Last Chance Herbs: What to Plant This Fall in Zone 5 (Before Frost!)

Summer is coming to an end, but that doesn’t mean the gardening season is over in Zone 5! In fact, it’s one of the best times to get certain herbs established before the cold sets in. Cooler temperatures reduce transplant shock, soil retains moisture better, and many herbs thrive in the crisp autumn air.

If you’re wondering what herbs can I still plant in Zone 5 in fall, you’ll be glad to know that both culinary and medicinal herbs can still go in the ground – and many will reward you with growth well into next year.

This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something we may earn a commission. Thanks.

What Are Cold Hardy Herbs to Plant in Zone 5 This Fall?

Thankfully some herbs naturally tolerate frost and even benefit from a fall planting. In Zone 5, it’s important to think about cold hardy herbs that either survive winter outdoors or come back strong in spring.

• Chives – One of the hardiest perennial herbs. Plant in clumps, mulch lightly, and enjoy fresh chives early next spring.
• Thyme – Cold resistant and evergreen in mild winters. Works well in garden beds or containers.
• Oregano – Another perennial that thrives in fall planting, provided it’s mulched before heavy frost.
• Sage – Hardy and aromatic, sage benefits from fall root establishment.
• Mint – Extremely hardy, but best planted in containers to prevent spreading, (I personally love a good mint ground if you have the space for it!) Learn about Mint here.

These herbs don’t just survive fall planting – they often thrive because the cooler weather allows roots to establish without heat stress.

Biennial and Cool-Season Annual Herbs To Plant in September

While perennials settle in for the long haul, certain biennials and cool-loving annuals are great choices for fall seed sowing in Zone 5.

• Parsley – A biennial that loves cooler weather. Plant now and harvest until the ground freezes.
• Cilantro – Performs best in cool weather; fall sowing prevents bolting.
• Dill – Another herb that prefers cooler temps. Fall sowing often produces stronger flavor. Here’s our completely growing guide on dill.

These herbs will not overwinter outdoors, but you’ll get extended harvests before frost and sometimes a surprise regrowth in spring. Might as well give it a try!

---

Like What You See? Join Our Monthly Newsletter & Get…

• Access to our latest articles
• Monthly gardening/homesteading tips
• No spammy content!

Fill in our form below!

The Best Medicinal Herbs to Sow in Fall

If you’re growing herbs for more than just the kitchen, fall is also a prime time to sow medicinal herbs.

• Echinacea (Coneflower) – Requires cold stratification, making fall sowing ideal and it’s a perennial.
• Yarrow – Hardy perennial that thrives when planted in cool soil.
• Chamomile (German) – A cool-season annual that can be sown in fall for an early spring flush of blooms.

These herbs not only survive the cold but benefit from the natural stratification process, leading to stronger growth in spring.

Root-Based Herbs for Fall Planting

Certain herbs with root systems benefit from being planted in fall, when soil is still workable.

• Garlic – In Zone 5, we’ve mastered fall garlic planting and the best time to plant is around Halloween! You’ll find all the details on our how to plant garlic in Zone 5 guide.
• Horseradish – Plant root cuttings in well-drained soil. By next summer, you’ll have large, harvestable roots.
• Garlic Chives – Cold hardy and reliable; fall planting ensures a strong harvest next year.

How-To Prepare Soil for Fall Planting in Zone 5

Healthy soil is key to helping herbs survive our cold Zone 5 winters. Fall offers a perfect window to improve soil conditions while the weather is still dry, warm and the soil is malleable.

• Add compost or aged manure to boost nutrients.
• Ensure good drainage — herbs hate sitting in soggy soil.
• Test pH levels if possible; most herbs prefer slightly alkaline soil (6.5–7.0).
• Loosen compacted soil through tilling to allow root penetration. While some people say tilling is harmful to garden beds ecosystems, from experience, a light tilling is more beneficial for raised beds then not.
• Cover with mulch, it holds in the warmth overwinter and prevents weeds from taking root.
  • Everything you need to know about mulching here.

