In the UK, sow hardy herbs outdoors April–June and tender herbs like basil indoors from April, in gritty, free-draining soil (25% grit for pots). Harvest continuously from around 4–10 weeks after sowing, depending on the herb.
A quick SoilCommander video on growing coriander at home in UK conditions — sowing, spacing, care and harvest in under a minute.
Last updated 4 July 2026
Growing herbs in the UK is easy, rewarding, and adds fresh flavours to your cooking year-round. From tender annuals like basil to hardy perennials like rosemary, herbs are versatile plants that thrive in gardens, containers, and windowsills. This guide covers how to grow the most popular culinary herbs successfully in the UK climate.
| Task | Timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sow indoors (basil) | April – May | Warmth-loving; keep off cold windowsills |
| Sow/plant outdoors | April – June | Mediterranean herbs need gritty, free-draining soil |
| Harvest | April – October | Regular picking encourages bushier growth |
Not sure when to sow? See our When to Plant Herbs UK →
Quick Growing Facts
- Sowing/Planting Time: Varies by herb (see individual sections)
- Harvest Time: Continuous for most herbs
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Position: Most prefer full sun and well-drained soil
Types of Herbs
Annual Herbs: Grow for one season (basil, coriander, dill)
Biennial Herbs: Grow for two seasons (parsley)
Perennial Herbs: Grow for many years (rosemary, thyme, sage, mint, chives). Mediterranean types are prone to root rot in damp UK soil — the RHS recommends growing them in gritty, free-draining compost (around 25% horticultural grit) or terracotta pots.
Popular Herbs: Growing Guide
Basil (Annual)
- Sowing: April-May indoors; plant out after last frost
- Position: Full sun, warm, sheltered
- Care: Water regularly, pinch out flower buds, feed weekly
- Harvest: Pick leaves regularly from top down
- Varieties: Sweet Genovese (classic), Purple Basil, Thai Basil
Parsley (Biennial)
- Sowing: March-July outdoors or in modules
- Position: Sun or partial shade, moist soil
- Care: Water regularly, remove flower stalks in second year
- Harvest: Pick outer leaves, leave centre to grow
Mint (Perennial)
- Planting: Spring or autumn, from plants or divisions
- Position: Sun or partial shade, moist soil
- Care: Water regularly, GROW IN CONTAINERS to control spread
- Harvest: Pick leaves as needed, cut back after flowering
Rosemary (Perennial)
- Planting: Spring, from plants or cuttings
- Position: Full sun, very well-drained soil, sheltered
- Care: Minimal watering once established, trim after flowering
- Harvest: Pick sprigs as needed year-round
Thyme (Perennial)
- Planting: Spring, from plants or cuttings
- Position: Full sun, very well-drained soil
- Care: Minimal watering, trim after flowering to keep compact
- Harvest: Pick sprigs as needed year-round
Chives (Perennial)
- Planting: Spring or autumn, from seed, plants, or divisions
- Position: Sun or partial shade, moist soil
- Care: Water regularly, divide clumps every 3-4 years
- Harvest: Cut leaves 2.5cm above soil, flowers are edible
Container Growing
- Pot size: Minimum 20cm diameter for most herbs
- Compost: Use well-drained multipurpose or herb compost
- Drainage: Ensure pots have drainage holes
- Watering: Water when top 2.5cm of compost is dry
- Positioning: Place in sunniest spot available
Harvesting Herbs
- Regular picking: Encourages bushier, more productive plants
- Before flowering: Flavour is strongest just before flowering
- Don’t over-harvest: Never take more than one-third of the plant at once
- Woody herbs: Can be dried (rosemary, thyme, sage, oregano)
Most Mediterranean herbs taste better when slightly stressed — rosemary, thyme, and sage grown in lean, gritty soil produce stronger flavour oils than the same herbs grown lush and well-fed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which herbs are easiest to grow for a beginner?
Thyme, chives, and mint (in a container) are about as forgiving as herbs get. Sweet Genovese basil is also easy outdoors once the weather has properly warmed up.
Why does my basil keep going leggy and weak?
Usually too little light or too much heat without enough sun. Give basil the warmest, brightest spot available and pinch out flower buds regularly to keep it bushy.
Can I grow herbs indoors year-round?
Soft herbs like basil, parsley, and chives do reasonably well on a bright windowsill. Woody Mediterranean herbs like rosemary and thyme prefer to be outdoors.
Why is my rosemary or thyme dying in winter?
Almost always waterlogging rather than cold — both are hardy but hate sitting in wet soil. Improve drainage with grit, raise pots off the ground in winter, and avoid heavy clay soil without amendment.
How do I stop mint taking over my garden?
Always grow mint in a container — its spreading roots will take over a bed within a season or two. A bottomless bucket sunk into the soil works well if you want it to look like it’s growing in the ground.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding fast-bolting herbs. The RHS notes coriander, dill, basil and wild rocket bolt especially fast if overcrowded or in poor, dry soil.
- Poor ventilation indoors or under glass. Stagnant air encourages fungal problems — keep air moving and ventilate greenhouses regularly.
- One big sowing of fast-bolting herbs. Regular smaller sowings of quick-to-bolt herbs give a steadier supply than a single large sowing.
- Moving basil outdoors too early. Basil is frost-tender and needs consistent warmth — the Met Office notes frost risk can run into June further north, so wait later than the general late-May guidance if you're outside the south.
Plan Your Vegetable & Herb Garden
The SoilCommander UK Vegetable Garden Planner includes herb sowing and harvesting guides alongside all your vegetable crops — designed for UK gardens and allotments.
Get the UK Garden Planner →Browse sowing dates for all crops in the UK vegetable planting calendar or explore all UK vegetable growing guides.
Last updated 4 July 2026
Tools That Help With This Crop
Use these links when the guide moves from reading into sowing, planting, watering, and keeping the crop healthy.
Plan the next step
Use the printable UK Vegetable Garden Planner to turn this guide into sowing dates, bed layouts, and weekly garden tasks.