There’s something about winter that makes us slow down a little… warmer meals, slower mornings, more time in the kitchen. And this is exactly why April is such a powerful month in your garden.

Because while everyone thinks the garden is winding down… this is actually when you plant the flavours that will carry you through winter. Herbs are one of the easiest, most rewarding things you can grow — and the best part? Many of them actually prefer the cooler months.

Why April is the perfect time for herbs

April gives you the best of both worlds. The soil is still warm enough for seeds to germinate quickly, but the cooler air means your herbs grow slower, stronger, and with better flavour.

In the heat of summer, many herbs struggle. They bolt, become bitter, or simply don’t thrive. But in winter, they settle in, focus on leaf growth, and give you exactly what you want — fresh, usable herbs for your kitchen.

The best herbs to plant now

Let’s keep this simple and practical — these are the herbs that really shine when planted in April.

Coriander (Koljander)

If you’ve ever struggled with coriander in summer… you’re not alone. It bolts almost immediately in the heat. But plant it now, and it’s a completely different story.

In the cooler weather, coriander stays in its leafy stage much longer, giving you more time to harvest. It grows quickly, is easy to succession plant, and gives you both leaves and seeds if you let it mature.

Parsley (Pietersielie)

Parsley is one of those underrated herbs that just keeps giving. It handles cooler temperatures beautifully and establishes well in autumn. Once it’s in, you can harvest from it for months.

It’s also incredibly forgiving — making it perfect for beginners or busy gardeners.

Dill

Dill loves cooler weather and struggles in heat. Plant it in April, and it grows soft, feathery leaves that are perfect for winter dishes. It also attracts beneficial insects to your garden, which helps keep things balanced naturally.

Chives

Chives are one of the easiest herbs you’ll ever grow. They handle cooler weather well, come back year after year, and don’t ask for much. Once established, you can snip as you need — perfect for quick kitchen use.

Thyme

Thyme is a winter superstar. It’s hardy, low-maintenance, and thrives in cooler, drier conditions. It doesn’t need much water and grows slowly, making it ideal for a more hands-off garden.

Oregano

Like thyme, oregano prefers cooler conditions once established. It’s a strong grower, spreads easily, and gives you plenty of harvest over time. It’s also great for companion planting, helping to deter certain pests.

Rosemary

Rosemary is more of a long-term investment — but April is a great time to plant it. It loves well-drained soil and cooler weather helps it establish strong roots without stress. Once established, it becomes a hardy, reliable herb that gives year-round.

Herbs are more than just food

Here’s something many people don’t realise… Herbs don’t just belong in the kitchen — they belong in your garden ecosystem.

They:

• Attract beneficial insects
• Help repel certain pests
• Improve biodiversity
• And fill your garden with scent and life

Planting herbs is one of the easiest ways to create a healthier, more balanced garden.

Don’t overcomplicate it. Plant your herbs in well-draining soil, give them good sunlight, and water consistently — not too much, not too little. And most importantly… keep harvesting. The more you pick, the more they grow.

If you loved this, this is exactly the kind of practical, seasonal guidance we share every month in our VanZylStead Digital Magazine.

From what to plant, to how to care for it, to solving real garden problems — we walk this journey with you. Head to www.vanzylstead.com ^[1] and join us

Because growing your own food isn’t just about the harvest… it’s about changing the way you live, one small step at a time