When to plant on in my new herb bed

Have a new raised bed in my allotment which is going to be my herb garden. I've got some basil seedlings, as well as thyme, coriander, chives, more basil and parsley propagating at the moment thought the packets said they could be sown outdoors. When is best to plant them out in the garden? Is it best to leave them til the seedlings are more established? Or would they be ok transferred to the outdoor bed with cloche or fleece over them?

 

Hi Sarah! I'm sure the experts will be along in a while, but here are a few thoughts in the meantime.
If you are sowing seeds, I would probably so direct (esp for parsley, which grows a long tap-root, so doesn't like being moved so much). If you are doing this, I would wait a couple of weeks until the ground warms up a little. I know waiting is horrible (!!) but the plants will catch up quickly enough...
Meanwhile, if you are using pot-grown herbs from the supermarket, remember that these can actually be planted out. Let them slowly acclimatise to outside temperatures (put the pots right next to the side of the house, so that the walls act as an "overnight radiator") and remember to water them. After a few weeks, you can plant these in your new herb garden. They should recover, so long as you haven't cut them down to the soil level (chives can cope with even this!) and give you fresh leaves to pick whilst you wait for your seedlings to get big enough.
I wish I was nearby, as I would happily give you a clump of chives to start you off - they benefit from being divided every few years, and so many people have helped me with plants over the years...

 

Thanks. Will let my seedlings grow a bit bigger and then check the weather out in a few weeks I think. Will also sow some direct as backup just in case at the same time

 

Basil is a good trainer herb. Why don't you try savory and tarragon. They are both widely available and highly versatile. Besides, these herbs have great culinary use, they are easy to care for and provide rich harvest.

 

chives are a worthy addition, i have normal and garlic for variety. The flowers can be used in salads.