Penelope’s Guide to Successfully Overwintering Herbs IndoorsArticle

Penelope’s Guide to Successfully Overwintering Herbs Indoors

As the weather cools, many gardeners wonder how to overwinter herbs indoors so they can keep enjoying fresh flavour and fragrance throughout the colder months. Bringing plants inside not only protects them from frost but also allows you to continue your indoor herb gardening routine all winter long. With the right preparation, from light and watering to air circulation, your herbs can transition smoothly indoors and be ready to thrive again in the spring. This guide shares Penelope’s tried-and-true method for winter plant care so your herbs stay healthy all season.

At our first Herbal How-To session at Richters Herbs, one of our guests asked a great question:

“What care do we need to take ahead of time to successfully bring our plants indoors for overwintering?”

We loved the question, and so did Penelope! So, without further ado, here’s her simple step-by-step guide to overwintering herbs indoors so they transition smoothly and continue to thrive all winter long.

1. Gradual Transition (Reverse Hardening Off)

Start about 7–10 days before moving herbs inside. Place plants in a shadier, more sheltered spot outdoors. If nights dip below 10°C (50°F), bring them in overnight and back out during the day for a few days. This helps reduce shock and mimics the natural adjustment process.

2. Clean-Up and Inspection

Before bringing herbs indoors:

• Trim back damaged or leggy growth.

• Wash foliage gently with a mild organic soap solution to remove pests like aphids or whiteflies.

• Check pots and soil for hidden insects or slugs.

Healthy plants at the start of winter will save you trouble later.

3. Light Requirements

Indoor light is weaker than outdoor sunlight. Place herbs in the brightest spot you have; south-facing windows are ideal.

• Rosemary, basil, or thyme benefit from grow lights (12–14 hours/day) to keep them compact and strong.

• Without enough light, herbs may get spindly, so supplementing is worth it.
  
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4. Watering

Plants grow more slowly indoors. Water less often, but don’t let them dry out completely.

• Check soil regularly — water when the top inch feels dry.

• Ensure pots have good drainage to prevent root rot.

5. Feeding

Skip fertilizer for the first few weeks while plants adjust. Once settled, feed lightly every 4–6 weeks with a diluted organic liquid fertilizer.

Avoid overfeeding — in low light conditions, this can cause weak, leggy growth.

6. Air Circulation & Humidity

Indoor air in winter tends to be dry. To keep herbs happy:

• Mist plants occasionally.

• Place pots on a pebble tray filled with water for added humidity.

• Provide gentle airflow with a small fan to prevent mildew and fungal issues.

6. Rest Period

Some herbs, such as mint, oregano, and lemon balm, naturally slow down in winter. Don’t force growth. Simply keep them alive, tidy, and comfortable. Come spring, they’ll bounce back with fresh new energy.

Final Thoughts

Overwintering herbs indoors takes a little preparation, but with these simple steps, your plants will stay healthy and ready for the next growing season. Whether you’re nurturing a pot of basil in the kitchen or keeping a rosemary bush alive until spring, your herbs will reward you with flavour, fragrance, and vitality all year round.

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