Gardening Seasonal Planting Calendar for Coastal Herbs

Living near the coast has its perks, doesn't it? The salt air, the ocean breeze, and—surprisingly—some pretty fantastic conditions for growing herbs. But here's the thing: timing matters tremendously when you're trying to coax rosemary and basil into thriving by the seaside.

What Makes Coastal Herb Gardening Different?

I dove into some research on this (mostly because my own attempts at basil went sideways last year), and discovered that coastal microclimates are honestly fascinating. According to gardening experts at The Old Farmer's Almanac, coastal areas benefit from moderated temperatures and well-draining sandy soil, which many Mediterranean herbs absolutely adore. The infographic above breaks down the entire year into manageable chunks, showing exactly when to plant what.

Spring Through Summer: The Active Months

March through May is when things get exciting. Start your tender herbs like basil and cilantro indoors, then transplant them once frost danger passes—usually after those unpredictable early spring cold snaps that seem to surprise us every year. By summer, you'll want to practice succession planting to keep your harvest rolling. Plant every few weeks! It sounds tedious, but fresh basil all season long is worth the effort.

One thing that caught my attention: cilantro tends to bolt quickly in coastal heat, so afternoon shade becomes your secret weapon during those scorching June-through-August months 🌿

Fall and Winter Strategy

September brings a second planting window that many people overlook, which honestly seems like a missed opportunity since perennials planted in fall establish stronger root systems before spring arrives. The University of California Master Gardener Program recommends this timing for herbs like rosemary, sage, and thyme.

Winter doesn't mean giving up entirely—bring pots indoors or protect outdoor perennials with simple burlap wraps during freezes. Pretty straightforward, really.

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Sources:

• The Old Farmer's Almanac - Herb Gardening
• UC Master Gardener Program