Bringing Herbs in for the Winter
Just because it’s getting cooler outside doesn’t mean gardening has to end, especially if you love to grow herbs. Bring your herbs indoors so you can continue to enjoy them through the winter months.
Rosemary, lemongrass, ginger and verbena are tender perennials, but need protection from freezing temperatures to survive. But hardier herbs like thyme, lavender, sage, and tarragon can be grown indoors, as well. It’s also an effective way to divide your herbs that grow in clumps.
It’s wonderful to be able to experience their fresh flavors and scents all winter long and potting them is so easy to do. Here’s how:
- Select containers that are wide and deep enough to accommodate each herb’s root ball plus a little extra for growth.
- Put a layer of potting soil into each pot.
- Place your herb on top of it.
- Fill in all around the herb with more potting mix.
- Press down the potting mix, leaving about an inch of space between the mix and the top rim of the pot.
- Water them thoroughly.
You can also make arrangements that place several herbs in one pot.
Newly transplanted herbs will need a bit of time to acclimate and may even drop some leaves. While they are in this state, keep them in indirect light. Once they pick up, you can increase in increments, the amount and time of bright sunlight they get. Herbs like a lot of light so southern-facing windows are best. If you don’t have enough sunlight, you can buy a grow light.
To maintain herbs indoors, turn them periodically so all sides get to face the light. Then you can snip spring whenever you cook your favorite recipes. If you want, you can bring them back outside once spring arrives.
