As the summer ends, what will happen to my herb garden? What can I do to make sure they come back?

Question

I grew mint, basil and rosemary on my window sill for the first time this summer. What can I expect to happen to them as the weather turns? Will they come back next summer? Do I have to do anything to the plants or soil to make this happen?

Answer 1

On your window sill? Does that mean that they are in pots or planters that can be moved inside?

I suggest using a "cold frame" inside for the winter. I have a two tiered cold frame for use indoors which features 4 hanging fluorescent lights (2 tubes each, 2 lights per tier) in which I use the fluorescent grow light tubes. I put the whole unit on a timer and subject my plants to the typical summer "sun" of 16 hours daily. My portable outdoor plants continue to grow and thrive all winter long.

Here's an example of a cold frame, similar to what I'm talking about: http://www.greenhousecatalog.com/images/grow-light-tan.JPG

Answer 2

Hi:
My first question to you is are they in pots that can be brought in the house? If you live in a cold climate region, this would be ideal to bring them in so you can have them year around. They will have to have some sun.

Mint and Rosemary are perennials and will come back next year. Basil is an annual and will not come back. I have brought basil in over the winter (I live in zone seven in the United States) and the basil did well in a pot inside. Rosemary is an evergreen in warmer climates.

There isn't much to do with potted plants during the colder months. If the inside is not right for you, consider putting them in a shelter area, such as a garage. I put our fern plant in the garage throughout the winter and it survives fine.

I hope this has helped some and good luck to you. I will direct you to my Landscape article section of my website as I have some articles about herbs. Also take a look at my site map page, as this may give you some more ideas. I have a preparing for fall page also.
Kimberly
http://www.landscape-solutions-for-you.com/landscape.html

Answer 3

Mint you can plant in the ground, and it will spread, and you will have it forever. You can even TRY to kill it when it's planted in the ground - and it will come back.

Basil is an annual, and you need to grow it new each year. If they have flowered, save the seeds for next year.

Rosemary is a tender perennial. It will grwo for years in warm climates, but it doesn't survive winter here (Zone 6). I usually start a couple cuttings, or layer one of the branches (nick the underside of the bark, and bury that section in an inch of soil right where it's growing - in 4-6 weeks, it will have rooted, then cut the part connecting it to the "parent" plant, and dig up the small offspring), and bring the start into the house for the winter - in a sunny window (south facing is best).

Answer 4

We had rain,rain and more rain so by the time we could plant I only planted peppers and tomatoes.and some cucumbers They all have done really well am getting more than we can use.The tomatoes are smaller than they should be but so juicy and sweet just can't fault them.The cucumbers burned up,just couldn't get enough water it seems.We did get a few pickling size.Because when the rains stopped,they stopped! Got one good rain all summer but lots of high winds and sprinkles.We had banana and bell peppers and they just keep coming.My Miniature roses have been great but my climbing rose did not.I have many other flowers all doing great and a surprise morning glory.Not too many problems with bugs of any kind this year so glad of that.All things considered a nice harvest but some strange weather.Blessings!

Answer 5

Mint and Rosemary are perennials, basil is an annual. Collect seeds.