Are you looking for the best herbs to grow in winter? If yes, then this article is just for you! As here, we will be discussing some of the iconic plants that would thrive phenomenally in a cold environment.

Gardeners often struggle to grow plants in winter as the environment isn’t ideal for some plant varieties. However, if you put in the right efforts with utmost care and nurturing, you won’t face any issues growing some of these herbs easily.

Not only do these herbs thrive in the cold season, but they also add extra flavors and taste to the delicious winter delicacies. Wondering which winter herbs we are talking about? Here’s the list:

Mint

If you want a plant for your garden that can strive beautifully in harsh cold weather and rainy months, then mint is the variety to choose from. It can easily combat temperatures in minus and can make a refreshing addition to your kitchen. Also, use them in dessert, main course, or drinks, it’s going to be perfect either way.

Mint is also effective in managing ailments and health conditions like indigestion and gas. You can try varieties of mint like spearmint and peppermint for your window herb garden. Additionally, as mint is an invasive plant, it’s recommended to create a barrier, so it does not spread all over.

Basil

Popular for its seasoning and flavoring requirements, basil is one of the best herbs to grow in winter. Whether it’s cold or tropical, you can find varieties in several regions. Make sure to choose moist, rich, and well-draining soil for growing basil. Also, water the basil plant lightly (twice daily) until established.

Basil has amazing health benefits with anti-inflammatory properties and free radicals. It is also helpful for conditions like depression, skin issues, and digestion. As soon as the plants reach 6 inches tall, prune the top and remove any flowers that you see. This will ensure bigger and faster growth of the basil plant.

Oregano

Being a common herb in Mediterranean dishes, pizzas, and pasta, oregano is a must-have plant in your garden. It is a perennial that can handle colder temperatures and has a strong/pungent flavor.

As a hardy and drought-tolerant herb, growing oregano requires well-draining soil. Keep it away from wet or bogging soil, or it may lead to rot. Once you see that the plant has reached 6 to 8 inches tall, start harvesting it. Make sure to do so just before flowering, so you can get the best flavors.

Provide the right amount of water to the plant, but do not over-water it. Also, just like mint, oregano can be invasive, so plant them in containers or pots, so it doesn’t spread all over.

Rosemary

Yet another herb with a strong and pungent flavor that makes a great addition to sauces, soups, pasta, and bread. Rosemary is a frosty-hardy perennial that requires perfect soil conditions to thrive in the garden.

If you are growing rosemary, you must ensure that the soil isn’t too dry or boggy. The plant is easy to grow from cutting rather than seeds, so make sure you do the same. You must also provide them with well-drained and sandy soil and sunlight for about 6-8 hours.

Also, if you are growing them in pots, make sure to use terra cotta pots. Rosemary can withstand a temperature of about -1 C, so it’s worth growing them in such winter conditions. Water them as required, and you are good to go!

Chives

Chives work as a great garnish for soups, salads, and potato dishes. They also make an outstanding herb to add to pesto, sandwiches, eggs, and other dishes. Being one of the useful herbs in winter, the plant can cope with dry and drought weather.

However, it requires full sun outdoors with about 8-12 inches of spacing to grow better. It also makes an iconic companion plant to carrots, cabbage, and tomato. It’s recommended to harvest chives before flowering. That’s because if you do it later, the herb will lose its flavor.

Thyme

Thyme makes a delicious herb to add to braised dishes. It can stand long cooking times and exhibit valuable properties of being antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antispasmodic. Due to its medicinal properties that help to keep both lungs and throat healthy, thyme makes a great winter herb.

To grow thyme, provide them with full sun and excellent drainage. You must also use soil that is well-drained and sandy, with a pH between 6 to 7.5. Space the plant about one foot apart. Also, as it’s drought tolerant, let it dry out well before you water them.

That’s it. These are six herbs that you can grow this winter season. Add them to your garden, and you surely wouldn’t regret it.