Herb Day – May 1, 2027

Herb Day
Categories:
Tags:
AppreciationFood
Where:
United States
Date change rule:
1st Saturday of May
Holiday emoji:
🌿

Herb Day encourages us to plant, cultivate, and appreciate the diverse world of herbs every first Saturday in May. This day celebrates the joy of gardening and the countless benefits herbs bring to our kitchens, gardens, and health. Get inspired to start your own herb garden, try a new herbal recipe, or explore the aromatic wonders of nature.

Want to sponsor Herb Day? Learn how

Expected Herb Day Deals

While we wait for official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that gardening centers and grocery stores often feature sales on herb plants and seeds around Herb Day. Look for discounts at retailers like The Home Depot, Lowe’s, and local nurseries. Specialty food stores such as Whole Foods Market and Trader Joe’s may offer deals on fresh-cut herbs and gourmet herbal products. Online retailers like Burpee and Botanical Interests typically run promotions on seeds and gardening supplies. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as May approaches.

Platform Guide for Herb Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #HerbDay. Share photos of your herb garden, favorite herbal recipes, or DIY projects using fresh herbs.

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #HerbDay. Film quick tutorials on growing herbs, harvesting tips, or creating herbal remedies.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #HerbDay. Share community events, local nursery sales, or invite friends to a virtual herb-growing workshop.

Social Media Tips for Herb Day

Individuals

Start a small windowsill herb garden with easy-to-grow varieties like basil, mint, or parsley. Experiment with fresh herbs in your cooking to elevate everyday meals.

Creators

Produce content showcasing the journey from seed to plate, demonstrating how to care for different herbs, or creating unique herbal-infused drinks and dishes.

Brands

Host a giveaway for gardening tools or herb seed kits. Partner with local nurseries for a co-promotional event or offer discounts on herb-related products.

Top Brands for Herb Day

  1. Burpee

    Founded in 1876 by W. Atlee Burpee, this iconic American company is one of the oldest and largest seed and plant companies in the world. Burpee offers a vast selection of herb seeds and starter plants for home gardeners.

  2. Bonnie Plants

    Bonnie Plants, established in 1918, is a leading grower of vegetable and herb plants for home gardens in the U.S. They provide a wide variety of healthy, ready-to-plant herbs, making gardening accessible for many.

  3. Whole Foods Market

    Founded in 1978 in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market is a multinational supermarket chain specializing in organic foods. They offer a premium selection of fresh-cut herbs, organic potted herbs, and herbal products.

  4. Penzey's Spices

    Established in 1986 by Bill Penzey Jr., this family-owned company is renowned for its high-quality spices and herbs sourced from around the globe. Penzey's offers a wide range of dried herbs and custom blends.

  5. The Herb Society of America

    Founded in 1933, The Herb Society of America is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the knowledge, use, and delight of herbs. They offer educational resources, research grants, and host events for herb enthusiasts.

  6. Gardener's Supply Company

    An employee-owned company founded in 1983, Gardener's Supply Company provides innovative gardening products and solutions. They offer a comprehensive range of tools, raised beds, and organic growing supplies perfect for herb gardens.

  7. Mountain Rose Herbs

    Founded in 1987 in Eugene, Oregon, Mountain Rose Herbs is a leading provider of organic herbs, spices, teas, and essential oils. They are committed to sustainability and offer a vast selection for culinary, medicinal, and aromatic uses.

Herb Day Hero

Rosemary Gladstar

Rosemary Gladstar is a celebrated herbalist and author, often called the 'godmother of American herbalism.' She founded the California School of Herbal Studies in 1978 and United Plant Savers, a non-profit dedicated to protecting native medicinal plants. Her work has inspired countless individuals to connect with the healing power of herbs.

History of Herb Day

Herb Day was created in 2006, a time when ‘herb’ was still a bit of a scary word. Medical doctors, naturopaths, and acupuncturists were not yet comfortable incorporating herbs into their practices, and the public knew very little about the subject. The HerbDay Coalition is made up of five non-profit organizations that wished to create a day for people to celebrate the healing power of herbs. On the first Saturday in May, we invite you to have your own celebration with the herbs you have in your garden or on your patio.

