Herb Growing in North West England: A Month-by-Month Guide

Growing herbs in North West England can be extremely rewarding, but the region’s climate creates a different set of challenges from the warmer and drier parts of the UK.

Many common culinary herbs grow very well here, particularly parsley, chives, mint, sorrel, coriander and perennial herbs such as sage and thyme. However, wetter winters, heavier soils, reduced winter light and persistent damp can cause problems for Mediterranean herbs including rosemary, lavender, thyme and oregano if drainage is poor.

The key to successful herb growing in North West England is to understand which plants prefer moisture, which need free-draining soil, and when to protect more tender species.

This month-by-month guide explains what to sow, plant, harvest, prune and protect throughout the year.

January Herb Care

January is generally a quiet month in the herb garden.

Most outdoor perennial herbs are dormant or growing very slowly, although evergreen herbs such as rosemary, sage and thyme may still provide useful leaves.

Protect Herbs From Winter Wet

In North West England, winter wet can be a greater problem than frost.

Mediterranean herbs such as:

• Rosemary

• Thyme

• Sage

• Oregano

• Lavender

prefer free-draining conditions and may suffer if their roots remain saturated for long periods.

Check that containers are draining freely and are not standing permanently in water.

Harvest Evergreen Herbs Sparingly

Small quantities of rosemary, sage, thyme and bay can still be harvested during winter.

Avoid heavy pruning at this time of year.

Protect Tender Herbs

Tender perennial herbs such as lemon verbena may need protection from hard frost.

Tender herbs kept in pots can be moved into a greenhouse, conservatory or another sheltered frost-free location.

Plan the Herb Garden

January is a good time to decide which herbs you would like to grow during the coming season.

Consider separating herbs according to their preferred growing conditions.

For example, rosemary and thyme prefer relatively dry, free-draining soil, whereas mint and parsley are much happier in more moisture-retentive conditions.

February Herb Care

February is still predominantly a planning and preparation month outdoors.

However, sowing can begin under cover.

Sow Herbs Indoors

Depending on available light and temperature, you can begin sowing some herbs indoors or in a heated propagator.

Possible choices include:

• Basil

• Parsley

• Chives

• Coriander

Avoid starting large quantities too early unless you have good light levels. Seedlings grown in warm but poorly lit conditions can become weak and leggy.

Check Perennial Herbs

Inspect outdoor rosemary, sage and thyme for winter damage.

Remove completely dead or diseased material where necessary, but avoid major pruning until the risk of severe cold has reduced.

Prepare Containers

Clean pots and check drainage holes ready for spring planting.

Herbs grown in containers need particularly good drainage during wet North West winters.

March Herb Care

March marks the beginning of the main herb-growing season.

Conditions can still be cold and wet, so avoid rushing tender plants outdoors.

Sow Hardy Herbs

Many hardy herbs can now be started under cover or, where conditions allow, outdoors.

Good choices include:

• Parsley

• Chives

• Coriander

• Dill

• Sorrel

Divide Established Herbs

March can be a good time to divide vigorous perennial herbs including:

• Chives

• Mint

• Lemon balm

• Marjoram

Lift established clumps, divide them into smaller sections and replant.

Cut Back Dead Growth

Remove old winter stems from perennial herbs as fresh growth emerges.

Do not cut Mediterranean herbs hard into old woody growth unless you know the plant will regenerate successfully.

April Herb Care

April is one of the busiest months in the herb garden.

Day length is increasing and many herbs begin growing strongly.

Sow More Herbs

Continue sowing:

• Parsley

• Chives

• Coriander

• Dill

• Chervil

• Fennel

Successive sowing of coriander and dill can provide a longer harvesting season.

Plant Hardy Herbs

Established hardy herbs can usually be planted outdoors during April if the soil is workable.

Suitable herbs include:

• Thyme

• Sage

• Mint

• Chives

• Oregano

• Marjoram

• Sorrel

Improve Drainage

When planting Mediterranean herbs in heavy soil, good drainage is extremely important.

Raised beds, gravel gardens or containers can often provide more suitable conditions than wet clay soil.

Watch for Slugs and Snails

Fresh herb growth can be attractive to slugs and snails, particularly during damp North West springs.

