Herbs are such a rewarding addition to the garden. They smell good, they’re often very hardy, and they’re always available when you want to add a sprig to your cooking. Keep reading to learn more about common zone 8 herbs and how to grow herbs in zone 8 gardens.
How to Grow Herbs in Zone 8
Herb gardening in zone 8 is very rewarding. Zone 8 is a great area for growing herbs. While some herbs prefer cooler temperatures, a lot of popular cooking herbs are native to the Mediterranean and thrive in hot, sunny summers. Most will do very well in full sun, although a few may benefit from some partial shade. If you’re growing herbs in containers, keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t dry out too much. If your herbs are in the ground, however, pay attention to their individual watering needs. Some herbs actually prefer to grow in dry, rocky soil.
Best Herbs for Zone 8
Here are some common zone 8 herbs: Lavender – All varieties of lavender are hardy in zone 8. It prefers very well drained soil and bright sun. Rosemary – Rosemary also likes well-draining soil and plenty of sun, as long as it gets enough water. It’s hardy year-round in zone 8. Oregano – A very popular culinary herb, oregano is tough and prefers dry, poor soil and full sun. Sage – Sage likes rich soil that drains well. It prefers full sun, but if your summers are especially hot, it will benefit from some afternoon shade. Marjoram – A perennial in zone 8, marjoram is like a sweeter, more floral tasting version of oregano. Basil – An extremely popular culinary herb, basil is an annual that needs rich, moist soil and plenty of fertilizer. Mint – Most varieties are suited to zone 8. Mint is popular for its flavor and fragrance, but it can spread rapidly and become invasive. It’s best grown in a container. Bay Laurel – The tree that produces the popular culinary bay leaves, bay laurel is hardy down to zone 8. It prefers partial shade.