How to Plant a Fall Herb Garden

Select a sunny area in your yard with well-drained soil. Herbs need about six hours of sunlight each day, regardless of the fall chill. Test your soil drainage by digging a hole and filling it with water. Time how long it takes the water to drain. If it takes less than 12 hours, the area should be okay for planting herbs.

Compost your soil. Test your soil well ahead of amending and planting so you're aware of any nutrient deficiencies. A light application usually keeps the pH level about 6.5, a healthy acidity for herbs and vegetables. Add worm castings if desired to help prevent fungicide, especially in moist climates.

Purchase your herb seeds or seedlings. Winter herbs include succulent greens, cilantro, sorrel, dill and arugula.

Plant your herbs per nursery recommendations for each particular herb. Growth habits and spacing needs vary. For instance, cilantro needs up to 18 inches of space between plants, and dill needs as little as 3 inches.

Sprinkle organic fertilizer every three to four weeks. An organic granular fertilizer or fish emulsion mix works well. Sprinkle the fertilizer lightly on the soil or mulch over the entire root zone around the herb -- an area about twice the size of the plant. Water lightly.

Harvest your herbs before they bloom. The youngest leaves have the most intense flavor, and you want to get to them before the winter freeze does.