When to Plant Herbs UK – Month by Month Growing Guide 2026

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There is something deeply satisfying about stepping into your garden, snipping a handful of fresh thyme, or crushing a mint leaf between your fingers on a crisp British morning. Growing herbs in the UK is one of the most rewarding and accessible forms of gardening — requiring minimal space, modest investment, and delivering enormous returns in flavor, fragrance, and wellbeing.

But the UK’s notoriously unpredictable weather makes timing absolutely critical. A late frost in April can wipe out newly planted basil in hours. A wet summer can rot rosemary that thrives just fine in drier conditions. Understanding exactly when to plant each herb — adjusted for the UK’s unique regional climate differences — is the difference between a flourishing herb garden and a frustrating series of failed attempts.

This complete guide covers everything you need to know about the when to plant herbs UK — organized by month, region, RHS hardiness rating, and individual herb — so you can grow confidently anywhere from Cornwall to the Scottish Highlands.

1. Understanding the UK Climate for Herb Growing

The United Kingdom’s climate is classified as oceanic temperate — characterised by mild winters, cool summers, high humidity, and rainfall distributed throughout the year. This creates both unique advantages and specific challenges for herb growers:

Advantages of the UK climate for herbs:

Mild winters allow many Mediterranean perennials to survive outdoors year-round in southern regions
Cool summers are perfect for cool-season herbs like parsley, chives, and mint
High rainfall reduces irrigation demands once herbs are established
Long summer daylight hours promote vigorous leafy growth

Challenges of the UK climate for herbs:

Unpredictable late frosts threaten warm-season herbs well into May in northern regions
High humidity encourages fungal diseases in Mediterranean herbs that prefer dry conditions
Cool summers limit the performance of true tropical herbs like basil and lemongrass
Short growing season in Scotland and Northern England requires careful timing

Understanding these characteristics helps you select the right herbs and plant them at exactly the right time for your specific location.

2. UK Frost Dates by Region

Unlike the USA which uses a standardised zone map, the UK relies primarily on average last spring frost dates and first autumn frost dates which vary significantly by region, elevation, and proximity to the coast.

UK Region	Average Last Spring Frost	Average First Autumn Frost	Frost-Free Days
Cornwall & South Devon	Mid-March	Late November	~260 days
South East England (Kent, Sussex)	Late March – Early April	Late October	~210 days
London & Greater London	Late March – Early April	Late October	~200 days
East Anglia (Norfolk, Suffolk)	Mid-April	Mid-October	~185 days
Midlands (Birmingham, Nottingham)	Mid-April – Early May	Mid-October	~170 days
Wales (South)	Late March – Mid-April	Late October	~200 days
Wales (North & Highland)	Late April – Mid-May	Early October	~150 days
Yorkshire & Humber	Late April – Early May	Mid-October	~165 days
North West England (Manchester, Liverpool)	Late April	Mid-October	~170 days
North East England (Newcastle)	Early May	Early October	~150 days
Scotland (Central — Edinburgh, Glasgow)	Early May – Mid-May	Late September	~135 days
Scotland (Highlands)	Late May – Early June	Early September	~100 days
Northern Ireland (Belfast)	Late April	Mid-October	~170 days

💡 Find your exact last frost date using the Met Office climate data: metoffice.gov.uk or the RHS plant finder tool at rhs.org.uk

3. RHS Hardiness Ratings Explained

The Royal Horticultural Society uses a standardised hardiness rating system that tells UK gardeners how cold-tolerant a plant is. This is essential for understanding which herbs survive UK winters outdoors.

RHS Rating	Description	Min Temperature	Example Herbs
H1a	Heated greenhouse only	Above 15°C	Lemongrass, ginger
H1b	Warm greenhouse	10–15°C	Basil, tulsi
H1c	Cool greenhouse	5–10°C	Lemon verbena
H2	Tender — protect from frost	1–5°C	Tender rosemary varieties
H3	Half hardy — frost protection needed	-5°C	French tarragon, bay laurel
H4	Hardy in most UK gardens	-10°C	Rosemary, sage, thyme, oregano
H5	Hardy in most UK conditions	-15°C	Parsley, chives, mint, fennel
H6	Hardy in all UK conditions	-20°C	Lemon balm, lovage, horseradish
H7	Hardy in the harshest UK winters	Below -20°C	Chives, horseradish

💡 Always check the RHS hardiness rating before planting herbs in exposed northern gardens or at high elevations.

