Bring Your Herb Garden Indoors for Winter

1. Extend the Season

As summer ends, transplant herbs from garden to pots and move indoors. Select immature annuals or tender perennials, dig carefully to avoid root damage. Annuals like basil continue growing into winter. Return perennials to garden in spring.

2. Pot ’Em Up

Choose a container large enough for the root ball with room to grow. Leave some garden soil on roots. Partially fill pot with potting soil, set root ball, fill around, water thoroughly. Keep outdoors in light shade ~1 week to acclimate. Before bringing inside, inspect for insects—flush soil and blast foliage with hose to evict pests.

3. Monitor Plants

Expect leaf drop and slower growth initially. Place in window with ≥6 hours sun. Pinch stem tips periodically for bushy growth. Water when soil dry 1″ down. Mist air weekly to boost humidity.

Perennial Goodness

In frost zones, bring tender perennials indoors: lemongrass, ginger, bay, rosemary, scented geranium, lemon verbena, lavender, tricolor sage, pineapple sage, heliotrope.

Rosemary Indoors

Rosemary thrives year‑round in a pot. Combat dry heated air by misting frequently around the plant (not overwatering—wet soil damages roots). Misting also deters red spider mites, rosemary’s indoor nemesis.