Young basil, parsley and newly emerging shoots can be particularly vulnerable.

May Herb Care

May is when the herb garden starts to become genuinely productive.

Plant Out Tender Herbs Carefully

Tender herbs such as basil should not be rushed outdoors.

Even in May, night temperatures in North West England can remain surprisingly low.

Wait until the risk of frost has passed and conditions have become reliably warmer.

Harvest Regularly

Begin harvesting vigorously growing herbs such as:

• Chives

• Mint

• Parsley

• Coriander

• Sorrel

Regular picking often encourages further fresh growth.

Control Mint

Mint grows exceptionally well in many North West gardens.

It can also become invasive.

Growing mint in a large container can help prevent it spreading through borders.

Feed Container-Grown Herbs

Container-grown herbs may need occasional feeding because nutrients are gradually washed from the compost through watering and rainfall.

Avoid overfeeding Mediterranean herbs.

June Herb Care

By June, most herbs should be growing strongly.

Harvest Frequently

Harvesting encourages many leafy herbs to remain productive.

Pinch out shoot tips of herbs such as basil to encourage bushier growth.

Keep Basil Warm

Basil generally performs best in a warm, sunny and sheltered position.

In cooler North West gardens, basil may perform better:

• In a greenhouse

• In a conservatory

• On a sunny windowsill

• In a sheltered container near a south-facing wall

Water Containers

Container herbs can dry quickly even in a relatively wet region.

Check pots regularly.

Mediterranean herbs should not remain permanently saturated, while mint and parsley prefer more consistently moist conditions.

Remove Flowers Where Appropriate

If growing herbs primarily for their leaves, removing flowers can prolong leafy growth.

Basil is a classic example.

However, flowering herbs such as thyme, oregano and chives are extremely valuable to pollinating insects, so consider leaving some flowers intact.

July Herb Care

July is one of the best months for harvesting herbs.

Harvest Before Flowering

Many herbs contain their strongest concentration of aromatic oils just before flowering.

This can be an ideal time to harvest herbs for drying.

Suitable herbs include:

• Thyme

• Oregano

• Marjoram

• Sage

• Rosemary

Dry Herbs

Cut healthy stems on a dry day.

Tie them into small bunches or spread them on drying racks in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.

Continue Successive Sowing

Coriander and dill can still be sown, although hot weather may cause them to run to seed quickly.

Water Wisely

Water containers thoroughly rather than little and often.

Check moisture levels before watering Mediterranean herbs.

August Herb Care

August remains highly productive.

Continue Harvesting

Regular harvesting prevents many herbs becoming excessively woody or untidy.

Take Cuttings

Late summer can be a useful time to propagate certain perennial herbs from cuttings.

Possible examples include:

• Rosemary

• Sage

• Thyme

• Lavender

Take healthy non-flowering shoots and root them in suitable free-draining compost.

Collect Seed

Allow some plants such as coriander and dill to flower and develop seed.

The seed can be collected for cooking or future sowing.

Watch for Waterlogging

Heavy summer rain can occasionally create saturated containers.

Make sure pots are draining freely.

September Herb Care

September is an important transition month.

Many herbs remain productive, but cooler nights and shorter days begin to slow growth.

Continue Harvesting

Harvest herbs while growth remains healthy.

Consider drying or freezing excess leaves.

Take Final Cuttings

Early September can still be suitable for taking cuttings of perennial herbs.

Divide Mint and Chives

Established clumps can be divided and replanted where conditions are suitable.

Prepare Tender Herbs for Winter

If you grow tender herbs in pots, begin planning where they will spend the winter.

Tender herbs should not be left outside until the first hard frost catches them.

October Herb Care

October is mainly about harvesting, tidying and winter preparation.

Bring Tender Herbs Under Cover

Move tender plants to a frost-free environment before temperatures fall significantly.

Harvest Remaining Tender Herbs

Basil will rapidly deteriorate once conditions become cold.

Harvest remaining healthy leaves before the plant declines.

Reduce Watering

Container-grown herbs require less water as growth slows.

Overwatering during autumn and winter can cause root problems.

Protect Mediterranean Herbs

Check drainage around rosemary, thyme, sage and oregano before prolonged winter rainfall begins.

