Fresh herbs are one of the easiest ways to add vibrant flavor and nutrition to meals, but many people assume herb gardening is limited to the warm growing season. The good news is that several herbs can grow outside year-round, especially if you choose the right varieties and know how to care for them in your climate.
In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn which herbs can survive and even thrive outdoors all year long, how to grow them successfully, and how to enjoy fresh herbs straight from your garden no matter the season.
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Why Grow Herbs All Year Round Outside?
Growing herbs year-round offers several key advantages:
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Fresh flavor on demand: No need to buy dried herbs or grocery store bunches.
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Saves money: Once established, perennial herbs produce for years with minimal cost.
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Low maintenance: Many all-year herbs are drought-tolerant, pest-resistant, and need little care.
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Great for pollinators and biodiversity: Some year-round herbs flower and attract beneficial insects.
Whether you live in a warm coastal region or a colder inland climate, you can grow some herbs outdoors 12 months a year.
Key Factors for Year-Round Outdoor Herb Gardening
Before choosing herbs to grow year-round, keep these key factors in mind:
1. USDA Hardiness Zone
The hardiness zone where you live determines which herbs can survive outdoors in winter. For example:
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Zones 8–11 (mild winters): Many herbs grow all year with little protection.
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Zones 6–7 (moderate winters): Hardy herbs can survive with light mulching.
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Zones 3–5 (cold winters): Fewer options, but still possible with protection and cold frames.
2. Soil Drainage
Winter wetness kills more herbs than frost. Make sure your soil drains well, especially during the dormant season.
3. Microclimates
Even in cold zones, areas near south-facing walls or protected patios may stay warmer and support year-round herb growth.
4. Mulching and Protection
Mulching helps insulate roots and stabilize soil temperature. Using covers or windbreaks also boosts survival.
Top Herbs That Grow All Year Round Outside
The following herbs are known for their ability to survive and continue growing outdoors year-round, even in varying climates.
1. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
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Hardiness: Zones 4–9
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Growth habit: Evergreen or semi-evergreen
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Best use: Culinary dishes, teas, ground cover
Thyme is one of the most reliable all-season herbs. In warm zones, it remains green and usable year-round. In colder zones, it may go semi-dormant but regrows quickly in early spring. It’s also drought-resistant and thrives in rocky, well-drained soil.
Winter tip: Mulch around the roots in snowy zones to protect from deep freezes.
2. Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)
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Hardiness: Zones 7–10 (some varieties to zone 6)
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Growth habit: Evergreen shrub
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Best use: Roasting, stews, infused oils
In milder climates, rosemary thrives outside all year. Upright varieties such as ‘Arp’ or ‘Hill Hardy’ are particularly frost-tolerant. It needs well-drained soil and a sunny location.
Winter tip: Protect with a burlap wrap or fleece if temperatures dip below 15°F.
3. Sage (Salvia officinalis)
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Hardiness: Zones 5–9
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Growth habit: Evergreen to semi-evergreen
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Best use: Poultry, stuffing, teas
Common sage is hardy and keeps some leaves throughout winter, especially in zones 7 and above. It's a woody perennial with silver-green leaves that add color and fragrance to the garden year-round.
Winter tip: Lightly prune after the last frost; avoid heavy trimming in fall.
4. Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)
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Hardiness: Zones 3–9
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Growth habit: Dormant in winter, vigorous in spring
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Best use: Garnishes, egg dishes, soups
Although chives die back in winter in colder climates, they’re incredibly hardy and come back early each spring. In warmer zones, they stay green through the year and produce edible flowers in spring.
Winter tip: Mulch the crown in very cold climates to prevent frost heave.
5. Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
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Hardiness: Zones 5–10
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Growth habit: Sprawling perennial
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Best use: Italian, Greek, and Mexican dishes
Oregano is another Mediterranean herb that handles year-round growing well. It may go dormant in harsh winters but survives underground and quickly regrows. In warm zones, it stays productive all year.