4. Best Time to Plant Herbs — Month by Month UK Calendar

This is the most practical section of this guide — a complete month-by-month reference for UK herb gardeners.

January

Indoors only. January is one of the coldest months in most of the UK with frequent frosts making outdoor herb sowing impossible except in the mildest spots of Cornwall and the Scilly Isles.

Sow parsley indoors on a warm windowsill with bottom heat (18–21°C)
Sow chives indoors under grow lights
Pot up mint divisions from stored roots for early indoor harvests
Order herb seeds from reputable suppliers for the season ahead
Clean and prepare seed trays, pots, and propagation equipment

February

Indoors — early season sowing begins. Daylight is increasing and a propagator or warm windowsill makes indoor herb sowing viable.

Sow parsley, chives, and lemon balm indoors with heat
Sow rosemary and thyme indoors — slow germinators that benefit from an early start
Sow basil on a very warm south-facing windowsill or under grow lights (not for outdoor planting yet)
In Cornwall and South Devon only — direct sow hardy herbs like chives outdoors under fleece

March

The main indoor sowing season begins in earnest. Temperatures are rising but outdoor frosts are still a real risk across most of the UK.

Herb	Sow Indoors	Sow Outdoors	Notes
Basil	✅ Yes	❌ Too early	Needs 18°C minimum
Parsley	✅ Yes	South only	Soak seeds 24hrs first
Chives	✅ Yes	South only	Hardy — can risk outdoors
Coriander	✅ Yes	South only	Direct sow preferred
Dill	✅ Yes	South only	Does not transplant well
Mint	✅ Yes	South only	From divisions or cuttings
Thyme	✅ Yes	❌ Too early	Slow from seed
Oregano	✅ Yes	❌ Too early	Needs warmth to germinate

April

The most important month for UK herb gardeners. Outdoor sowing becomes possible across most of England and Wales as frost risk reduces — though Scotland and northern England still need caution.

Plant out cold-hardy herbs outdoors in the south: chives, parsley, mint, lemon balm
Continue indoor sowing of basil, coriander, dill, and fennel
Direct sow coriander, dill, and fennel outdoors in sheltered spots in southern England
Harden off indoor seedlings started in February and March
Prepare herb beds with well-rotted compost and good drainage

⚠️ Do not plant basil outdoors in April anywhere in the UK. Even in the South East, April nights regularly drop below the 10°C minimum basil needs to survive.

May

The main outdoor planting month for most of the UK. After the May Day bank holiday, frost risk drops significantly across England and Wales — though Scotland remains cautious until late May.

Herb	England & Wales	Scotland & N Ireland	Northern England
Basil	Plant out after 15th May	Wait until June	Wait until late May
Coriander	Direct sow	Direct sow late May	Direct sow late May
Dill	Direct sow	Direct sow late May	Direct sow
Parsley	Plant out	Plant out late May	Plant out
Mint	Plant out	Plant out	Plant out
Thyme	Plant out	Plant out late May	Plant out
Oregano	Plant out	Plant out late May	Plant out
Rosemary	Plant out	Plant out late May	Plant out

Chelsea Chop reminder: The RHS Chelsea Flower Show (late May) is the traditional signal for UK gardeners that the last frost risk has passed in most of England — a useful if informal guide for herb planting timing.

June

Peak growing season begins. All herbs can now be planted outdoors across the entire UK including Scotland. Long daylight hours promote rapid leafy growth.

Plant out all remaining herbs including basil, lemongrass (in pots), and tender varieties
Make succession sowings of coriander and dill every 3 weeks
Pinch out basil flower buds to encourage bushy leafy growth
Harvest chives, mint, parsley, and thyme regularly to promote new growth
Sow second crop of parsley for autumn harvests

July

High summer — maintain and harvest. Focus shifts from planting to maintaining, harvesting, and preserving.

Make final succession sowings of coriander before summer heat causes bolting
Sow fast-maturing herbs like coriander and dill for late summer harvest
Harvest and dry lavender, thyme, oregano, and sage at peak potency
Water container herbs daily during hot dry spells
Watch for aphids and whitefly on basil — common in UK summer

August

Late summer — prepare for the cool season renaissance.

