446 - Overwintering herbs indoors and out

Worried about what happens to your herbs when frost arrives? In this episode you'll learn which herbs survive winter outside, which to bring indoors, and simple steps to protect them. We'll cover pruning timing, zone hardiness, and indoor care so you go into winter with confidence. Keywords: overwinter herbs, herb winter care, pruning.

live workshop: 5-Day Garden Audit + Optional Live Q&A
Reflect on your season and plan smarter for next year. Join the free 5-day email audit; add the live workshop on Thursday, November 6 for $15.
https://journeywithjill.net/audit

free download: Herbs Quick Reference Chart
One-page, printable cheat sheet for growing and using popular herbs.
http://journeywithjill.net/herbchart

Key Takeaways

• Know your herb's life cycle (annual, biennial, perennial) and zone limits before winter.

• Stop heavy pruning 4–6 weeks before first frost; save shaping for spring.

• Cold + wet kills faster than cold alone—prioritize drainage and light mulch after first freeze.

• For borderline zones, protect rosemary from wind; use frost cloth or natural boughs.

• Bringing herbs indoors? Use bright light, let soil dry slightly between waterings, and check for pests.

Chapters

• 00:00 – What to expect in winter

• 03:00 – Rosemary: tender perennial tips

• 07:00 – Sage: prune in early spring

• 09:50 – Thyme: divide and overwinter inside

• 12:20 – Oregano: harvest low before winter

• 14:30 – Mint & lemon balm: dies back, returns

• 16:50 – Chives: freeze better than dry

• 18:40 – Perennial recap & zones

• 21:50 – Parsley (biennial): winter + spring bolt

• 24:30 – Cilantro: winter star, bolts in heat

• 26:40 – Basil/dill: bring in or replant next year

• 28:40 – General winter herb care

• 31:00 – Final reminders

Resource Links

• Herbs Quick Reference Chart (free): http://journeywithjill.net/herbchart

• Friday Emails (newsletter): https://journeywithjill.net/gardensignup

• Re