Even when frost covers the ground and most plants go dormant, some herbs keep growing strong. These cold-hardy favorites bring fresh flavor to winter meals and a touch of green to the garden when everything else fades.
With a little care, you can harvest herbs straight from your yard all season long. Here are 10 cold-hardy herbs I keep in my garden all winter.
Thyme
This tough little herb can handle freezing temperatures with ease. Its tiny leaves stay flavorful all winter, making it perfect for soups and roasted dishes. Once established, thyme needs very little care to thrive through the cold.
Sage
Sage’s silvery leaves not only look beautiful in the winter garden but also add earthy warmth to hearty meals. It tolerates frost and even light snow, remaining green most of the year. Trim it lightly to keep it healthy through the season.
Chives
Chives die back in the harshest cold but bounce right back at the first hint of spring. If winters are mild, they often stay green and usable. Their mild onion flavor brightens up omelets, soups, and baked potatoes.
Parsley
This biennial herb can withstand chilly temperatures better than most. Covering it with a light mulch or cloche helps protect it from frost. Its vibrant green leaves provide fresh flavor even in midwinter.
Oregano
Oregano thrives in cooler weather and often stays evergreen in mild climates. It’s one of the most dependable herbs to grow year-round. Plus, its bold flavor only gets stronger in colder months.
Rosemary
In areas with mild winters, rosemary keeps growing happily outdoors. Its fragrant, pine-like scent adds a fresh note to cold-weather cooking. If your winters are harsh, plant it in a pot and bring it indoors when temperatures drop.
Mint
Mint can survive surprisingly cold conditions, especially with mulch for insulation. It may die back on top, but its roots stay alive underground, ready to regrow in spring. A small winter harvest is often still possible in protected spots.
Winter Savory
As its name suggests, this herb was made for cold weather. Winter savory stays evergreen in many regions and adds a peppery punch to roasts and stews. It’s a great companion plant for thyme and sage.
Tarragon
French tarragon dies back in winter but survives underground, returning with vigor each spring. In milder zones, it may stay semi-evergreen. Its subtle anise flavor is a treat in winter sauces and poultry dishes.
Lemon Balm
Though it looks delicate, lemon balm’s roots are surprisingly hardy. It often reappears even after snow melts, bringing a hint of citrus freshness to teas and desserts. A little mulch keeps it snug through the coldest months.
A garden doesn’t have to go quiet in winter—these hardy herbs prove it. With just a touch of protection, they’ll reward you with greenery and fresh flavor all season long. Even in the chill, there’s joy in stepping outside to snip something homegrown.
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