Sow coriander and dill outdoors for excellent autumn harvests
Sow parsley indoors for overwintering and spring production
Take cuttings of rosemary, thyme, sage, and mint to propagate new plants
Begin hardening off any tender herbs you plan to bring indoors for winter
Sow chervil directly outdoors — prefers cool autumn conditions

September

The autumn herb planting window opens. One of the most underutilised opportunities in UK herb gardening.

Sow coriander directly outdoors — September sowings often outperform spring ones
Sow parsley for overwinter harvests — it is surprisingly hardy
Plant garlic chives and ordinary chives from divisions
Bring basil and lemongrass indoors before first frost
Pot up mint, parsley, and chives to bring indoors for winter windowsill harvests

October

Wind down outdoors, wind up indoors.

Lift and pot mint roots for indoor winter growing
Bring tender herbs (basil, lemongrass, lemon verbena) inside before first frost
Plant garlic (a culinary herb-vegetable) in prepared beds — October is ideal
Mulch rosemary, thyme, sage, and oregano in colder northern gardens
Last chance to sow coriander and chervil outdoors in the south under cloche

November & December

Dormancy and planning season.

Most outdoor herb growing has ended except in the mildest regions
Grow mint, chives, and parsley on indoor windowsills
Grow basil under artificial grow lights indoors
Plan next year’s herb garden — order seeds from the RHS seed library or specialist suppliers
Protect marginally hardy herbs (rosemary, bay, lemon verbena) with horticultural fleece in cold snaps

5. Best Time to Plant Herbs by UK Region

South West England & Cornwall

The mildest region in the UK. Benefits from the warming influence of the Gulf Stream.

Outdoor herb planting: March to October
Year-round possibilities: Bay laurel, rosemary, thyme, sage, mint, chives
Special advantage: Can grow lemon verbena and myrtle outdoors in sheltered spots
Best months for all herbs: April to September

South East England & London

Long growing season with relatively low rainfall and the warmest summer temperatures in the UK.

Outdoor herb planting: April to September
Best month for basil: Mid-May to August
Special advantage: Warmest UK summers make basil and Mediterranean herbs perform at their best
Watch out for: Summer drought — container herbs need daily watering in July and August

East Anglia

Low rainfall, cold east winds, and late spring frosts make timing critical here.

Outdoor herb planting: Late April to September
Best for: Drought-tolerant Mediterranean herbs — thyme, oregano, rosemary, sage
Watch out for: Late cold snaps in April — protect newly planted herbs with fleece
Special challenge: Cold east winds in spring can damage new herb transplants

Midlands

Inland location means colder winters and hotter summers than coastal regions.

Outdoor herb planting: May to September
Best month to start: Early to mid-May
Perennial herbs: Rosemary, thyme, and sage all overwinter reliably
Indoor sowing: Start in late February to March

Wales

Varied climate — South Wales is mild and wet, North Wales and highland areas are colder with shorter seasons.

South Wales: Herb planting from April onwards
North Wales and uplands: Wait until mid-May
Best suited herbs: Mint, chives, lemon balm, parsley — all handle Welsh wet conditions well
Challenge: High rainfall encourages fungal disease on Mediterranean herbs — ensure excellent drainage

North West England (Manchester, Liverpool, Lake District)

Higher rainfall than the south but milder winters than the north east due to Atlantic influence.

Outdoor herb planting: May to September
Reliable perennials: Mint, chives, lemon balm, lovage — all handle wet conditions
Mediterranean herbs: Grow in pots for better drainage control
Lake District uplands: Short season — treat many perennials as annuals

Yorkshire & North East England

Cold winters and shorter growing season require careful variety selection and timing.

Outdoor herb planting: Mid-May to August
Best strategy: Start everything indoors in March to April
Reliable herbs: Chives, mint, parsley, lemon balm, lovage
Challenge: Basil struggles in cooler Yorkshire summers — choose sheltered sunny spots

Scotland

The most challenging UK region for herb growing but by no means impossible with the right approach.

Outdoor herb planting: Late May to August
Central Scotland (Edinburgh, Glasgow): Plant from late May
Highlands: Plant from early June — short season of 100 days
Most reliable herbs: Chives, mint, parsley, lemon balm, lovage, angelica
Special opportunity: Long summer daylight hours (up to 18 hours in June) promote surprisingly rapid herb growth

Northern Ireland

Mild oceanic climate similar to western England with reliable rainfall.

