Keter Manor Outdoor Apex Double Door Garden Storage Shed (6 x 8ft)
A durable and stylish beige and brown garden storage shed perfect for storing garden tools, equipment, bikes, and outdoor essentials. Weather-resistant, low maintenance, and ideal for any garden or allotment setup.
Vegetable Plants & Seedlings
Browse Plants
All-Purpose Compost & Soil Improvers
View Compost
Plant Feed & Fertiliser for Strong Growth
Shop Fertiliser
🌿 Herbs That Survive UK Winters
🌸 Introduction: Fresh Herbs All Year — Even in Winter
Many gardeners assume herbs die back in winter, but plenty of varieties stay evergreen, tolerate frost, or regrow strongly in spring. With a little protection, you can enjoy fresh herbs even through the coldest months.
Winter herb growing helps you:
- save money on shop-bought herbs
- keep meals flavorful
- maintain productive kitchen gardens
- protect long-lived perennial herbs
- reduce winter waste in herb beds
Below are the best products to help herbs survive UK winters.
⭐ Check Out Our Recommended Products
• Fleece Jackets & Insulating Wraps
Perfect for protecting tender herbs and potted plants.
Click here to see them
• Terracotta Pot Feet or Stands
Prevent root rot by improving drainage in winter.
Click here to see them
• Cold Frame or Mini Greenhouse
Ideal for overwintering herbs that need shelter.
Click here to see them
❄️ Herbs That Survive UK Winters (Full Guide)
Here are the toughest herbs for cold weather.
🌿 1. Rosemary
One of the hardiest Mediterranean herbs.
- survives frost and snow
- remains evergreen
- prefers free-draining soil
- protect roots from winter wet
Great in borders or raised beds.
🌱 2. Thyme
Extremely cold-tolerant.
- evergreen
- forms low, hardy mats
- dislikes waterlogging
Ideal for rockeries or herb gardens.
🍃 3. Sage
Evergreen or semi-evergreen.
- hardy through frost
- prune lightly in spring
- protect from winter wet
Pot-grown sage needs good drainage.
🌿 4. Mint
Dies back but survives brilliantly underground.
- returns strongly in spring
- extremely hardy
- grows anywhere
Best in containers due to spreading.
🌱 5. Chives
One of the easiest herbs for winter.
- dies back to bulbs
- fully hardy
- regrows early in spring
Great for borders and pots.
🍃 6. Parsley (Flat or Curly)
Surprisingly hardy.
- survives frost
- continues growing slowly
- great for winter harvesting
Thrives in containers or under light cover.
🌿 7. Oregano & Marjoram
Hardy varieties:
- Greek oregano
- Wild marjoram
Will survive most winters but appreciate mulch.
🌱 8. Lovage
Fully hardy perennial.
- dies back
- returns with strong spring growth
- great for soups and stocks
Perfect for herbaceous borders.
🌿 9. Winter Tarragon (Russian Tarragon)
Not as flavourful as French tarragon but much hardier.
- tolerates frost
- grows back each spring
- ideal alternative for cold gardens
❄️ Herbs That Need Protection in Winter
These survive with shelter:
🌱 Basil
Needs indoor windowsill or heated greenhouse.
🍃 Coriander
Best grown under cover in winter.
🌿 Lemon Verbena
Needs fleece or overwintering indoors.
🌱 French Tarragon
Lift or protect – hates frost.
🪴 Growing Herbs in Pots Over Winter
Herbs in pots are more vulnerable.
✔ Keep pots raised on feet
Improves drainage.
✔ Move pots to sheltered spots
Against house walls or in cold frames.
✔ Use fleece during frost
Wrap pots, not just foliage.
✔ Reduce watering
Roots rot easily in winter.
🌬 Protecting Outdoor Herbs From Winter Weather
❄️ Mulch
Protects roots from deep frost.
🍃 Cut back dead growth
Prevents rot and mould.
🌧 Improve drainage
Critical for Mediterranean herbs.
☀️ Choose sunny winter locations
Essential for evergreen herbs.
💡 Common Winter Herb Problems
❌ Blackened leaves
Frost damage — use fleece.
❌ Woody, leggy growth
Prune lightly in early spring.
❌ Rotting roots
Too much rain or poor drainage.
❌ Herbs dying in pots
Move to shelter + raise pots.
🌱 What to Expect in Spring
By March–April:
- hardy herbs burst into new growth
- perennial plants recover quickly
- evergreen herbs thicken up
- you’ll have early harvests
- tender herbs can be resown
Winter survivors become spring stars.
🌸 FAQs
Do herbs grow in winter?
Some do slowly; others go dormant but survive.
Which herbs stay evergreen?
Rosemary, thyme, sage and some oregano varieties.
Can I grow herbs indoors in winter?
Yes — basil, coriander and chives do well with light.
Do herbs need feeding in winter?
No — feed in spring.
🌼 Conclusion
Many herbs survive UK winters with ease, especially hardy perennials like rosemary, thyme, sage and mint. With simple protection — fleece, mulch and good drainage — you can enjoy fresh herbs year-round and keep your herb garden healthy through the coldest months.