Spring Herb Garden Planning Guide for Alexandria, VA (Zone 7a)

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.

Sample herb garden layout and plan

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)

Echinacea

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

Basil Plant in a Vego-Raised Garden Bed

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

Sage Plant in a Vego Raised Garden Bed

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

Sunflower Plant in the Garden

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.

Sample Herb Garden Layout with a Garden Bench