Outdoor herb planting: Late April to September
Well-suited herbs: Mint, parsley, chives, thyme, lemon balm
Mediterranean herbs: Possible but require sheltered sunny spots
Reliable perennials: Rosemary and sage overwinter in most of Northern Ireland

6. Best Time to Plant Popular Herbs — Individual UK Guide

Basil

Best UK planting time: Indoors — late February to April. Outdoors — mid-May to June. Basil is the most challenging common herb to grow in the UK due to its demand for warmth. UK summers are rarely hot enough for truly vigorous basil growth — choose the warmest, most sheltered spot available. Varieties like Genovese, Sweet Basil, and Aristotle perform best in UK conditions. Greek basil (compact, small-leaved) is more tolerant of cool conditions.

Region	Sow Indoors	Plant Outdoors
South England	February–March	After 15th May
Midlands	March	After 20th May
North England	March–April	After 25th May
Scotland	April	After 1st June

Coriander (Cilantro)

Best UK planting time: March to April (spring) and August to September (autumn) Coriander actually performs better in the UK than in hot countries because our cool summers delay bolting significantly. Two excellent windows exist — spring and autumn. Autumn sowings often produce the most productive plants. Always sow directly — coriander’s taproot makes transplanting unreliable.

Sowing Window	Expected Harvest	Notes
March–April	May–June	May bolt in warm summers
August–September	October–November	Often best UK harvest

Mint

Best UK planting time: March to May outdoors, anytime indoors One of the easiest and most rewarding herbs for UK gardeners. Mint is fully hardy throughout the UK — it dies back in winter and returns reliably each spring. Always plant in containers to prevent aggressive spreading. Dozens of varieties available — spearmint, peppermint, apple mint, chocolate mint, and Moroccan mint all thrive in UK conditions.

Parsley

Best UK planting time: March to May and July to August Parsley is a biennial that is surprisingly hardy in the UK — surviving most winters outdoors even in the Midlands and North. Soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours before sowing to improve the notoriously slow germination (can take 3 to 6 weeks). Two sowings — one in spring and one in late summer — give year-round harvests.

Rosemary

Best UK planting time: Spring (April to May) or autumn (September) Rosemary is a Mediterranean perennial fully hardy in most UK gardens (RHS H4). It thrives in well-drained soil in a sunny position. The biggest killer of rosemary in the UK is not cold — it is waterlogged soil in wet winters. Always plant in free-draining soil or raised beds. Common varieties like Miss Jessopp’s Upright and Tuscan Blue are the most reliable for UK conditions.

Thyme

Best UK planting time: April to May outdoors, February to March indoors One of the most reliable perennial herbs for UK gardens. Thyme is fully hardy (RHS H5-H6) and once established requires almost no maintenance. Common thyme, lemon thyme, and creeping thyme all perform excellently in UK conditions. Excellent for rockeries, raised beds, and container growing.

Chives

Best UK planting time: February to May (indoors from February, outdoors from March) One of the hardiest and most rewarding herbs for UK gardeners. Chives are perennial throughout the entire UK including Scotland and will return each spring for many years. They produce beautiful purple flowers in late spring that are also edible. Division every 3 to 4 years keeps plants vigorous.

Sage

Best UK planting time: April to May Hardy perennial (RHS H5) in most UK gardens. Sage prefers well-drained soil and a sunny position. It can become woody over time — cut back hard in spring to encourage fresh growth. Common sage, purple sage, and golden sage all perform well in UK conditions.

Dill

Best UK planting time: April to July (successional sowings every 3 weeks) Fast-growing annual that performs well in cool UK summers. Always sow directly — dill strongly dislikes transplanting. Make succession sowings every 3 weeks from April through July for a continuous harvest. Dill attracts beneficial insects and makes an excellent companion plant.

Fennel

Best UK planting time: April to May Hardy perennial (RHS H5-H6) that self-seeds prolifically in UK gardens. Both bronze and green fennel are ornamental as well as useful. Allow some plants to flower and set seed for natural re-establishment each year.

Lemongrass

Best UK planting time: May to June (indoors), June outdoors in the south only Lemongrass is a tropical grass (RHS H1b) that cannot survive UK winters outdoors. Grow in large pots, place outdoors from June to September, and bring indoors before the first autumn frost. With a heated conservatory or greenhouse lemongrass grows vigorously and provides abundant harvests.

