garden, outdoor herbs advice for the winter. First time container gardener here. 2 large terra cotta pots, one with Rosemary, Thyme, and Sage, the other with Sage (from the first sage that was blocking sunlight for Parsley), Parsley, Chives, and some Oregano roots. I'm in Zone 5. So can I just "harvest" the greenery for winter and leave them out for winter since they are perennials? Any coverage? or just let nature take its course and let them make a robust comeback. I have them close to the house since I have mobility limits, a farther part of the yard is full of wild flowers, perhaps planted by previous resident, always a surprise what will come up with doing nothing at all. But mostly I am wondering about these herbs as I did count on how heavy those terra cotta planters got once all soil was added. Also have another Rosemary Tree that instructions tied to it said "likes bright sun, hardy to 20 degrees and in poor soil" I've been meaning to contact the web site to see if they are just wondering if customers are reading the card with history of the herb. And what would poor soil be? Rosemary tree on its own, in a smaller (but deeper) container, is about 16 inches high. Is poor soil an actual thing that can be defined?
Darby, thanks so much! What about "harvesting" the herbs. should I just take leaves, and leave the bottom of each herb (except Rosemary and Parsley). Or cut (clippers ok to use?) down and hang up to dry. Though I guess if I am bringing them in that question doesn't make much sense. Staring to understand some draw backs for container gardening. I need it close to the door and have so enjoyed how beautiful they are. I appreciate knowing that the terra cotta pots wouldn't make it (I would have been inconsolable! one of the few that are Made in USA, and very pretty, and on clearance!!!)
Darby, thanks so much! What about "harvesting" the herbs. should I just take leaves, and leave the bottom of each herb (except Rosemary and Parsley). Or cut (clippers ok to use?) down and hang up to dry. Though I guess if I am bringing them in that question doesn't make much sense. Staring to understand some draw backs for container gardening. I need it close to the door and have so enjoyed how beautiful they are. I appreciate knowing that the terra cotta pots wouldn't make it (I would have been inconsolable! one of the few that are Made in USA, and very pretty, and on clearance!!!)