If they are growing in containers, raise pots slightly from the ground to help excess water escape.

November Herb Care

Growth slows significantly during November.

Remove Dead Annual Herbs

Remove finished annual plants such as basil and dill.

Healthy material can be composted.

Leave Hardy Perennials

Hardy herbs such as chives, mint and sorrel may die back naturally.

This is normal.

Harvest Evergreen Herbs

Rosemary, thyme, sage and bay can continue providing useful leaves through winter.

Avoid Heavy Pruning

Avoid severe pruning of woody herbs during cold weather.

December Herb Care

December is another relatively quiet month.

Protect Plants From Wet Conditions

Again, winter drainage is the main concern in many North West gardens.

Check pots after prolonged rainfall.

Harvest Sparingly

Evergreen herbs can continue being harvested when needed.

Avoid Walking on Waterlogged Beds

Do not repeatedly work soil that is saturated, particularly heavy clay soil.

This damages soil structure and creates further compaction.

North West England Herb Calendar at a Glance

MonthMain Herb JobsJanuaryProtect from winter wet, harvest evergreen herbs sparinglyFebruaryStart early sowing indoors, prepare containersMarchSow hardy herbs, divide established plantsAprilPlant hardy herbs, sow regularly, improve drainageMayPlant tender herbs after frost risk, harvest regularlyJuneHarvest, pinch basil, water containersJulyHarvest and dry herbs, successive sowingAugustTake cuttings, collect seed, continue harvestingSeptemberDivide plants, preserve herbs, prepare tender plantsOctoberBring tender herbs inside, reduce wateringNovemberClear annuals, harvest evergreen herbsDecemberProtect from excessive wet, harvest sparingly

The Best Herbs for North West England

Many herbs thrive in the region.

Parsley

Parsley generally appreciates moisture-retentive soil and performs well in cooler conditions.

It can be grown in containers, raised beds or borders.

Chives

One of the easiest perennial herbs to grow.

Chives tolerate cool conditions extremely well and return reliably each year.

Mint

Mint is ideally suited to many North West gardens because it enjoys relatively moist soil.

Its main problem is usually excessive growth rather than poor performance.

Grow it in a container if you want to restrict its spread.

Coriander

Coriander prefers cooler conditions than many people realise.

It can perform extremely well in spring and autumn but may run rapidly to seed during hot weather.

Successive sowing provides the best supply.

Rosemary

Rosemary can perform very well, but drainage is critical.

Cold combined with permanently saturated soil can cause more damage than cold alone.

Choose a sunny and sheltered position.

Thyme

Thyme prefers sun and very free-draining soil.

Raised beds, gravel gardens and containers can work particularly well where native soil is heavy.

Sage

Sage is reasonably hardy but dislikes prolonged waterlogging.

Provide sunshine and good drainage.

Oregano

Oregano performs well in sunny, free-draining positions and provides flowers that are extremely attractive to bees.

Bay

Bay can be grown either in the ground or in containers.

Container-grown plants may need some protection during unusually severe winter weather.

Sorrel

Sorrel thrives in cooler conditions and usually performs well in North West gardens.

Herbs for Clay Soil

Heavy clay is common throughout parts of Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Cheshire and the wider North West.

Some herbs tolerate these conditions better than others.

Moisture-tolerant herbs include:

• Mint

• Chives

• Parsley

• Sorrel

• Lemon balm

Mediterranean herbs generally require better drainage.

For rosemary, thyme, sage and oregano, consider using:

• Raised beds

• Gravel beds

• Containers

• Free-draining planting areas

Trying to grow them in permanently saturated clay is likely to cause disappointing results.

Growing Herbs in Containers

Containers are one of the easiest ways to grow herbs successfully in North West England.

They allow you to control soil type and drainage much more effectively than planting directly into heavy ground.

A sunny collection of pots near the kitchen can contain:

• Rosemary

• Thyme

• Sage

• Oregano

• Parsley

• Chives

• Basil

Avoid placing herbs with completely different moisture requirements in the same container.

For example, mint and rosemary are not particularly compatible container companions because mint prefers considerably more moisture.

Growing Mediterranean Herbs in North West England

Rosemary, thyme, oregano and sage originate from comparatively dry environments.