Bay Laurel

Best UK planting time: Spring (April to May) for young plants Bay is a large evergreen shrub (RHS H3-H4) that grows slowly but lives for decades in UK gardens. Young plants are more vulnerable to cold — protect in the first two winters with fleece. Once established bay laurel is surprisingly tough. Excellent as a topiary standard in large containers flanking doorways.

7. When to Plant Herbs UK Indoors vs Outdoors

Method	Best For	Timing
Indoors on windowsill	Basil, parsley, chives, coriander	January–April
Indoors under grow lights	Basil, microherbs, winter harvests	Year-round
Propagator (heated)	Basil, rosemary, thyme, oregano	February–April
Cold frame / cloche	Hardy herbs, early season protection	March–May
Direct outdoor sowing	Coriander, dill, fennel, parsley	April–September
Outdoor transplanting	Most herbs started indoors	May–June

Hardening off — essential for UK herb gardeners: UK spring weather is notoriously changeable. Never move indoor-raised herb seedlings directly outdoors. Harden off over 10 to 14 days by placing outdoors in a sheltered spot for increasing periods each day. This acclimatises plants to outdoor light intensity, temperature fluctuation, and wind — dramatically improving survival rates.

8. Cool Season vs Warm Season Herbs in the UK

Cool Season Herbs — Thrive in UK Conditions

The UK’s cool temperate climate is actually ideal for many cool-season herbs that struggle in hotter countries.

Herb	Ideal UK Temp	Best UK Season	RHS Rating
Coriander	15–22°C	Spring & Autumn	Annual
Parsley	10–20°C	Spring & Autumn	H5 Biennial
Chervil	10–18°C	Autumn & Winter	H5 Annual
Dill	15–22°C	Spring & Summer	Annual
Fennel	15–22°C	Spring–Autumn	H5-H6
Chives	10–22°C	Spring–Autumn	H7
Lemon Balm	10–25°C	Spring–Autumn	H6
Mint	10–25°C	Spring–Autumn	H6

Warm Season Herbs — Need the Best UK Spots

These herbs need the warmest, most sheltered positions in the UK and benefit from south-facing walls, raised beds, and dark mulch to increase soil heat.

Herb	Minimum Temp	Best UK Position	Overwinter?
Basil	10°C	South-facing, sheltered	No — annual
Lemongrass	15°C	Conservatory or pot	Indoors only
Lemon Verbena	5°C	Sheltered south wall	H3 — protect
Ginger	15°C	Heated greenhouse	No
Tulsi	15°C	Warmest spot, pot	Indoors only

Year-Round Hardy Perennials for UK Gardens

Plant these once and harvest for years:

Rosemary, thyme, sage, chives, mint, fennel, lemon balm, lovage, French tarragon, bay laurel, horseradish, and oregano all establish permanent presence in UK gardens with minimal annual effort.

9. Best Time to Plant Herbs in Pots & Containers

Container herb growing is especially popular in the UK given the prevalence of small gardens, patios, courtyards, and balconies — particularly in cities like London, Manchester, and Edinburgh.

Herb	Pot Size	Best UK Planting Time	Position
Basil	20–25cm	May–June	Warmest south-facing spot
Coriander	25–30cm	March–April & Aug–Sep	Partial shade in summer
Mint	25–30cm	April–May	Any — partial shade fine
Parsley	20–25cm	March–April & July	Partial sun
Chives	15–20cm	March–April	Full to partial sun
Rosemary	30–40cm	April–May	Full sun, sheltered
Thyme	20–25cm	April–May	Full sun
Oregano	20–25cm	April–May	Full sun, sheltered
Bay Laurel	40–60cm	April–May	Sheltered sunny spot
Lemongrass	40–50cm	June	Conservatory or very warm spot

Essential UK container herb tips:

Use a loam-based compost (John Innes No. 2 or 3) mixed with horticultural grit for Mediterranean herbs — standard multipurpose compost retains too much moisture
Raise pots on feet to improve drainage — particularly important in wet UK winters
Group pots together to create a warmer microclimate — beneficial for heat-loving herbs
Water in the morning rather than evening to reduce fungal disease risk in the UK’s humid climate
Bring tender herbs indoors before the first October frost

10. Growing Herbs on UK Windowsills & Indoors

Indoor herb growing extends your growing season dramatically and provides fresh herbs year-round regardless of the British weather outside.

