Winter doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to fresh herbs! In fact, there are several cold-hardy varieties that not only survive but thrive in chilly weather, bringing both flavor and life to your garden.
Many of these herbs, like thyme and rosemary, actually develop richer flavors in the cold, adding a unique touch to your winter cooking. Imagine the earthy scent of rosemary or the fresh bite of chives wafting through your kitchen, even when most plants have retreated for the season.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, growing winter herbs is a rewarding way to keep your garden alive with greenery and enjoy a steady supply of fresh herbs.
With just a bit of extra care and the right spot—preferably one with full sun—these herbs will bring you harvests all season long.
Plus, if outdoor growing isn’t an option, an indoor herb garden is a great alternative for the winter months. So, let’s dive into which herbs can handle the cold and how to help them thrive!
How to Plan Winter Herb Garden?
Planning a winter herb garden might feel a bit tricky, especially if you’re used to the full, green look of summer.
But with a few simple steps, you can keep your garden looking lively and even get fresh herbs all winter long. Here’s a straightforward guide with practical tips to help you grow tasty herbs through the colder months.
1. Choose the Right Herbs for Winter:
Opt for hardy, cold-tolerant herbs like thyme, rosemary, sage, and chives. These varieties withstand frost and develop richer flavors in winter.
2. Find the Right Spot in Your Garden
- Maximize Sun Exposure: Look for south-facing spots to ensure your herbs get 4-6 hours of sunlight.
- Wind Protection: Plant herbs near walls or hedges to shield them from harsh winds.
- Use Raised Beds: Raised beds improve drainage, helping roots avoid waterlogged soil.
3. Consider Using Containers
Containers make it easy to control soil, water, and temperature. Use weather-resistant materials like ceramic or thick plastic, and place containers on rolling caddies for mobility.
4. Prepare the Soil Properly
- Add Organic Matter: Enrich soil with compost for better drainage and nutrient retention.
- Mulch: Apply a light layer of mulch to insulate roots and maintain soil temperature.
5. Plant at the Right Time
Aim to plant six to eight weeks before the first frost. For seeds, late summer sowing gives seedlings time to establish before cold weather sets in.
6. Provide Insulation for Your Herbs
- Row Covers: Use frost blankets or row covers for extra warmth.
- Cloches: Glass or plastic cloches over individual herbs can trap heat effectively.
- Mulch: A thick mulch layer can help protect roots from freezing temperatures.
7. Water Wisely During Winter
- Avoid Overwatering: Water only when the top inch of soil is dry to prevent root rot.
- Water on Mild Days: Water on warmer days to avoid freezing soil.
8. Fertilize Sparingly
Limit fertilizing in winter, as most herbs don’t need many nutrients in dormancy. If necessary, use a diluted organic fertilizer on active growers like mint.
Difference between Perennial, Biennial and Annual Herbs
1. Perennial Herbs
These hardy herbs return year after year, making them a low-maintenance choice. Some perennials, like thyme, rosemary, oregano, and sage, are also winter-hardy, tolerating frost with minimal protection. They grow more robust each season and require only light pruning and mulching during winter for protection.
2. Biennial Herbs
Biennial herbs, like parsley and caraway, have a two-year life cycle. In the first year, they grow leaves, then flower and go to seed in the second year.
Many biennials are relatively cold-tolerant, especially in their first year, making them suitable for mild winter climates.
3. Cold-Resistant Annual Herbs
Some annual herbs can handle chilly weather, even if they need replanting each season. Cilantro, chervil, and dill can survive light frosts and are perfect for an extended harvest into early winter.
Just be sure to plant them in sheltered spots or with row covers to protect them from sudden temperature drops.
11 Herbs That Can Grow in Winter Outside
1. Sorrel
Sorrel is a unique herb with a tart, lemony flavor that brightens up salads, soups, and sauces. Its tangy taste adds a zesty twist to dishes and brings out the flavors of other ingredients.
A hardy perennial, sorrel is incredibly easy to grow and thrives in cool weather, making it a winter favorite. This herb grows around 18-24 inches tall and can spread a bit, so I sometimes use garden covers like mini hoop tunnels or row covers to shield it from frost. Sorrel handles cold well, but a light mulch helps protect its roots and keeps it vibrant.
2. Greek Oregano
Greek oregano is a culinary staple with its bold, peppery flavor perfect for Mediterranean dishes, pizzas, and marinades. This low-growing perennial is more cold-resistant than common oregano, tolerating light frost with ease.
Greek oregano reaches around 12-18 inches in height and spreads generously, creating a lovely winter ground cover. To keep it thriving, I use a mini hoop tunnel or cold frame in especially chilly conditions, ensuring it stays green and flavorful through the season.
