Cold Hardy Herbs
To Grow Outside
This Winter

October 28, 2024 Guide by Scott’s Nursery Ltd.

Winter in New Brunswick might seem like a time to hang up the gardening gloves, but even with Fredericton's freezing temperatures, there are hardy herbs that can add life to your outdoor garden all season long. These tough plants bring fresh flavors and greenery to your winter landscape, proving that gardening doesn’t have to stop when the snow starts to fall. Whether you're an experienced gardener or just starting out, you’ll find that growing cold-hardy herbs is a rewarding way to keep your green thumb active year-round!

Top Cold-Hardy Herbs for New Brunswick Winters

Thyme
Thyme is one of the best choices for winter gardening due to its resilience and variety. English thyme, for instance, is known for its tolerance to cold, while creeping thyme can create a low, dense ground cover that also withstands frost. In winter, thyme’s small leaves add a fresh, earthy flavor to dishes, and its evergreen nature adds a subtle touch of color to your garden bed. As temperatures dip, a layer of mulch can help protect its roots, ensuring it weathers even the toughest storms.

Sage
Sage is not only aromatic and flavorful but also a rugged winter survivor. It grows as a small shrub, and with its soft, silvery-green leaves, it can provide beautiful contrast against snow. Varieties like garden sage are known for their ability to withstand low temperatures, and with some extra mulch or a cloche, they can survive the winter in excellent condition. Pruning back sage after a summer harvest encourages stronger, bushier growth that will carry through the colder months.

Chives
Chives are a wonderful perennial that, once established, can handle harsh conditions surprisingly well. Even as temperatures plummet, chive bulbs rest safely beneath the soil, ready to bounce back in early spring. For gardeners who like to enjoy a bit of fresh onion flavor throughout winter, snipping a few stems here and there is perfectly fine, as long as you leave some to allow the plant to continue thriving. Mulching around the base of chives helps keep them insulated from severe frost.

Oregano
While not all oregano types are suited for extreme cold, Greek oregano is an exception, making it a top choice for a winter herb garden. This hardy herb holds up well in lower temperatures and, like thyme, can add a pop of green and fresh taste to winter dishes. A well-drained soil mix and protective mulching help oregano roots survive through the harshest winter conditions, so come spring, it will return even more robust.

Mint
Mint may seem delicate at first glance, but its roots are incredibly hardy. While the top growth will likely die back as the cold intensifies, the roots remain dormant and protected under the soil, ready to sprout again in spring. With mint, it’s best to use a container if possible, as this enthusiastic grower can easily take over a garden bed. When planted in the ground, mint should be carefully monitored to prevent it from spreading, even in winter.

Care Tips for Winter Herb Gardens

Soil Preparation
Good soil is essential to help your herbs handle the harsh winter weather. Cold-hardy herbs require well-draining soil to prevent water from pooling and freezing around the roots, which can cause root rot. Mixing in a bit of sand or gravel with your garden soil can improve drainage. Adding a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, will help insulate the soil and keep the herbs’ roots warm during extreme cold spells.

Garden Placement
Choosing the right location for your herbs can make all the difference. Aim to plant them in areas sheltered from strong winds, which can sap moisture and warmth from plants in winter. Placing them near a south-facing wall can offer a bit of extra heat during the day. Raised beds are another smart choice, as they allow better control over soil drainage and prevent roots from getting too cold.

Protection Techniques
For those especially frosty nights, adding protective coverings can go a long way toward preserving your plants’ health. Cloches (small greenhouse-like covers) are perfect for protecting herbs like thyme and sage from extreme conditions, trapping warmth and shielding them from biting winds. Alternatively, you can cover plants with burlap or frost blankets, which allow air and moisture to circulate while adding an extra layer of insulation. For smaller herbs, upturned pots or buckets can act as a makeshift shelter if temperatures take a sudden dive.

Other Tips for Thriving Winter Herbs

Fertilize Sparingly
During winter, most herbs slow down their growth, meaning they won’t need as many nutrients as they do in the warmer months. A light application of organic compost or slow-release fertilizer in early winter is usually enough to sustain them. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can encourage new growth that may not withstand the cold.

Pruning and Harvesting
While it’s tempting to harvest fresh herbs often, winter plants need their foliage to help them survive the season. Prune only sparingly, taking just a few leaves at a time and leaving enough greenery to continue gathering sunlight and nutrients. A light pruning can also help strengthen the plant for the winter months, reducing stress and allowing it to put energy into root development.

Consider Container Growing
If you’re limited on outdoor space or want to bring some herbs inside, consider container gardening. Growing herbs like mint, chives, and thyme in containers lets you easily move them to a sheltered location during extreme weather. Containers are also excellent for managing soil drainage and preventing spreading, especially with plants like mint. Plus, pots add a charming touch of greenery to patios and entryways even in the coldest months.

Winter doesn’t have to mark the end of your gardening season! With a few cold-hardy herbs like thyme, sage, and chives, you can enjoy fresh flavors and vibrant greenery all winter long. By following a few simple care tips—like preparing the soil, providing protection from the elements, and pruning wisely—you’ll give these resilient plants the best chance to thrive in Fredericton’s chilly climate. So bundle up, head out to the garden, and discover the joy of growing a winter herb garden this season!

To Join Our Mailing List And Never Miss A Monthly Newsletter!