Over wintering HerbsAlmost all herbs can be treated in the same way to over winter them indoors. Here are the basic directions:
Perennials: Herbs that have been grown in the ground during the summer months, can be dug up, use your shovel and cut all the way around the
plant, so that you can just lift the root ball out and into a pot lined with fresh potting soil. Make sure you choose a large enough pot to accommodate the root system. Next move the pot to a shaded area or if it is already
growing in a pot move it to a shaded area, You do this is the
spring and the fall when moving herbs, leave the pot in a shady spot for at least a week before moving it to its new home, This helps them adjust to the change in light from bright to moderate and vice versa.
Annuals:The best for winter
growing are started from
seed in the fall. Grow them in 3-4" pots so they have plenty of room to grow all winter.
Light:Indoor herbs will need plenty of light each day for strong, vigorous growth. A sunny window is fine, just keep in mind, that you will need to keep the pots back away from the cold windows and drafts. Or better yet, place under fluorescent light fixtures. Using a mixture of cool white bulbs and red or blue lights designed for
plants will imitate sunlight perfect. Keep your
plant tops 6-8" away from the lights.
Temperature:Most herbs will do fine with daytime temps of 60-70 degrees and cooler temps at night- 50-65 degrees. They will do fine also when keep at a constant temp day and night. Annuals like to be kept warmer, while perennials & biennials do better if kept cooler.
Moisture:Water thoroughly; allow soil to dry a little before watering again.
DON'T OVER WATER; this is the cause of death of many house
plants.
The success of over wintering your perennial herbs outdoors in the garden depends on your climate. Hardy perennials like Sage will survive a cold winter in perfect condition. Less hardy herbs are lavender & oregano, which may need protection (mulch) during a cold winter.