3. Mint
Mint is a hardy herb with a refreshing aroma that’s perfect for teas, salads, and garnishes. With varieties like spearmint, peppermint, and chocolate mint, I have endless flavor options! Mint is a fast-growing perennial, so I tend to plant it in containers to control its spread.
Mint typically grows 12-18 inches tall, and it can survive cold temperatures well, although a layer of mulch or row cover helps keep it green longer in winter.
4. Rosemary
Rosemary’s strong, piney scent and flavor make it a favorite for roasting meats, potatoes, and bread. This evergreen perennial is hardy in milder winters but can struggle in extremely cold temperatures, so I like to keep it protected.
Rosemary grows up to 36 inches and, when outdoors, benefits from a larger cold frame or a sheltered spot near a wall for added warmth. With this extra care, it stays lush and flavorful all winter long.
5. Chives
Chives bring a mild, oniony flavor to dishes, making them a must-have for garnishing soups, baked potatoes, and omelets. This perennial herb grows in neat clumps about 12-18 inches tall, making it a lovely addition to the winter garden.
Chives are quite hardy and can handle frost, but a bit of mulch or a small cloche keeps them growing strong during cold spells. Their resilience and flavor make them a winter garden staple.
6. Thyme
Thyme’s earthy, slightly minty flavor pairs beautifully with meats, stews, and roasted vegetables. This low-growing perennial only reaches about 6-12 inches in height, making it perfect for small winter gardens or container planting.
Thyme is highly cold-resistant, often staying green under light snow, but a row cover or mulch keeps it even more robust during winter. It’s one of those herbs I can count on to be there when I need it, no matter the season.
7. Parsley
Parsley is an incredibly versatile herb that adds freshness to pastas, salads, and soups, far beyond its traditional role as a garnish. With both curly and flat-leaf varieties, parsley grows dense foliage in its first year and flowers in its second, making it a biennial.
Both types spread to about 18-20 inches, so I use larger garden covers like cold frames or polytunnels to protect them through the winter. This ensures I have plenty of fresh parsley when I need it most.
8. Chervil
Chervil’s delicate, slightly anise-like flavor is wonderful in French-inspired dishes, eggs, and salads. This biennial herb grows to around 12-24 inches tall and handles cooler temperatures well, but it’s a bit more sensitive than other cold-hardy herbs.
I keep it protected with a mini hoop tunnel or cold frame in colder areas to maintain its flavor and prevent frost damage. With this bit of care, chervil is a winter herb that brings unique flavor to my kitchen.
9. Sage
Sage’s rich, earthy taste complements meats, soups, and stuffing, making it a staple for heartier winter dishes. This woody perennial can grow up to 24 inches and is naturally hardy, especially in cold-weather varieties like ‘Berggarten’ sage.
While sage is frost-tolerant, I like to use mulch or a row cover to insulate it during colder periods, ensuring that it stays lush and ready for the kitchen.
10. Marjoram
Marjoram, a close relative of oregano, has a slightly sweeter and milder flavor that works well in soups, sauces, and marinades. This tender perennial grows about 12-18 inches tall, and while it can handle mild frost, it benefits from a little winter protection.
In colder zones, I use row covers or cold frames to keep it thriving, helping marjoram survive until spring when it can fully flourish again.
These cold-hardy herbs are a fantastic way to keep your winter garden thriving, offering fresh, flavorful ingredients even in cooler weather. With the right protection and care, they can stand up to winter’s chill and provide you with homegrown flavors all season long.
11. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is a hardy, lemon-scented herb perfect for winter gardens, especially in USDA Zones 4–9. It grows best in well-draining soil with regular watering and prefers full sun to partial shade. In colder climates, it can be potted and brought indoors.
This versatile herb adds a mild citrus flavor to teas, soups, and sauces and has calming properties, making it a refreshing and soothing addition to winter recipes. Easy to grow and maintain, lemon balm is a fragrant, low-maintenance choice for year-round enjoyment.
Conclusion
Growing herbs in winter is a fantastic way to keep your garden productive and add fresh flavor to your cooking, even during the chilly months. With the right hardy varieties, like rosemary, thyme, and parsley, you’ll have a steady supply of greens to brighten up your kitchen.
Whether you’re planting outside in a sunny spot or setting up a small indoor herb garden, winter herbs are resilient and surprisingly low-maintenance. With just a bit of care, these cold-hardy herbs can thrive all season long, bringing color, scent, and fresh taste to your home when you need it most.
Khaja Moinuddin, a computer science graduate, finds joy in gardening and homesteading. Join him on this blog as he shares his experiences in homesteading, gardening, and composting