Winter tip: Harvest before heavy frost; protect roots with straw mulch.
6. Mint (Mentha spp.)
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Hardiness: Zones 3–11
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Growth habit: Spreading perennial
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Best use: Teas, desserts, savory dishes
Mint is a vigorous spreader that dies back in cold zones but returns even stronger in spring. In warmer climates, you can harvest mint year-round. Just be sure to control its spread.
Winter tip: Cut back dead stems in late winter before new shoots appear.
7. Winter Savory (Satureja montana)
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Hardiness: Zones 5–9
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Growth habit: Low evergreen shrub
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Best use: Beans, meats, herbal seasoning
True to its name, winter savory is designed for cold conditions. It stays green and flavorful throughout the cold months. Unlike summer savory (an annual), it’s a perennial that thrives in harsh conditions.
Winter tip: Use mulch and plant in a sunny, well-drained spot for optimal winter survival.
8. Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis)
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Hardiness: Zones 8–11 (container-grown in colder zones)
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Growth habit: Evergreen shrub or small tree
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Best use: Stews, broths, Mediterranean cooking
Bay laurel can be grown outdoors year-round in frost-free climates. In colder zones, it can be overwintered in pots brought inside. Its dark, glossy leaves provide year-round culinary use.
Winter tip: In zone 7, protect with fleece or grow in containers to bring indoors.
9. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
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Hardiness: Zones 4–9
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Growth habit: Dormant in winter, perennial
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Best use: Herbal teas, desserts, fresh garnishes
Though lemon balm dies back in cold months, it returns reliably each spring. In warmer climates, you can harvest it year-round.
Winter tip: Mulch the crown and trim back after frost.
Herbs That Overwinter Well and Extend Growing Seasons
These herbs aren’t evergreen, but with protection or the right conditions, you can harvest them nearly all year:
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Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) – Biennial that can overwinter in zones 6–9
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Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) – Grows through winter in zones 8–10
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Dill (Anethum graveolens) – Short-lived but reseeds itself for continual growth
Using cold frames, row covers, or cloches can keep them productive into the colder months, especially in moderate climates.
Tips for Year-Round Outdoor Herb Gardening
Here’s how to keep your herbs thriving outside in every season:
1. Soil Matters
Use well-draining soil with compost or organic matter. Raised beds and containers improve drainage and protect roots from rot in winter.
2. Sunlight is Essential
Even in winter, herbs need sun—ideally 6+ hours per day. South-facing locations are ideal.
3. Mulch for Protection
Apply 2–3 inches of mulch around perennial herbs in fall. It stabilizes soil temperature and protects root systems.
4. Prune Sparingly in Fall
Avoid heavy pruning before winter. Wait until early spring to shape woody herbs like sage and rosemary.
5. Harvest Mindfully
Only take small amounts in winter to avoid stressing the plant. Focus on evergreen varieties for winter harvesting.
6. Group Herbs Strategically
Plant cold-hardy herbs together in sheltered locations. Use walls, fences, or hedges to create microclimates.
Final Thoughts
With the right planning and plant choices, it's entirely possible to grow herbs outdoors all year round. From cold-hardy favorites like thyme and chives to evergreen champions like rosemary and winter savory, your herb garden can provide fresh flavor in every season.
Whether you’re in a warm coastal region or managing frost in a mountain climate, there’s a combination of herbs that will keep producing year-round. Start with a few proven perennials, add protection where needed, and enjoy the benefits of fresh herbs—straight from your backyard—365 days a year.
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About the Author: Alex Assoune
Alex Assoune (MS) is a global health and environmental advocate. He founded Panaprium to inspire others with conscious living, ethical, and sustainable fashion. Alex has worked in many countries to address social and environmental issues. He speaks three languages and holds two Master of Science degrees in Engineering from SIGMA and IFPEN schools.
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