Sowing Hardy Herbs in August for a Fresh Autumn Supply
August isn’t just for veggies—it’s the perfect time to sow hardy herbs for use throughout autumn and even into winter. Freshly sown parsley, coriander, chervil, and more will give you vibrant flavor when the rest of the garden starts winding down. Here’s your guide to which herbs to sow in August, how to do it, and how to keep them flourishing.
Why Sow Herbs in August?
- Keep Your Kitchen Stocked: Late sowings ensure a supply of fresh leaves after older plants bolt or fade.
- Best for Cooler Nights: Many herbs (especially coriander and parsley) are less likely to bolt as days shorten and nights cool.
- Superb for Containers: Perfect for windowsills, patios, or for bringing indoors at frost.
Best Hardy Herbs to Sow in August
1. Parsley (Flat-leaf or Curly)
Sow in pots or open ground—will keep producing late into autumn and may survive a mild winter.
2. Coriander
Late summer sowings are less likely to bolt. Use for fresh leaves or let some flower for pollinators and edible seeds.
3. Chervil
Prefers cooler weather—delicious in salads and soups.
4. Dill
Sow outdoors now for a late crop of leaves through autumn.
5. Chives
May not mature by late autumn from seed, but sown now they’ll be ready early next spring.
How to Sow Hardy Herbs in August
- Choose a Sunny/Partially Shaded Spot:
Well-drained soil is best; containers work well too. - Sow Direct or in Pots:
Scatter sow thinly and cover with a fine layer of soil or compost. - Water Well:
Keep soil moist (but not soggy), especially if the weather remains hot or dry. - Thin Seedlings:
Give each plant enough space to grow—5–10cm apart is usually plenty. - Protect from Extreme Heat:
Shade seedlings with fleece or move pots under cover on very hot afternoons.
Ongoing Care
- Regular Harvesting:
Pick leaves often to encourage new growth. - Feed Lightly:
Use a liquid feed every 2 weeks, especially for container plants. - Keep Picking Into Autumn:
Many herbs can be moved indoors or under cloches/fleece to extend harvests as frosts threaten.
Pro Tips
- Don’t overwater—most herbs hate sitting wet.
- Label all sowings for clear kitchen and garden use.
- Try a “herb box”: sow several herb types in one large container for a mix of flavors at arm’s reach.
Meta Description:
Sow hardy herbs in August for fresh flavor! Learn which herbs thrive, how to sow for an autumn harvest, and tips for healthy parsley, coriander, chervil, and more late in the season.### Sowing Hardy Herbs in August for a Fresh Autumn Supply
⭐ Recommended Products — Garden & Allotment Essentials for March
March is when the growing season truly begins. Seeds are being sown daily, beds are prepared and late frosts are still possible — these essentials help produce strong plants and a successful start.
Seed Trays, Modules & Propagation Kits — perfect for tomatoes, brassicas, lettuce, onions and flowers. 👉
Click here to see top options
Heated Propagators, Heat Mats & Grow Lights — improves germination and prevents leggy seedlings during cold nights. 👉
Click here to see top options
Seed & Cutting Compost — essential for healthy seedlings and strong root growth. 👉
Click here to see top options
Garden Fleece & Plant Protection Covers — protects seedlings, potatoes and early plantings from late frost. 👉
Click here to see top options
Spring Vegetable Seeds — carrots, beetroot, peas, spinach and salads can all be started now. 👉
Click here to see top options
Garden Kneeler & Seat — makes long sowing and planting sessions far more comfortable. 👉
Click here to see top options
Pressure Washer (Greenhouse & Patio Cleaning) — clean patios, paths and greenhouses before planting. 👉
Click here to see top options
Solar Garden Lights — perfect for enjoying the garden during brighter spring evenings. 👉
Click here to see top options
August is often overlooked for herb sowing, but late summer is actually prime time for some of the most useful and robust kitchen herbs. As older spring-sown herbs start to fade or bolt, sowing now brings you a flush of fresh leaves just as cool weather cooking kicks in. Here’s how to ensure a bountiful supply of hardy herbs well into autumn and early winter.
Why Sow Hardy Herbs in August?
- Cooler nights and shorter days reduce bolting for coriander, parsley, and chervil.
- Late-sown herbs fill the gap as spring crops decline.
- Easy in containers: Herbs sown in August can be grown on a windowsill or patio, or brought under cover as frost approaches.
Best Hardy Herbs to Sow in August
- Parsley (curly or flat-leaf): Prolific and tough, sown now it’ll last well into winter, especially under fleece or in pots indoors.
- Coriander: Less likely to bolt in late summer and early fall—great for leaves and, if left, edible seeds.
- Chervil: Prefers cooler, damper conditions; delicious in vinaigrettes and soups.
- Dill: Enjoys the milder weather and quickly produces aromatic leaves.
- Chives: Sow now for a head start next spring, or enjoy mild onion greens through autumn.
- Winter purslane (claytonia): For salads and gentle greens.
How to Sow
- Sow directly into well-drained, moist soil or containers—choose a place with afternoon shade if August is hot.
- Sow thinly, cover lightly with soil or compost, and water gently.
- Thin seedlings to give each herb room (5–10cm apart).
- Keep soil consistently moist until established.
- Shade with fleece or mesh if temperatures spike.
Growing After Sowing
- Harvest lightly to encourage bushier growth.
- Water as needed in dry spells.
- Feed with weak liquid fertilizer or worm tea for potted herbs.
- Move pots under cover (cold frame or windowsill) before first frosts for extended harvests.
Quick Tips
- Mix sow one or more in a “herb box” for handy kitchen greens.
- Label each sowing!
- Don’t let seedlings dry out—August heat can be deceptive.