About the Wajdas

Winter Care of Herbs | 1, 2, 3

Perennial Herbs Outdoors

Most perennial herbs are quite hardy and will survive reasonably well outdoors even if temperatures go to zero or below. However, if they are subjected to very cold nights (below 10 degrees) and dry winds, they may have trouble surviving unless they are mulched. (By the way, a foot of snow makes a great mulch. If you live in a snowy area your herbs are likely to survive nicely even if you do nothing.)

For those of us who face cold nights in January and February with little or no snow cover, mulching with straw or leaves is in order. Normally, two to three inches will protect most plants, but for plants in drought-stricken areas, six to 10 inches is preferable. Taller species should be covered more deeply. Branches cut off Christmas trees are useful to protect taller plants. Herbs that die back to the ground (chives, tarragon, oregano, mint) do not need mulching.

Most of the plants that die back require six to eight weeks of freezing weather to prepare for next year’s growth. You can take advantage of this by potting up some of these plants, then burying the pots level with the ground. Dig them up in mid-January, let them thaw, then place them in a sunny window or under plant lights. Water and feed regularly. In four to six weeks, you should have fresh herbs for your kitchen. >>

Page 1 Bringing Plants Indoors
Page 2 Perennial Herbs Outdoors
Page 3 Specific Plants in Winter