They generally need:

• Plenty of sunlight

• Excellent drainage

• Air movement

• Protection from prolonged winter saturation

A south-facing wall can provide an excellent microclimate.

Raised beds and containers are also useful because they prevent the crown and roots sitting in cold wet soil.

Do not make the mistake of assuming all herbs benefit from rich, moisture-retentive compost.

Mediterranean herbs generally prefer leaner, freer-draining conditions.

Growing Basil in North West England

Basil is one of the more challenging culinary herbs outdoors in the North West.

It dislikes:

• Cold nights

• Cold wet soil

• Strong winds

• Prolonged dull conditions

For the most reliable results, grow basil in:

• A greenhouse

• A conservatory

• A sunny windowsill

• A warm sheltered patio

Wait until temperatures have warmed before placing plants permanently outdoors.

Pinch out the growing tips regularly to create bushier plants.

Growing Coriander in North West England

Coriander can actually benefit from the cooler conditions of northern England.

The main problem is that plants can bolt and flower rapidly during hot weather.

For a continuous crop, sow smaller quantities every few weeks rather than one large batch.

Spring and early autumn can produce particularly good crops.

Herbs for Pollinators

Allowing herbs to flower can make an herb garden extremely valuable to wildlife.

Particularly useful flowering herbs include:

• Thyme

• Oregano

• Chives

• Mint

• Marjoram

• Sage

• Fennel

These flowers can attract bees, hoverflies and other beneficial insects.

There is therefore no need to remove every flower simply because you are growing herbs for culinary use.

Harvesting Herbs

For the best flavour, harvest healthy young growth regularly.

Many aromatic herbs are particularly good when harvested before flowering.

Leafy herbs such as parsley and chives can be picked throughout the growing season.

Avoid removing excessive amounts from evergreen herbs during winter when replacement growth will be very slow.

Drying and Preserving Herbs

Surplus herbs do not need to be wasted.

Depending on the species, herbs can be:

• Dried

• Frozen

• Made into herb butter

• Preserved in sauces

• Used to make flavoured oils or vinegars where appropriate food-safety guidance is followed

Thyme, oregano, rosemary and sage generally dry particularly well.

Parsley, chives and basil often retain better flavour when frozen rather than dried.

Should You Cut Herbs Back in Autumn?

Not all herbs should be treated in the same way.

Soft annual herbs can simply be removed once they have finished.

Herbaceous perennials such as mint and chives naturally die back.

Woody Mediterranean herbs require more care.

Avoid cutting rosemary, lavender or sage severely into old woody stems during autumn.

Light shaping during the growing season is generally safer.

Winter Wet: The Biggest Herb-Growing Problem in North West England

Gardeners often concentrate on frost when protecting herbs, but persistent winter rainfall is frequently the greater danger.

Roots require oxygen.

When soil remains permanently saturated, oxygen levels fall and roots can begin to deteriorate.

This is why rosemary and thyme can sometimes die during a relatively mild North West winter even though temperatures never became particularly severe.

Good drainage is therefore one of the most important elements of a successful herb garden.

The Most Important Rule for Growing Herbs in North West England

Do not treat every herb in the same way.

A healthy mint plant may thrive in soil that would kill rosemary.

Parsley may appreciate regular moisture while thyme prefers comparatively dry conditions.

Basil wants warmth while coriander often performs better in cooler weather.

Understanding where each herb naturally prefers to grow makes herb gardening considerably easier.

Choose the right plant for the right conditions and you can harvest fresh herbs from a North West garden for most of the year.

Creating a Herb Garden

Herbs do not need to be confined to a traditional vegetable garden.

They can form part of the overall garden design.

Rosemary, thyme and oregano work beautifully in sunny gravel gardens and alongside paving.

Chives provide attractive purple flowers within ornamental planting.

Fennel creates tall architectural foliage.

Mint and lemon balm suit more informal, productive areas.

A well-designed herb garden can therefore be both practical and ornamental, providing fresh ingredients, fragrance, flowers and valuable habitat for pollinating insects.

At Kirman Design, we consider productive plants as part of the wider planting design, combining herbs with ornamental plants where their growing requirements and character complement the garden.