Complete Gardening
Fall gardening in Rhode Island doesn’t have to end when summer fades away. Cool autumn temperatures actually help many herbs grow stronger and taste better than they do in hot summer heat. These hardy plants can handle chilly nights and still give you fresh flavors for your kitchen all season long.
1. Thyme – The Tiny Powerhouse
Small leaves pack huge flavor in this Mediterranean favorite. Thyme loves Rhode Island’s sunny fall days and doesn’t mind when you forget to water it for a while.
Plant it in well-drained soil where it gets plenty of morning sun. The herb keeps growing even when temperatures drop, making your soups and roasted vegetables taste amazing.
Harvest sprigs anytime by pinching off what you need.
2. Sage – The Thanksgiving Hero
Gray-green fuzzy leaves make sage easy to spot in your garden. This tough perennial actually gets sweeter after the first light frost hits your Rhode Island garden.
Give sage a sunny spot with good drainage and watch it thrive through autumn. The herb pairs perfectly with turkey, stuffing, and all those cozy fall meals your family loves.
Pick individual leaves or cut whole stems for cooking.
3. Oregano – The Pizza Garden Star
Wild oregano actually tastes stronger in cooler weather, making fall the perfect time to grow it. This spreading herb creates a fragrant carpet in your Rhode Island garden beds.
Plant oregano where it gets morning sun and has room to spread out naturally. The herb keeps producing fresh leaves until hard frost arrives in late fall.
Pinch flowers off to keep leaves tender and flavorful for cooking.
4. Chives – The Comeback Champion
Purple pom-pom flowers make chives as pretty as they are tasty in fall gardens. Even when winter kills the green tops, roots stay alive underground in Rhode Island soil.
Plant chives anywhere they get decent sunlight and regular watering. The mild onion flavor works great in salads, soups, and baked potatoes throughout autumn.
Cut stems like grass, leaving about two inches for regrowth.
5. Parsley – The Fresh Finisher
Curly or flat-leaf parsley keeps producing new growth right up until snow covers your Rhode Island garden. Cool fall weather actually makes the leaves more tender and less bitter.
Start parsley from transplants rather than seeds for quicker results in autumn. Water regularly and harvest outer stems first, letting the center keep growing.
Fresh parsley brightens up any fall dish you’re making.
6. Mint – The Spreading Sensation
Mint grows so fast in Rhode Island’s moist fall weather that you might need to contain it in pots. The cool temperatures actually make mint leaves more flavorful and less likely to bolt.
Plant mint in partial shade where soil stays consistently moist throughout autumn. Add fresh leaves to hot tea, desserts, or savory Middle Eastern dishes.
Pinch off flower buds to keep leaves tender and productive.
7. Marjoram – The Sweet Surprise
Often called “sweet oregano,” marjoram has a gentler, more floral taste than its spicy cousin. This tender herb can survive Rhode Island winters with some protection from cold frames.
Give marjoram full sun and well-drained soil for best autumn growth. The delicate flavor works beautifully in roasted vegetables, hearty stews, and warming soups.
Harvest sprigs regularly to encourage new growth throughout fall.