As February rolls around, Galveston gardeners gear up to breathe new life into their green spaces. The unique blend of our area’s mild winters and coastal climate makes it an ideal time to cultivate cool-season culinary herbs.
Whether you’re planting vibrant cilantro, hardy parsley, or fragrant dill, the local climate ensures a thriving herb garden that promises fresh, homegrown flavors all season long. It’s the perfect environment for cool-season culinary herbs to flourish.
According to Donna Merritt, a Texas Master Gardener with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension in Galveston County, February is an excellent time to start these herbs indoors. Transplanting should take place after the last frost.
“If you plant these in February, it would be best to plant them indoors and transfer them to the garden when the last threat of freeze has passed,” Merritt explained.
These cool-season herbs can be planted in the fall or early spring. It’s important to keep in mind that cilantro, dill, and parsley do not like to dry out.
“[These herbs] like to stay moist but not soggy. If your soil is sandy and drains quickly, amending it with organic matter like peat, compost, humus, or leaf mold can help retain moisture. Water the soil, not the plant foliage, when the first inch of soil is dry to the touch,” Merritt said.
She recommends choosing herb varieties based on your gardening goals. Slow Bolt Cilantro is an easy to grow variety that has a great flavor. This variety gets its name for being slow to bolt; bolting means that the plant starts to produce the seed, rather than growing more leaves. But any variety of cilantro seeds, otherwise known as coriander, works.
For dill, Fernleaf Dill is ideal for leaf production, while Bouquet Dill excels in flower and seed production for pickling. Parsley offers two types: curled parsley, perfect for finely chopped garnishes, and flat-leaf parsley, which has a milder flavor for more significant cuts.
During February, it’s best to plant these herbs in a location with full sun, defined as six to eight hours of direct sunlight.
“Providing plants with [appropriate] sunlight requirements is crucial for healthy growth,” Merritt noted. “If planted inside, they benefit from being placed in a window that receives full sun.”
Kimberly Mayer, a horticulturist with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, advises that early spring is also a great time to plant warmth-loving herbs such as basil, lemongrass and oregano.
“These herbs require warmth to germinate, so it's best to wait until after the threat of frost and freezes. For Galveston County, this is normally February 15,” Mayer said.
When choosing herb varieties, consider mature height, leaf type (smooth or curly, small or large), and leaf and flower color. Also, consider your herb's desired scent or flavor, such as sweet, citrus or spicy.
Regardless of the variety, experts agree that success in gardening begins beneath the surface.
Galveston’s sandy soil, while naturally well-draining, often needs amending to support healthy herb growth.
“Amending existing soil benefits areas where the native soil is mostly sand. Most gardens can benefit from adding organic matter, compost, or leaf mold,” Merritt said.
“A soil test provides valuable information about the garden soil and helps determine the proper amendments to provide plants with the necessary nutrients to flourish, she said.
Soil tests, available through Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, are a gardener’s cheat sheet, revealing exactly what your soil needs to thrive.
“If you haven’t done a soil test within the last three years, AgriLife Extension recommends getting one done,” Mayer emphasized.
“A soil test gives excellent information about pH level, salinity levels, and how much nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium your soil contains,” Mayer said. “Even if your soil checks out, adding high-quality compost or potting mix can boost its structure, water retention, and overall health.”
Whether planting directly in the ground or using raised beds, ensuring proper drainage and balanced pH is essential.
If sandy plots prove too challenging, raised beds or containers offer a practical solution, allowing for better control over soil quality.
“You can never go wrong with adding high-quality compost to your planting area,” Mayer said. “It enriches the soil with essential nutrients, enhancing its structure and leading to better plant growth.”
Once the soil is prepped, it’s time to plant. Seeds germinate best when soil temperatures range from 60-75°F.
“If the soil temperature drops below or goes above this range, germination can be adversely affected,” Merritt explained.
Cilantro thrives in temperatures between 50-70°F, parsley in 40-75°F, and dill in 45-75°F. As temperatures rise, cilantro is often the first to bolt, shifting focus from leafy growth to seed production.
For Galveston’s gardeners, the mild February weather allows direct sowing of herb seeds earlier than areas across Texas.
“Gardeners can start seeds about six weeks before the last frost date and transplant seedlings in mid-February,” Merritt said. “Just be prepared to cover those tender seedlings in case of a late frost.”
Coastal winds and occasional cold snaps do pose risks to young herbs, but simple protective measures can help. Cover plants with burlap, cheesecloth, or old sheets before nightfall to trap warm air, or use garden cloches or milk jugs to create mini greenhouses.
Adding a two-inch layer of mulch around the base of plants insulates root systems, retains moisture, and shields plants from cold weather. You can also place gallon jugs of warm water into the mulch at night for extra protection.
Mayer also recommends the use of cold frames to help protect incredibly tender plants from cold weather.
“A cold frame is a small structure made of transparent material that traps radiant heat from the soil,” she said. “Open or remove the covering during the day and put it back on before temperatures drop below freezing.”
Consistent watering is crucial in Galveston’s sandy soil, which drains quickly. “Focus on watering at the base of plants to avoid dampening foliage, which can encourage fungal diseases,” Merritt said.
Organic mulches like shredded leaves or pine needles can conserve water while improving soil health. Mediterranean herbs, like rosemary and lavender, benefit from a gravel layer to ensure excellent drainage.
As your herb garden takes shape, remember that many herbs do more than just enhance your cooking - they act as natural pest deterrents.
Rosemary, chives, and mint repel aphids and cabbage moths. Dill and parsley attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies to keep pests in check.
With thoughtful planning and preparation, your herb garden can flourish, offering fresh flavors and natural beauty all season long.
For more information on soil testing provided by Texas AgriLife Extension, visit https://soiltesting.tamu.edu/soil-testing/.