What Herbs to Plant in August (and Why You’re Not Too Late)

So you’re staring at your garden in August, wondering if it’s too late to toss some herbs in the dirt. Maybe you’re thinking, “Did I miss the boat?” Nope. You’re good. In fact, August is secretly one of the best times to plant certain herbs—especially if you’re into quick wins and hearty flavors.

I’ve been that person who over-planned spring, missed half of summer, and ended up planting basil when everyone else was harvesting. Guess what? It still worked out. So don’t let the calendar boss you around. There’s plenty you can grow right now and actually use before the frost hits.

Let’s go over what herbs to plant in August, why they’re worth it, and how to keep them thriving when the weather starts playing games.

Why August Herb Planting Makes Sense

Ever tried growing something in July and felt like you were baking it alive? August is hot too, sure—but it’s the start of cooler nights, longer shade periods, and more mellow vibes overall.

Here’s why August is still prime time:

• Warm soil = fast germination
• Mild temps on the horizon = less stress for new plants
• You get herbs well into fall (and longer if you’re using containers or indoor pots)

Plus, who doesn’t love a fresh bunch of parsley in October?

Cilantro: The Comeback Queen

Okay, so cilantro is basically the drama queen of herbs. Plant it in the heat of summer? It bolts faster than a kid who just heard the ice cream truck. But August gives you that sweet spot.

Why Cilantro Works in August:

• It prefers cooler temps and shorter days.
• Grows fast—you’ll have usable leaves in 3–4 weeks.
• Bolting is less likely. Finally.

Pro Tips:

• Plant in partial shade if your August days are still spicy hot.
• Keep the soil moist—cilantro hates drying out.
• Succession sow every 2 weeks until early fall for a constant harvest.

Bonus: If it does bolt, let it go. You’ll get coriander seeds.

Dill: The Underrated MVP

If dill were a person, it’d be the chill friend who shows up late but still brings snacks. It doesn’t ask for much, and it smells amazing doing it.

Why August Is Perfect for Dill:

• Like cilantro, it hates summer heat but loves fall.
• Grows quickly—harvest in 4–6 weeks.
• The fronds and seeds are both useful. Win-win.

Growing Tips:

• Start from seed—it doesn’t transplant well.
• Needs well-draining soil and full sun.
• Pinch off flower heads if you want to keep the leaves coming.

FYI: If you’re into pickling things (or pretending to be), dill is essential.

Parsley: The Slow and Steady Hero

You know parsley. It’s in literally everything—even when you didn’t ask for it. But it’s not just a garnish. Flat-leaf parsley has bold flavor, and curly parsley… well, it looks cute on a plate.

Why August Works for Parsley:

• It’s a cool-season biennial, so it’ll hang around even into next year.
• It takes a while to sprout, but once it does? Rock solid.
• August planting means fall harvest and spring regrowth.

Tips for Planting:

• Soak the seeds overnight to speed up germination. They’re a little stubborn.
• Keep the soil consistently moist during those early days.
• Grows in full sun to partial shade.

Real talk: This herb is kind of the tortoise in the garden race. But it pays off.

Chervil: The Fancy One You’ve Probably Never Tried

Chervil is like parsley’s artsy French cousin. Think delicate, slightly anise-flavored leaves that scream, “I know what béarnaise sauce is.” If you haven’t grown it before, August is your shot.

Why Chervil Is Great in Late Summer:

• It hates heat and bolts if it’s too hot—cooler days are ideal.
• Grows quickly and can tolerate light frosts.
• Great for windowsills if it’s too hot outside.

Planting Notes:

• Needs shade in hot areas—this one’s a little high maintenance.
• Loves rich, moist soil.
• Harvest regularly to avoid early bolting.

IMO, it’s totally worth it if you want to spice up your herb game without too much effort.

Thyme: Because It’s Always Thyme

(Yeah, I went there. You’re welcome.)

Thyme is one of those herbs that honestly couldn’t care less what month it is. But planting it in August gives it time to establish before winter.

Why Thyme Works Now:

• It thrives in hot, dry climates but keeps going into fall and winter.
• Once it’s in, it’s basically immortal.
• Adds flavor to everything from soup to roasted potatoes. 🔥

How to Plant Thyme in August:

• Go with cuttings or starter plants—it’s slow from seed.
• Needs well-drained, sandy soil.
• Water lightly—this one doesn’t like wet feet.

Tip: If you’re planting in pots, go for terra-cotta to keep the soil nice and dry.

Basil: Yeah, You Can Still Plant It

“But isn’t it too late?” Not necessarily. If you live somewhere that stays warm into September (or beyond), basil still has a fighting chance. And honestly, who doesn’t want more pesto?

Why Basil Can Work in August:

• It’s a fast grower—you’ll see usable leaves in a few weeks.
• Great for containers. Bring it inside once nights drop below 50°F.
• Perfect for cut-and-come-again harvesting.

Basil Growing Tips:

• Loves full sun, warm soil, and consistent water.
• Pinch off flower heads to keep it leafy.
• Use mulch to keep roots warm if nights get chilly.

Personal story: I once kept a basil plant alive on a south-facing windowsill until December. So yes, it’s possible.

Oregano: The Lazy Gardener’s Dream

Oregano is that friend who shows up late, stays forever, and somehow still brings the vibe. Plant it in August, and it’ll keep going for years.

Why August Isn’t Too Late:

• Prefers warm weather, but it’s hardy.
• Slow starter but worth the wait—it becomes low-maintenance over time.
• Perfect for pasta, pizza, and sounding like you know how to cook.

Tips for Planting:

• Use a starter plant if you can—it’s easier than seed.
• Needs full sun and dry-ish soil.
• Trim regularly to avoid woody stems.

Hot tip: Fresh oregano > dried oregano. Always.

Best Practices for August Herb Planting

Let’s be real—August isn’t always predictable. One week it’s beach weather, the next week you’re hunting for a hoodie. So if you’re going to plant herbs now, keep these quick tips in mind:

What to Watch:

• Water early in the day to avoid mold and mildew.
• Use mulch to keep moisture in and soil temps stable.
• If the heat’s still brutal, give your plants afternoon shade.

Container Tips:

• Use well-draining pots (no one wants root rot).
• Put them where they’ll get 6+ hours of sun, but not roast.
• Bring them inside once nighttime temps drop below 50°F.

What NOT to Plant in August

Quick heads-up: not all herbs love a late summer start. Avoid these unless you’re starting indoors or live in a frost-free area:

• Mint: It’ll grow, but honestly, this thing’s a weed. Plant it in spring or contain it before it takes over.
• Lovage: This giant takes forever to grow. Not ideal for a late start.
• Tarragon: Too late unless you find a well-established plant.

Wrap-Up: You’ve Still Got Time—Use It

So, what herbs should you plant in August? The short answer: a lot more than you’d think. From fast growers like cilantro and dill to long-haulers like thyme and oregano, August is secretly awesome for planting herbs.

You don’t need a greenhouse. You don’t need to be a master gardener. You just need a bit of dirt, some seeds (or starts), and the willingness to water them more than once a week. 😉

Here’s your move:
Pick two herbs from this list that you actually like to use, plant them this weekend, and thank yourself when you’re snipping fresh greens into dinner next month.

And hey—if your basil bolts or your cilantro has a meltdown, at least you tried. That’s more than most people can say. 🌿