The world of plants was divided into trees, shrubs, and herbs by the ancient Greek philosopher Theophrastus. Herbs are also further classified into three groups, namely pot herbs, sweet herbs, and salad herbs. During the 1600s, pot herbs began to be referred to as vegetables as they were no longer considered only suitable for the pot.

In its early stages, botany was primarily a study of the pharmacological uses of plants, and by the Middle Ages, with the advent of humoral theory in medicine, the position was made that foodstuffs, having their own humoral qualities, could, in turn, alter the humoral temperaments of humans.

Popular plants parsley and sage were often used together for cooking in medieval times. A renowned therapeutic nutriment of that age, chicken broth, as well as green sauce, were usually prepared with parsley and sage.

Herb Day timeline

371 B.C.
Theophastrus Is Born

Ancient Greek botanist Theophrastus is born.

1600s
Pot Herbs Are Referred To As Vegetables

By the 1600s, selective breeding leads to changes in the physical and other compositions of the pot plants, hence they come to be known as vegetables.

2005
HerbDay Coalition Is Formed

A group of five nonprofit groups comes together to form the HerbCoalition.

2006
First-ever Herb Day

On May 6, the first-ever Herb Day is celebrated.

Herb Day FAQs

When is Herb Day?

In 2027, Herb Day will be observed on Saturday, May 1, marking the beginning of a fresh growing season for many. This early May date is ideal for planting and enjoying fresh herbs.

How many people grow herbs at home?

Home herb gardening continues to be a popular pastime, with an estimated 35% of U.S. households growing herbs for culinary or medicinal purposes. This trend reflects a growing interest in fresh, sustainable ingredients.

What are the most popular culinary herbs?

Basil consistently ranks as one of the top culinary herbs, followed closely by cilantro, mint, and oregano. These herbs are staples in kitchens worldwide, prized for their distinct flavors and aromatic qualities in various cuisines.

What is the HerbDay Coalition?

Formed by a collective of five non-profit organizations, the HerbDay Coalition aims to foster a greater appreciation for herbs. Their efforts focus on encouraging individuals to learn about, grow, and integrate herbs into their daily lives for health and culinary enjoyment.

Herb Day Activities

  1. Learn more about herbs

    Take the opportunity of Herb Day to find out some more about herbs! There are so many nutritional properties to herbs that you could learn about!

  2. Start a herb garden

    You could start a small herb garden probably in your kitchen and devote yourself to seeing it grow. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing hard work come to fruition.

  3. Share the fun on social media

    Post pictures of your herb plants on social media with the #HerbDay hashtag! Encourage your friends to do the same as well as to learn something new.

5 Facts About Herbs And Spices

  1. Red peppers are rich in Vitamin C

    Red peppers are said to be unusually rich in Vitamin C, and a single serving of soup made from it contains more Vitamin C than lemon juice.

  2. Red bell peppers are ripe green peppers

    Red bell peppers are simply ripe green bell peppers.

  3. Nutmeg is a psychotropic

    Nutmeg serves psychotropic functions and a high enough dose can induce hallucinations.

  4. Vanilla is highly expensive

    Vanilla is among the two most expensive spices in the world, second only to Saffron.

  5. Turmeric is effective against Alzheimer’s

    Turmeric powder is very potent in managing symptoms of Alzheimer's, even more than drugs prescribed for it.

Why We Love Herb Day

  1. Herbs are medicinal

    Herbs serve a great medicinal purpose and can be used to treat a variety of illnesses. Learn something new today and research what you can treat with herbs!

  2. Herbs are tasty

    Some herbs and spices are tasty and add flavor to our everyday meals. They’re great for soups or roasts!

  3. Herbs are eco-friendly

    Herbs do not harm the environment and therefore growing them is safe! Get your green thumbs ready and start planting today!

Herb Day dates

Year Date Day
2026 May 2 Saturday
2027 May 1 Saturday
2028 May 6 Saturday
2029 May 5 Saturday
2030 May 4 Saturday