As the days grow longer and the temperatures begin to rise, it's time to start planning your spring garden! If you live in or near Alexandria, VA (Zone 7a), you have a wonderful climate for growing a variety of herbs and flowers. This guide will walk you through the best times to start seeds indoors, when to transplant, and when to sow directly outdoors for a thriving spring and summer garden.
Key Dates for Herb Garden Planning in Northern Virginia (Zone 7a)
Last expected frost: Around April 10-15
First fall frost: Around November 1-10
January - February: Start These Seeds Indoors (8-10 Weeks Before Last Frost)
Some herbs and flowers take longer to germinate and establish, so it’s best to start them indoors to get a head start.
Lavender – Slow germination, requires warmth and patience
Rosemary – Slow-growing, best started early
Echinacea – Takes time to sprout, so early planting is key
Parsley – Long germination period (3-4 weeks)
I bought this beautiful coneflower plant at a farmer's market in Mathews County, VA. I have two of these in my front garden and the finches just love them.
March: Start These Seeds Indoors (6-8 Weeks Before Last Frost)
Basil – Needs warmth, thrives when started indoors
Calendula – Optional indoor start for earlier blooms
Sage – Establishes better when started indoors
Thyme – Can be started indoors or directly sown later
Lemon Balm – Optional indoor start for an early jump
Late March - Early April: Direct Sow Cool-Tolerant Herbs Outdoors (3-4 Weeks Before Last Frost)
Some hardy herbs can handle the cool spring air and do well when sown directly into the garden.
Cilantro – Prefers cool weather; direct sow for best results
Chives – Can be direct sown or transplanted
Oregano – Start indoors or direct sow outside
Mid-April: Transplant Indoors-Started Plants Outside (After Last Frost)
Once the risk of frost has passed, it's time to move your indoor-grown herbs and flowers into the garden.
Lavender, Rosemary, Echinacea, Basil, Calendula, Parsley, Sage, Thyme, Lemon Balm
Mid-April - May: Direct Sow Warm-Loving Plants Outdoors (After Last Frost)
Some plants thrive when planted directly in warm soil.
Sunflowers – Direct sow in garden beds for a beautiful display
Mint – Best grown from cuttings or transplants rather than seeds
I grew sunflowers for the first time last year and I enjoyed watching the bees, hummingbirds, and finches on the sunflowers.
May - June: Successive Planting for Continuous Harvest
For a longer season of fresh herbs and blooms, consider succession planting.
Cilantro & Basil – Sow every few weeks for a continuous supply
Calendula – Can be sown every few weeks to prolong blooming
Final Tips for a Thriving Herb Garden
Use quality soil – Well-draining, nutrient-rich soil supports healthy plants.
Provide adequate spacing – Avoid overcrowding to reduce disease risk.
Mulch to retain moisture – Helps keep the soil cool and conserves water.
Attract pollinators – Echinacea, calendula, and sunflowers are great for bees and butterflies.
This year, I will create a separate herb garden so I made a tentative garden layout plan.
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