Fall into Wellness: 5 Medicinal Herbs to Plant Now in Georgia
Even though the temps are still clinging to summer in Georgia, we’re inching closer to the season where the soil softens, the bugs chill out, and your garden gets a second wind.
Late September is actually a prime time to plant some of your favorite medicinal herbs. They’ll get established before any potential frost and set you up for wellness through fall and beyond. Whether you’re brewing up a tea, calming your nervous system, or just trying to grow something that loves you back, these five herbs are ready for action.
1. Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum)
Why Plant Now: Cilantro’s worst enemy is blazing heat. But by planting now, it will establish quickly and give you a generous harvest before our cooler nights eventually roll in.
Medicinal Uses: Detox support for the body. Coriander seeds can help regulate blood pressure and support digestion.
How to Use: Fresh in salads, tacos, soups, or on top of roasted veggies. Toast the seeds (coriander) for warming fall dishes.
Planting Notes: Loves rich, well-drained soil. Keep it moist and out of the hottest sun.
2. Italian Dandelion (Cichorium intybus)
Why Plant Now: This leafy chicory loves fall. It’s a “cut and come again” green, which means you’ll be harvesting in no time, and often.
Medicinal Uses: Nutrient-packed leaves to support digestion and liver health. Dried roots can be brewed as a fiber-rich, caffeine-free coffee alternative.
How to Use: Sauté the greens like you would collards, or eat them fresh in hearty fall salads. Roast the roots for a grounding drink.
Planting Notes: Give it some space, 12 to 18 inches apart, and keep it watered. A container near your kitchen makes quick harvests easy.
3. Dill (Anethum graveolens)
Why Plant Now: Dill grows tall and feathery and isn’t a fan of intense heat. A late September planting sets it up for a solid stretch before the season ends.
Medicinal Uses: Excellent for digestion and easing bloating. Packed with antioxidants and trace minerals.
How to Use: Fresh in dips, seafood, pickles, or over roasted potatoes. Dry it for winter use or steep a few sprigs in hot water for tea.
Planting Notes: Loves full sun and good drainage. Keep it away from strong wind or stake it for support.
4. Garlic Chives (Allium tuberosum)
Why Plant Now: These hardy perennials are perfect for a fall planting and keep giving year after year. They're also tough and low-maintenance.
Medicinal Uses: Naturally antimicrobial. Helps support immune function and digestion.
How to Use: Chop fresh over soups, scrambled eggs, or noodle dishes for a garlicky-green kick. The pretty white flowers are edible too and loved by pollinators.
Planting Notes: Full sun, well-drained soil, and about six inches of space between plants. Bonus points for repelling unwanted garden pests.
5. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Why Plant Now: Lemon balm thrives when planted in the fall and will reward you with fragrant growth well into the season. It also establishes roots that come back stronger in spring.
Medicinal Uses: Calms the nervous system. Helps reduce anxiety and stress. Supports digestion and promotes restful sleep.
How to Use: Steep fresh or dried leaves in hot water for a light lemony tea. Add to salads or seafood for a citrusy kick.
Planting Notes: Partial sun or afternoon shade is ideal, especially in the Georgia heat. Great for containers or herb garden borders.
Ready to Get Growing?
These five fall-friendly medicinal herbs are more than just garden eye candy. They bring flavor, health benefits, and resilience to your home apothecary and now’s the perfect time to get them rooted.
Visit us at one of our pop-up events to snag your fall plants. Shop online and get ahead of the season: plantedwellness.co/shop
And don’t forget to share your fall garden magic with us on Instagram @plantedwellnessco
