From Heat to Healing: How to Get Your Medicinal & Native Garden Ready for Fall
August in Georgia doesn’t exactly whisper “fall is coming”, it shouts heat, humidity, and the final crescendo of summer’s growth. But if you’re growing a medicinal garden or native pollinator plot, now is actually one of the most important times of year to start preparing for what comes next.
Fall is not just a second chance, it’s a strategic window. With warm soil and gradually cooler air, it's the ideal time to set up your garden to thrive long after summer fades. That includes harvesting what's ready, prepping for cool-weather herbs, and most importantly, planning your fall perennials.
Whether you’re cultivating your backyard apothecary or building up a pollinator paradise, here's how to make the most of this season’s heat while laying the groundwork for a thriving, healing fall.
What Medicinal Herbs to Harvest in August
Many summer medicinal herbs are peaking in early August, which means it’s time to harvest and preserve what you’ve grown for fall and winter use. Drying herbs now ensures you’ll have everything you need for teas, salves, and seasonal support as the weather cools.
Recommended August Harvests:
Holy Basil (Tulsi): Harvest aerial parts while in flower for use in stress-relieving teas and tinctures.
Lemon Balm: Cut stems now for drying while leaves are still fragrant and tender.
Catnip: Dry the leaves for teas or pet treats; can also be used fresh for calming infusions.
Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa): Harvest maturing calyxes for vitamin C-rich teas and syrups.
Echinacea (Leaves and Flowers): Collect now for teas and topical uses; roots will be harvested later in the season.
Wild Bergamot: A Georgia native with antimicrobial properties and a bright citrus-mint flavor - dry the leaves and blooms for teas or infused oils.
Lemongrass: Thriving in August heat. Snip leaves for drying, and freeze the stalks to add to fall bone broths and immunity-boosting stews.
Tip: Hang herbs in bundles in a dry, shaded space with airflow or use a dehydrator on low and slow to retain their medicinal potency.
What Medicinal Herbs to Plan for This Fall
While it’s too hot to plant most new herbs right now, August is the perfect time to map out your fall garden. Georgia’s autumn weather supports an incredible lineup of cool-season herbs, and PW will be restocking many favorites starting in September.
This is also the season to refresh tired garden beds and get back to basics with culinary staples that support wellness from kitchen to apothecary shelf.
Coming Soon from PW:
Roman Chamomile: A low-growing perennial that’s lovely in tea and works as a fragrant ground cover.
Cilantro: Cool-loving and fast-growing, great for fall dishes and detox support.
Italian Dandelion: With its mineral-rich leaves, this hardy chicory shines in fall.
Chives & Garlic Chives (Perennials): Easy to grow, delicious, and excellent for attracting pollinators and repelling pests.
Culinary Herb Refresh: Fall is the best time to replant classics like thyme, sage, oregano, tarragon, and parsley. Whether you're rebuilding a patio garden or stocking your indoor herb shelf, these will thrive through Georgia’s cooler months.
Start Planning Your Perennial Garden Now
Here in Georgia, fall is the best time to plant perennials—especially medicinal herbs and native plants. Warm soil and cooler air offer perfect conditions for roots to establish before winter, setting the stage for lush, healthy growth next spring.
Planted Wellness Co. will be doing a big push of perennial herbs and native plants this fall to support pollinators, boost biodiversity, and strengthen your wellness garden.
Featured Perennials to Plan For:
Chives, Lemon Balm, Catnip, Echinacea
Swamp Milkweed – A must-have for monarchs
Red Cardinal Flower – Supports hummingbirds and damp-soil gardens
Blue Mistflower – Late-season blooms beloved by butterflies
Oakleaf Hydrangea – A native beauty with all-season interest
American Beautyberry – Bright purple berries and natural mosquito-repelling properties
Whether you’re building pollinator pathways, tea gardens, or a bit of both, planting in fall means less stress on your plants and better long-term success. Use this month to sketch out your space and set your planting goals.
Final Thoughts: Build Your Future Garden in the Heat
August may feel like summer’s finale, but in truth, it’s the opening act for fall gardening success. Whether you're tending your existing beds or laying out your next perennial planting, the work you do now sets the tone for the season ahead.
So, while it’s hot, take a little time to harvest what’s ready, refresh your garden layout, and plan for a fall full of healing, growth, and renewal.
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