Start seeds indoors in early spring in individual pots
• Plant out around last frost date.
• Dies back in winter and should re shoot when soils warm 

Marjoram

• Marjoram is a subspecies of oregano; they are not the same. The leaves of both plants are used in cooking. Marjoram is sweet and light flavoured. Oregano is robust and spicy flavoured.
• To get a head start on the season, sow marjoram as early as 4 weeks before the average last frost date indoors. I have planted before last frost date with no issues (still watch out for hard frosts).
• Quick germination on a heat mat at 20°C
• Plant out around last frost date (direct seed around this time also)

Mint

• Start mint from seed indoors 3 to 4 weeks before the last frost. Mint seed can be slow to germinate.
• Plant out 2 weeks after last frost date. More soil warmth is required
• A heat mat helps 
• Best in pots to prevent takeover!

Nasturtium

• Start nasturtium seed indoors from five weeks before the last spring frost. Soak seed overnight before sowing.
• Ideally plant out after frost risk has passed, or cover with a bucket during those last couple of weeks where frosts may occur to get a head start.
• Otherwise direct seed after frost risk has passed.

Oregano

• Start seed indoors from four weeks before the last spring frost.
• A heat mat at 20°C helps get things germinating
• plant out after frost risk or direct sow at this time (you want soil temps of 8 to 10 C at least).

• Sow seeds when soils are at least 15 degrees C. (mid October to December approx)
• Seeds do not like sitting in wet soil or cold soil. If in doubt, delay sowing until warmer weather arrives.

Sorrel

• Start seed 2 weeks after last frost date (October to November and up to February)