It’s spring, which means gardening season is officially here.

Gardening is one of those simple, hands-on projects that feels just a little magical, especially for kids. Add some dirt, a bit of sunshine and a handful of seeds, and suddenly something is growing right in front of you.

If you’re looking for an easy place to start, herbs are a great choice. They grow quickly, don’t need a lot of space and help kids make that real, tangible connection between what they are planting and what is showing up on the dinner table.

One of the best parts is how flexible herb gardening can be. You can plant in the ground, tuck a few herbs into a backyard planter box, try a vertical tower on the porch or keep it simple with a few small pots on a sunny windowsill.

Of course, spring weather can be a little unpredictable, which makes timing tricky. To help take the guesswork out, we’ve pulled together a simple guide to five popular herbs, including when to plant them and how to keep them growing strong all season long.

When is the Best Time to Plant in the ‘Burg?

When it comes to planting your herbs, timing matters. Plant too early outdoors, nighttime temperatures can still dip too low, bringing the risk of frost. That can mean losing those young plants.

Fredericksburg and the surrounding areas fall in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a, which means early to late spring is typically the best window for growing most herbs outside. Think mid-April through May, once the threat of frost has passed and daytime temperatures are consistently warm.

Many local gardeners stick to the rule of waiting until Mother’s Day weekend before planting outdoors. It is a helpful guideline, but not a guarantee. With weather patterns unpredictable, it is worth taking a closer look at the forecast.

Bobby Lewis, vice president of Meadows Farms Nurseries & Landscape in Fredericksburg, suggested a more flexible approach.

“Mother’s Day is a good rule of thumb and works most of the time,” he said. “We can get frosts and even freezes after Mother’s Day. What I do on tender plants such as herbs is look at a 10-day forecast around May 1, and if that shows no low temperatures below 40 degrees, I usually feel safe to go ahead.”

If you are looking for a simple timeline to follow, here is a general guide:

• March to early April: Start seeds indoors (great kid activity on rainy days)
• Mid-April to May: Move seedlings outside or plant starter plants in containers
• June through summer: Ongoing planting of heat-loving herbs and harvesting begins

If you are planting in a container or planter box, you have a bit more flexibility. You can always bring herbs inside on cooler days or nights to protect them as the season gets started.

Kid-Friendly Herbs That Are Easy to Grow 

Not all plants are created equal when it comes to gardening with kids. Some are fussy, some take forever and some never quite make it past the “we planted this… now what?” stage.

But herbs are different. They are quick to grow, forgiving while you’re still learning and perfect for little hands that want to dig, water and check on things every day. 

To help you get started, we rounded up a few kid-friendly herbs to try at home, along with simple care tips and the best planting times for our region.

Basil

Basil is a tender, leafy herb known for its bright green color and sweet, distinct aroma. It grows quickly in warm weather and is commonly used in cooking, especially in pasta, sauces and fresh summer dishes.

• Sun: Full sun (6–8 hours)
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist, not soggy
• Best planting time: Late spring (May)

Why kids will love it: Basil grows quickly and is perfect for hands-on moments like picking, smelling and watching it grow week by week.

Mint

Mint is a fast-growing, aromatic herb known for its cool, refreshing scent and quick growth. It is often used in drinks, desserts and fresh summer recipes.

• Sun: Full sun to partial shade
• Water: Likes consistent moisture
• Best planting time: Spring through early summer (April - June)

Why kids will love it: Mint grows easily and quickly, making it a fun “instant success” plant for kids, but it should be kept in its own container because it spreads fast.

Oregano

Oregano is a robust, earthy herb commonly used in Italian and Mediterranean cooking. It is drought-tolerant and comes back year after year in the right conditions.

• Sun: Full sun
• Water: Light to moderate; prefers well-drained soil
• Best planting time: Spring (April - May)

Why kids will love it: Oregano is a hardy perennial with a strong scent and texture, making it fun for kids to enjoy while gardening.

Parsley

Parsley is a hardy, leafy herb often used as both a garnish and a flavor booster in everyday cooking. It starts slowly but becomes strong and productive once established.

• Sun: Full sun to partial shade
• Water: Moderate; do not let soil dry out completely
• Best planting time: Early spring (March - mid-April)

Why kids will love it: Parsley is slow-growing at first, but once it takes off, it is resilient and rewarding to harvest.

Rosemary

Rosemary is a woody, evergreen herb known for its strong fragrance and needle-like leaves. It is commonly used in roasted dishes, breads and savory meals.

• Sun: Full sun
• Water: Low to moderate; prefers well-drained soil
• Best planting time: Late spring (mid-April - May)

Why kids will love it: Its sturdy, textured stems make it interesting to touch and explore, and its scent is strong and memorable.

Herb Growing Basics

You don’t need complicated gardening rules to help kids grow herbs successfully. In fact, keeping it simple is often what works best.

But when in doubt, here are a few basic habits that can make the difference:

• Sunlight: Most herbs need at least 6 hours of direct sun
• Water: Check soil with your finger; if it’s dry an inch down, it’s time to water
• Drainage: Planter boxes must have holes to allow excess water to drain or the roots will rot
• Consistency: Small daily check-ins work better than big watering days

“Get them in tune with what they are producing,” added Lewis

Let It Grow

In a world full of screens and schedules, there’s something grounding about watching something grow because you and your kids took a few minutes to care for it.

And in the ‘Burg, late spring is your green light to start your herb garden whether it's in a planter box or your backyard. Choose a few herbs, give them plenty of sun and let kids take the lead.

It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to grow.

“Some of the best ways for kids to stay in touch with their herb gardens is to taste, feel and smell what they are producing and know how they can be used,” said Lewis.

FredParent is your go-to for raising a family in the ’Burg. Whether you’re navigating the conversations you didn’t expect to have as a mom, helping your teen understand the real cost of financial awareness, or finding fun ways to get the family involved in the community, we've got you covered! Don't miss our round up of the BEST ice cream around town or spring festivals worth a stop.