The end of summer doesn’t mean the end of deliciousness from your garden, especially in Zone 10, where a fall herb garden can add tantalizing tastes to all your meals. As the season changes, give your herbs a little tender loving care to ensure they thrive through fall and into winter.
Caring for Perennial Herbs
In Zone 10, with its mild winters, perennial herbs that are already established in the garden, such as mint, oregano, thyme, chives, rosemary, and sage, can continue to flourish year-round. To keep them thriving as summer transitions to fall, it’s important to adjust your care routine.
First, you may not need to stop fertilizing as early as August since the milder climate allows for continued growth. However, be cautious not to over-fertilize, as this can still lead to weak, leggy plants. Continue to water them adequately, as drought stress will make the plants less able to tolerate any potential cold snaps. As their growth naturally slows, trim each plant carefully, using sharp, clean shears for crisp cuts that will minimize strain on the plant. Prune herbs to 4-6 inches in height to encourage a compact shape that’s better able to withstand occasional chilly winds. In colder microclimates within Zone 10, adding a light layer of mulch can help insulate plant roots, though this is often not necessary.
Planting Herbs in Autumn
Cool-weather herbs, whether annual or perennial, can easily be planted in autumn in Zone 10 and will be ready to flavor many savory dishes. A container herb garden is an ideal choice for fall herbs since it can be easily moved and protected as needed. Choose a container with suitable size and depth to nurture the desired herbs, and ensure it has adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
Planting several herbs in the same pot will save space and keep them all close by for easy use. You may also consider using smaller pots that can be grouped together in an attractive arrangement. Pots can be positioned right near the kitchen or patio door for easy access or in a sunny window box to take advantage of the ample sunlight that Zone 10 offers even in the cooler months.
If you need seeds to get started, “International Garden Center” offers a variety of herb seeds perfect for fall planting in Zone 10.
Protecting Herbs in Winter
In Zone 10, the risk of a hard freeze is lower, but it’s still wise to stay alert to weather forecasts, especially if an unexpected cold snap arrives. If the temperature is predicted to drop, it’s best to shelter your herbs with light covers or cloches. Moving pots or containers temporarily into an insulated garage or closer to an interior wall can also protect them from brief periods of colder weather.
If container herb gardens can safely remain outdoors, the pots should be elevated so their drainage holes do not become clogged. Pot feet or plant stands are great options and will help keep the soil from becoming too damp after seasonal rains.
Trimming plants into dome shapes is another way to protect the fall herb garden from any winter weather that might come your way. A more compact shape will shed rain more effectively, providing better protection for the plant’s structure and minimizing damage. A dome shape will also be easier to cover if necessary.
Dishes for a Delicious Fall
Fresh herbs add subtle flavors to salads and can be used to season roasts and meats. Infusing soups, sauces, and gravies is another way to create layers of flavor in autumn foods, and herbs can even add unique notes to hot teas, fruit compotes and jellies, or spiced cider. The better you protect your fall herbs, the more you will be able to enjoy them throughout the season and well into winter.