Best herbs for UK windowsill growing:

Herb	Light Needed	Ideal Windowsill	Harvest Time
Basil	6+ hours	South-facing	Year-round with grow light
Mint	4–6 hours	East or West	Year-round
Chives	4–6 hours	East or West	Year-round
Parsley	4–6 hours	South or East	Year-round
Coriander	4–6 hours	East-facing	Autumn–Spring
Thyme	6+ hours	South-facing	Year-round
Oregano	6+ hours	South-facing	Year-round

Grow lights for UK herb growing: The UK’s short winter daylight hours — often only 7 to 8 hours in December and January — make grow lights invaluable for year-round indoor herb production. Full spectrum LED grow lights placed 15 to 30cm above plants for 14 to 16 hours per day produce indoor herbs that rival outdoor summer growth. Particularly transformative for basil which struggles on even south-facing UK windowsills in winter.

11. Common Herb Planting Mistakes UK Gardeners Make

Planting basil outdoors too early The most common and costly UK herb gardening mistake. Basil planted before mid-May — even in the South East — will suffer cold damage, turn yellow or purple, and become vulnerable to damping off. Patience pays with basil. Wait until the Chelsea Flower Show has passed and nights are consistently above 10°C.

Planting Mediterranean herbs in heavy clay soil Rosemary, thyme, sage, and oregano all originate from dry Mediterranean hillsides. UK clay soil that stays wet in winter will kill these herbs through root rot far more reliably than cold ever would. Always incorporate horticultural grit or plant in raised beds or containers.

Ignoring regional differences UK gardening advice is often written for southern England. If you garden in Yorkshire, Scotland, or Northern Ireland you need to delay planting by 2 to 4 weeks compared to standard advice. Always adjust for your specific microclimate.

Not making succession sowings of coriander Planting one batch of coriander in spring and expecting a continuous harvest is wishful thinking. Coriander bolts quickly — make small sowings every 3 weeks from March through September for a continuous supply.

Overwatering Mediterranean herbs UK gardeners often overwater out of habit in a country associated with rain. Rosemary, thyme, sage, and oregano all prefer dry conditions between waterings. Water thoroughly then allow soil to dry before watering again.

Not hardening off indoor-raised seedlings Moving seedlings straight from a warm propagator to outdoor conditions in unpredictable British spring weather is a recipe for transplant shock. Always harden off over 10 to 14 days minimum.

Buying supermarket herb pots for permanent outdoor planting Supermarket herb pots contain multiple seedlings crammed together and grown in nutrient-depleted compost under artificial conditions. They are designed for short-term kitchen use, not outdoor planting. Either separate and repot them carefully or buy properly hardened-off plants from garden centres.

12. Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best month to plant herbs in the UK?

May is the single best all-round month for outdoor herb planting across most of the UK. By mid-May frost risk has dropped significantly in England and Wales and all herbs including basil can be safely planted outdoors in sheltered spots.

Can I grow herbs year-round in the UK?

Yes — by growing hardy perennials outdoors (rosemary, thyme, chives, mint) and using indoor windowsills or grow lights for tender herbs like basil and coriander during winter months.

What are the easiest herbs to grow in the UK?

Mint, chives, parsley, lemon balm, and thyme are the easiest herbs for UK beginner gardeners. All are hardy, low-maintenance, and productive throughout the British growing season.

Why does my basil keep dying in the UK?

The most common causes are cold temperatures (below 10°C), overwatering, and insufficient light. Keep basil in the warmest spot available, water sparingly, and ensure at least 6 hours of direct light daily.

Can I grow rosemary outside year-round in the UK?

Yes — rosemary is hardy (RHS H4) throughout most of the UK and survives British winters outdoors provided it has well-drained soil. In Scotland and northern England provide some winter protection in severe cold snaps.

When should I start herbs indoors in the UK?

For most herbs February to March is the ideal indoor sowing window. This gives seedlings 8 to 12 weeks of indoor growth before they are ready to harden off and transplant outdoors from May.

What herbs grow well in a UK shady garden?

Mint, parsley, chervil, lemon balm, and chives all tolerate partial shade and perform well in gardens that receive less than 4 to 6 hours of direct sun daily.

Is it too late to plant herbs in July in the UK?

No — July is still a good time to plant many herbs. Direct sow coriander and dill for autumn harvests. Plant out container-grown mint, chives, and parsley. Take cuttings of rosemary, thyme, and sage for new plants.