Fall prep sets the stage for healthier, more resilient herbs come spring and a much easier planting for your traditional garden. But if you’d prefer to prep your garden beds in the spring, I have a whole article dedicated to that too!

When to Plant Herbs in Zone 5 in Fall for Best Results

Planting in the fall is new to me too. Living in Zone 5, fall planting is usually unheard of. Yes, you can plant specific herbs and plants in the fall, it’s all about timing.

• Zone 5’s average first frost date falls in early to mid-October.
• Plant herbs 4–6 weeks before frost to give them enough root growth time.
• Tender herbs like basil will not survive frost, but hardy perennials benefit from early fall planting.

For most Zone 5 gardeners, late August through mid-September is the sweet spot. Here’s to hoping each year that we get a warm and mild fall!

How To Grow Herbs Indoors During Winter

Not ready to give up on fresh herbs once frost arrives? Many herbs can be grown indoors through the winter months in Zone 5 with a few simple items. I recommend trying to grow: basil, parsley, cilantro, rosemary and thyme. These essential herbs are used year round and provide a wonderful earthy smell to your home.

• Grow Light: Place herbs in a south-facing window or supplement with grow lights for 12–14 hours daily.
• Pots: Use pots with drainage holes to prevent root rot.
• Under Pots: Using things like this water container or a plate of sorts under your pots allows for the excess water to drain without ruining your counters.

Common Mistakes When Planting Herbs in Fall

Even experienced gardeners run into issues with fall planting. The biggest thing to remember is to always, always, always watch your current weather patterns. If you’ve noticed a cooling and see that the next 14 days the temperatures are staying low and or decreasing, then you’ll most likely see your first frost on the average date. The opposite is true if you’re experiencing a warm season and it’s not letting up overnight, you’re first frost date will probably be pushed back that year.

Here’s what to avoid:

• Planting too late – Herbs need 4–6 weeks before frost to establish roots. Zone 5 that is October 10th on average. So plant them ASAP.
• Skipping mulch – Unprotected roots are vulnerable in freeze-thaw cycles – mulch covering is your best option.
• Overwatering – Cool, wet weather makes herbs more prone to root rot, always test the soil before watering to prevent this. Place a finger an inch or two into the soil and if it feels damp, do not water. If the soil feels dry and no dirt sticks to your finger, then you’re good to water.
• Ignoring microclimates – South-facing walls can extend the season for tender herbs.

FAQs: Herbs to Plant in Fall in Zone 5B

What herbs can I plant in Zone 5 in fall?

Cold hardy perennials like chives, thyme, oregano, sage, and mint, along with cool-season herbs like parsley, cilantro, and dill.

Can I plant medicinal herbs in Zone 5B during fall?

Yes. Echinacea, yarrow, and German chamomile (annual) all benefit from fall sowing and natural stratification.

How do I protect herbs from frost in Zone 5B?

Mulch perennials, bring rosemary and basil indoors, and use row covers like netting mesh for short-term protection

Will parsley survive winter in Zone 5B?

Yes, with a thick layer of mulch. Many gardeners see fresh parsley growth return in early spring.

What’s the best herb to overwinter in Zone 5B?

Chives! They die back in winter and regrow vigorously in spring.

Your Fall Planting Window Is Closing – Don’t Miss It

Fall in Zone 5 is far from the end of gardening. With careful selection, soil prep, and frost protection, you can still plant a wide range of culinary and medicinal herbs. From hardy perennials to quick-growing biennials, these plants will reward you with fresh harvests now and stronger growth come spring.

So don’t pack away your gardening gloves just yet – your herb garden still has plenty of life left this season.

We also have plenty of medicinal herbal guide, growing guides, seed saving guides and our recipes. We are growing our website with more articles all the time, and we invite you to grow with us. If you have any questions about herb planting in the fall or would like to share some of your knowledge with us please leave a comment below. Happy Gardening!