5 Herbs to Plant in May Before It Gets Too Hot

Written by Angie Menjivar
Updated: May 16, 2023
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You might be starting from scratch with seeds, or you might have some grown herbs ready to add to your garden. Either way, you should know a few ins and outs about choosing the right herbs and caring for them after planting and during the growing season. Plus, learn which herbs to plant in May before it gets too hot!

Choosing the Right Herbs for Your Garden

Intended Use

There are lots of herbs for you to choose from and before you start getting too technical, first put together a list of all the herbs you’re interested in having in your garden. Some may be so you have easy access to yummy culinary components.

In other cases, you may be working to add some extra flair or help with your at-home stress-relieving concoctions. Once you have this list put together, you can consider whether each of your picks makes sense to incorporate into your garden.

Climate

Most herbs love the sun, so find the right spot in your garden that gets lots of sunlight. Even if you have some shady spots, don’t worry. Some herbs can still thrive sans sun (examples include mint and parsley). Even if your outdoor conditions aren’t quite right, don’t fret. You may still be able to grow some of your favorite herbs indoors.

Mentha spicata, strawberry mint, planted in pots.

Mint can grow in shady conditions.

©Leo Herdy/Shutterstock.com

Soil Conditions

You might have acidic soil but that’s not a deterrent. There’s a fix and it’s lime. If you have heavy clay soil, it’s not the preferred type of soil for growing herbs but you can fix that. Just add some compost and coarse grit to create a more nurturing environment for your herbs.

Planting and Caring for Herbs

Depth

According to the National Gardening Association, you don’t need a lot of depth when dealing with herbs. Aim for at least four inches but no more than five when setting them up in your garden.

Spacing

Some herbs can’t be planted near each other. An example is fennel and cilantro — instead of thriving together, they get competitive which then inhibits the other’s growth. Generally, if you’re planting your herbs directly into the ground, you want to create a diameter of at least one foot. However, you should look into specifics depending on your unique herb preferences.

Water

Herbs need water to thrive, but their soil shouldn’t be saturated. You have to consider the climate as well. You want to avoid overwatering your herbs and realize that depending on your unique garden, there may be a period of trial and error as you navigate sun exposure along with weather conditions.

watering can on ground

Water well but don’t saturate your soil.

©iStock.com/Tgordievskaya

Fertilizer

Herbs are easy when it comes to fertilizer. Opt for all-natural, organic options along with your regular potting mix before you put them into the ground. If you notice they’re not looking as vibrant as they should, try incorporating fish and kelp fertilizer to help move things along.

Caring During Growing Season

Pruning

When working with most herbs, you want to make sure you time your last pruning appropriately. Ideally, it should be at minimum eight weeks before the winter season’s first frost. With some herbs like chive and parsley, when you prune, you want to cut about an inch from the soil. With perennial herbs, you want to be consistent and prune on a weekly basis during the summer season.

Harvesting

During the growing season, you want to pay special attention to your herbs so you can make the most of your harvest. If the herb has enough foliage to keep growing, you can cut a few sprigs right above where the leaves cluster (unless you’re working with herbs like parsley). Keep your herbs clear of dirt and be sure to remove any dead leaves while you do this as well.  

Using

The beauty of herbs is their versatility. Enjoy them fresh atop a salad or dry them up to store and add bursts of flavor to your favorite dishes. Each herb type has its own medicinal properties as well. Aside from culinary uses, you can use herbs as needed to alleviate symptoms. Mint, for example, is helpful when you’re dealing with indigestion.

5 Herbs to Plant in May Before It Gets Too Hot

1. Sage

Scientific name: Salvia officinalis

Sage is a perennial that is distinguished by its grayish leaves and purplish flowers.

Preferred Growing Conditions

These herbs should be planted at least 18 inches and up to 24 inches apart. The soil should have a pH of 6.5 and be rich and well-drained. These herbs should also be exposed to plenty of sunlight. Add a little something to the soil to give these herbs the best chance. Think compost or some other organic matter that boosts the nutrients in your soil.

Culinary Uses

Sage grows in popularity around the holidays, with many Thanksgiving dinners incorporating this earthy, delightful herb. It’s fantastic for seasoning meats and can be incorporated into vegetable dishes. Some infuse their salt, butter, and honey with sage as well.

Sage

Fresh organic sage thrives outdoors in a garden.

©iStock.com/wingedwolf

2. Rosemary

Scientific name: Salvia Rosmarinus

Rosemary is an evergreen shrub that has different colored flowers (sometimes purple, pink, or white). The leaves look like little needles.

Preferred Growing Conditions

To help rosemary thrive, give it full sun. The soil should be light and well-drained. pH level should be about 6.5. Like with sage, make sure to enrich the soil for better outcomes.

Culinary Uses

Rosemary is versatile, pairing well with a variety of hot and cold dishes. You might incorporate it into a stew or a fresh salad. It’s great paired with different meats including steak, poultry, and fish as its woody aroma offers a wonderful flavor experience.

Rosemary has deep green needles, similar to a pine tree.

©iStock.com/Artfully79

3. Basil

Scientific name: Ocimum basilicum

Basil is a bright green annual herb. The leaves are large, fragrant, and flavorful.

Preferred Growing Conditions

Basil loves moist soil. Not drenched soil and not dry soil, but perfectly damp. Basil does thrive when the weather is warm but when summer is in full swing, the heat can do more harm than good. If you start to notice wilting, help your basil herb by giving it a little shade.

Culinary Uses

Basil makes a fantastic garnish. Add it to pasta for a fresh flavor, to your favorite summer salad, or include it in soups to liven it up. Get creative and blend it into sauces as well. The flavor is kind of sweet and kind of spicy.

a few sprigs of Genovese Basil, also known as sweet basil, that have been harvested and tied in bunch with a shot length of natural , tan-colored jute garden string

Basil has a sweet, slightly spicy flavor.

©Billion Photos/Shutterstock.com

4. Dill

Scientific name: Anethum graveolens

Dill is an annual herb that makes up part of the celery family. Both its seeds and leaves are used to add pops of flavor to food dishes.

Preferred Growing Conditions

The soil for dill should be a tiny bit acidic with lots of nutrients. Make sure it’s well-drained as well. When using fertilizer, you don’t need much. Once in late spring should cover it.

Culinary Uses

Dill also makes a great garnish. It has a fresh, citrusy flavor with a subtle earthy undertone. It’s a great accompaniment for potato salads but if you’re watching your carbs, chop it up and add it to your salads.

dill herb growing

Dill is key to making dill pickles!

©iStock.com/DevidDO

5. Parsley

Scientific name: Petroselinum crispum

Parsley is a type of flowering plant and many people throughout the world cultivate it as an herb.

Preferred Growing Conditions

Parsley thrives when it gets direct sunlight for several hours each day. If there’s a little bit of shade, it can tolerate it pretty well but if you can control it, it’s better to let it enjoy full sun.

Culinary Uses

Parsley’s flavor is peppery and earthy with a clean finish. Use it when you’re making a sauce or dip and add it fresh to pasta, meat dishes, and salads. When it’s fresh, it makes an awesome finish to an already flavorful meal.

Parsley on a wooden table

Parsley is great in sauces and dips.

©nblx/Shutterstock.com

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/creativeneko


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About the Author

Angie Menjivar is a writer at A-Z-Animals primarily covering pets, wildlife, and the human spirit. She has 14 years of experience, holds a Bachelor's degree in psychology, and continues her studies into human behavior, working as a copywriter in the mental health space. She resides in North Carolina, where she's fallen in love with thunderstorms and uses them as an excuse to get extra cuddles from her three cats.

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