Frost Resistant Herbs: Shelter Them to Help Plants Bear the Forthcoming Freezing Temperatures!
Long before the winter arrives and the temperature drop rapidly, gardeners worry about the fate of their beloved herbs, or how they can survive frost. You should care for their defense against freezing weather in advance, ensuring a reliable shelter. Which are the frost resistant herbs to grow in autumn? How can you help them bear the cold months and have the plants fresh year-round?
Table of Contents
What Are Frost Resistant Herbs?
Not all continuing growing in autumn herbs are created by mother Nature identical when it comes to bearing frost. Some of them have adapted to stand colder climates and can endure freezing temperatures without losing their vigor. There are a few noteworthy frost-tolerant plants among them:
- Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): This scented evergreen shrub is famous for its hardiness. Its needle-like leaves and woody stems are outfitted to endure frost and even snow, that’s why it is a favorite plant for making tea, cooking seasoning and decoration in the garden.
Thyme (Thymus spp.): Its tiny leaves and low-growing custom makes it possible to withstand coldly conditions. With a diversity of flavors and applications like in culinary, medicine, and in aroma therapy, thyme is a must-have in any frost-tolerant herb garden.
- Sage (Salvia officinalis): The sound leaves and strong scent of this plant make it a fantastic garden possession for colder regions. Sage’s capability to withstand frost makes it a valuable addition to autumn and winter meals and teas.
Oregano (Origanum vulgare): The herb is known for its flexibility and the power to bounce back after cold nights. Oregano’s full of aroma leaves are a favorite addition for various dishes, and its hardiness makes it possible to pick it permanently.
Chives (Allium schoenoprasum): These slim, lightly onion-flavored leaves are unbelievably frost-resistant. Chives can bear frost temperatures and become a pleasing addition to winter soups and side dishes.
Can You Keep Herbs Alive Year-Round?
The fancy to taste fresh herbs all year round is attainable, even in frost-prone zones. With thoughtful planning and right care, you can save your herbs from frost and keep growing through the cold months. There are some strategies to reach this result:
- Indoor garden: Fetching potted herbs home is the simplest way to secure them to stay fresh during winter. Place the plants in a sun-lit window where they can receive enough sunlight. The rest of the task is to supply a good drainage and not allow overwatering.
- Cold frames: A so-called cold frame is an easy-to-make structure with a transparent top, which can be used to shelter herbs from fierce winter conditions. It works like a mini greenhouse, ensuring a suitable climate that protects herbs from freezing, while enabling the sun rays to shine on them.
- Mini garden in container: Growing herbs in container enables the plants to be more flexible, and you can move them to more warm spots when there are cold spells. Placing containers together and covering them with blankets makes a good insulation against cold.
- Frost resistant herbs: Mulching: Placing a layer of mulch next to the stem of your garden herb is beneficial for insulating the soil and shelter the roots from freezing cold. Organic matter like straw or leaves are ideal for this purpose.
- Light cloth covers: Light weighted fabric covers, like burlap, can be draped over the plants to serve as a barrier against frost, and at the same time allowing the air to circulate. Take away the covers in the morning till sunset to expose the plants to light.
Also read: Which Potted Plant Resists Cold and Frost? Top 13 Options
How to Protect Herbs from Frost?
To protect the health and vitality of your frost-resistant herb, there is a need for proactive steps to keep them away from cold. There are some efficient ways to keep your herbs defended when winter comes:
- Monitor weather forecasts: Stay enlightened about next day weather conditions to await frosty weathers. This will beneficial to plan when to undertake protective steps.
- Proper watering: A good hydration is vital. Water the plants well before the frost to start. Damp soil reserves heat longer than a dry one, and is helpful in defending the roots.
- Choose the best planting spots: When determining the place for your mini garden, check the microclimates on your garden. Plant frost-resistant herbs in locations, which are sun-lit throughout the day, and sheltered from severe winds.
- Use frost covers or blankets: Lightweight frost covers or old blankets can be draped over herbs in the evening to catch heat shedding from the ground. Just remove the coverings in the morning till sunset to prevent overheating.
- Mist with anti-desiccant spray: This kind of sprays, which can be found at garden centers, should be applied to the leaves of your plants. Their role is to create a defending coating that is helpful in lowering moisture evaporation of the plant, softening the effects of frost.
Read also: DIY Indoor Herb Garden: Grow Aromatic Additions for Your Dishes at Your Fingertips
And: How to grow a herb garden – design ideas for outdoors and indoors
