And there’s even better news: It’s easy to do! Most herbs, after they are established, need minimal care and can flourish indoors through the cold winter months. Herbs that are already in containers are the easiest to bring inside; they just need a little TLC to accommodate the change.
What herbs can be brought inside for winter?
The best herbs to move indoors for the winter are perennials that need protection from freezing temperatures to survive, such as lemongrass, ginger, and lemon verbena. Hardier types such as lavender, tricolor sage, and thyme can overwinter outdoors in most regions.
Should herbs be brought inside for winter?
Herbs such as lemon verbena, basil, dill, and cilantro should be brought indoors before the first frost. Once inside, these plants do best with indoor temperatures ranging between 65 to 75 degrees. Several hardy herbs can actually overwinter outdoors, including mint, oregano, parsley, sage, and thyme.
How do I bring my herb garden indoors?
Your Ultimate Guide to Growing Herbs Indoors
- Pick the Right Plants. Plants.
- Select a Container with Drainage. Drainage.
- Choose the Sunniest Spot. Plants.
- Water-but Not Too Much. Water.
- Harvest a Little at a Time. Plants.
- Transplant When Ready. Plants.
Can herbs be left outside in winter?
Many winter herbs thrive easily in the Great Outdoors in Zones 6 and warmer. The list includes sage, common thyme, oregano, chives, chamomile, mints, lavender and tarragon.
When should I bring my potted herbs inside?
For potted plants, before relocating them indoors full-time, give them a little transition time by bringing them in every night 7 to 14 days before the final move. This small act will help them acclimate better to being indoors.
How do you take care of potted herbs in the winter?
Keep Herbs Alive and Well in Winter With These 5 Tactics
- Protect herbs from the cold by placing them in a cold frame or cloche.
- Add a thick layer of coarse mulch over herbs.
- Pot up herbs and move them into a frost-free greenhouse or sun porch.
- Grow herbs in front of a sunny window.
Can I bring rosemary inside for the winter?
For the first week or so, acclimate your plant by bringing it indoors during the night, but move it back outdoors during the daytime. When the daytime temperatures are no longer reaching at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s time for the plant to come indoors permanently for the winter.
Can I bring basil inside for winter?
If you already have a favorite basil plant that produces lots of tasty leaves, there’s no reason why you can’t keep enjoying it indoors throughout the fall and winter. Placed in a cozy spot on a sunny windowsill, it will thrive throughout the cold months. Come summer, you can replant it outdoors.
What temperature is too cold for herbs?
Keep herbs in rooms that have at least a 65 to 70°F day and 55 to 60°F night temperature regimes. Although most herbs can survive temperatures that are in the mid to low 40s, others cannot; for example, basil (Ocimum basilicum) cannot survive temperatures lower than 50°F.
Should I bring my mint plant inside for the winter?
Mint is a perennial that will begin to die off soon and it’s often recommended that you pot up mint to take indoors for winter use.
Can herbs grow indoors all year?
Many cooks grow herbs indoors during the winter when it’s too cold outside or too wet to dig in the dirt, but you can grow herbs inside any time of year. Indoor herbs prefer the same temperatures that most people do—around 65 to 70 degrees F—so if you’re comfortable, they probably are.
How do you bring thyme indoors?
How to Grow Thyme Indoors. Herb care for plants indoors is much the same as for those outdoors. Water completely each time but allow the pot to dry before watering again. Fertilize thyme with a weak solution of fish emulsion or liquid seaweed, diluted by half every two weeks.
Should herbs be cut back for winter?
In general, stop pruning herbs about eight weeks before the first average frost date in your area. Pruning too late in the season produces tender new growth that is likely to be damaged by winter cold. Fingernails work best for pruning most herbs, but woodier plants may require pruning shears.
What do you do with herbs at the end of the season?
When you harvest your herbs at the end of the season, you can trim your plant to the ground. If your herb is a perennial, it will come back in the spring. If it is not a perennial, you can always save seeds from that plant or purchase new seeds or transplants in the spring.
How do I save my basil plant for the winter?
Wash the leaves and dry them with a paper towel. Then gather them in bunches and wrap the stems with a twist tie. Hang them upside down for a week or two and then break the leaves off the stems into an airtight container and you will have dried basil for the winter. Basil lasts this way for about a year.
How long do herbs last in pots?
2-3 months
Let it dry out between watering, but not for too long. You will be able to keep your supermarket-bought pot herbs for 2-3 months or until you have used them all in the delicious recipes you are thinking of; from the pizza topping to fresh pesto.
Where do you put basil in the winter?
The key to keeping your basil plant alive during the winter is to provide it with as much light as possible. A great solution to this problem is shifting to artificial light sources in the darker winter months. Around 12 hours of light and keeping the soil warm and drained from excess of water is a good starting point.
What do you do with rosemary in the winter?
It’s best to keep the plant in a location where the temperature is above freezing, but not too hot. A lightly heated garage or hallway is a good option, as warm indoor air can cause the plant to dry out. Rosemary likes a bit of humidity, so gentle misting of the foliage can help keep the air around it moist.
What temperature is too cold for thyme?
Culinary or English thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is hardy to zone 4 (temperatures down to -30 degrees F.).
How do you bring potted rosemary indoors for the winter?
Indoors, water the soil every two weeks (if the soil is dry), but always keep water in the drainage pan with the rocks in it. Because the plant likes to absorb moisture from the air, it will enjoy the water as it evaporates from the pan. Indoor air is usually drier than outdoor air.
Elvira Bowen is a food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking. She has worked in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, and has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers. Elvira is known for her creative approach to cuisine, and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts.