Can I plant out herbs at this time of year?

Question

I have small rosemary and thyme plants which have lived outside on my windowsill since spring this year. I’m moving into a new home this week, with a garden, and I want to build a raised bed herb garden. If I transfer my herbs into this over summer/early autumn, will they be alright into the winter? Or should I wait until next spring?

Answer 1

You can plant herbs out but you must do it correctly for them to survive. That means slowly introducing them to outdoor conditions by increasing the amount of time outside then the amount of time in the sun while decreasing the amount of water they receive. Transplant on a cloudy day or late afternoon/early evening. If weather is hot and dry, shade them with a cloth or box for several days. Thyme is very hardy but rosemary is only reliably hardy to 30 F. If you will be in a colder environment, bring the rosemary inside for the winter. In marginal areas, insulate/mulch the rosemary for winter.

Answer 2

I forgot to include an important tip: don’t let the plant dry out in fall. If it goes into winter dehydrated, you are much more likely to lose it.