Fall Herbs & Flower Plantings in North Carolina

Types

• Herbs fall into three categories: annuals, biennials and perennials. Common types of herbs to harvest in the fall in North Carolina include lavender and tarragon. Some types of herbs to plant in North Carolina during the fall include parsley, chives and chervil.

Planting

• Most herbs require at least six hours of sunlight daily; some herbs are shade tolerant. Soil requirements for herbs vary; however, basic herb care calls for soil conditioned with organic matter to encourage drainage and enhance texture. Over-fertilizing herbs leads to decreased essential oils, which effects the herb's taste.

Harvesting

• Herbs gain their scent and taste from oils that evaporate into the air upon crushing the plants leaves. Morning is the essential time to harvest herbs; this is when the plant's aroma is at its strongest. Herbs cultivated for their foliage need harvesting before the plant blossoms, while herbs used for their flowers require harvesting before the flower reaches full bloom. Stop harvesting annual herbs after the first frost and perennial herbs one month before the first frost.