What to Do With Herbs in Winter

Herb garden plants don’t necessarily need to be ripped out to survive the winter. They can be planted in containers that are easily accessible from the house, and can be harvested easily. Herbs grown near the house will benefit from the milder microclimate, and will need less water than those grown far away. But it is a good idea to keep in mind the tips below to keep your plants growing strong and healthy in winter.

Protecting herbs from frost and waterlogging is important if you are growing perennial herbs. Some perennial herbs, such as lemon verbena and ginger, need protection from freezing temperatures. Other varieties, such as thyme and lavender, can survive outdoor growth, but others may not. To protect your plants from harsh winter conditions, be sure to use containers to keep them protected from damage. While this method is not ideal for every garden, it can be used for many herbs.

In addition to using pots to protect your herbs from frost, make sure you have adequate drainage for your plants. Keeping plants in water will cause their roots to rot. Also, avoid allowing your plants to sit in water during the winter. Herbs that thrive in sheltered conditions, such as bay and thyme, can survive the winter outdoors. If you don’t want to wait until spring to plant them, consider moving them into a cold frame or unheated greenhouse. To help protect your plants from frost, ventilate them on warm days. You can cover your containers with cloches or a small coldframe, and they’ll continue to grow and bloom.

In order to protect your herbs from frost and freeze, you need to know what season they prefer. Most herbs require a constant supply of water, especially rosemary. Herbs that are cultivated in warm weather are more resistant to cold, so make sure to water them when the weather turns chilly. The best way to determine whether your plants need water is through a touch test. You may want to consider indoor options if the weather is too cold.

Although winter is not the best time for harvesting herbs in your garden, you can still harvest your herbs. The most common way to do this is to cover your herbs with straw. This method will extend their harvest season and will allow you to pick them even in the winter. For example, the herbs will stay fresher for longer than if you cover them with plastic. This will help prevent the soil from becoming too dry. The winter can be devastating for your herb plants, but it will survive.

Herbs that grow in the winter are best suited for container gardening. They can be transplanted to containers and grow in containers in winter. Herbs that grow in containers can be dried and stored for later use. They can also be frozen and used in stews, soups, and gravy. You can also freeze fresh herbs for use during the winter months by freezing them in a freezer bag or an ice cube tray.