Aromatic plants are indispensable in the kitchen and elegantly decorate balconies and windowsills. But when winter comes, they can suffer from the cold if they don’t receive the right care. Find out how to take care of basil, rosemary and sage in the colder months.
The aromatic plants they are among the most popular for those who want to combine usefulness in the kitchen with the natural beauty of balconies and windowsills. But what happens when winter arrives? Herbs like basilil rosemary and the salviawhich grow luxuriantly in summer, can suffer from the cold if they do not receive adequate care. Basil, for example, fears frost and needs to be moved indoors, while rosemary, which is more robust, can resist outdoors with the right precautions.
However, it is not impossible to keep your plants healthy and ready to flavor your dishes during the colder months. With a few targeted precautions, you can protect them from the cold and ensure their survival. Do you want to know how to do it? Discover the practical tips that will help you take care of your aromatics even in winter.
Prepare basil, rosemary and sage for the winter
Il basilil rosemary and the salvia they have different needs when temperatures drop. Basil, for example, is particularly sensitive to cold and requires moving indoors. Place it on a well-lit windowsill and reduce watering, avoiding water stagnation. Keep the plant away from direct heat sourcessuch as radiators, to prevent the leaves from drying out or becoming damaged. You can also consider covering it with a clear plastic cloche to keep it warmer and more protected. In contrast, rosemary is a hardy plant that can survive outdoors, as long as it is protected from the harshest weather. Place it in a sheltered place and use a draining saucer to prevent the roots from freezing. A small layer of mulch at the base of the plant can help keep the soil insulated from frost.
Finally, sage is moderately resistant, but fears strong winds and frosts. If you grow it in a pot, make sure you place it in a sheltered corner or cover it with a breathable sheet. Trim damaged leaves regularly to stimulate new growth and keep the plant healthy.
The best advice for each aromatic plant
Aromatic plants have unique characteristics that require personalized care, especially in the cold months. Protecting each plant means knowing its specific needs and adopting targeted strategies to make them thrive even in winter. For example, the basil does not tolerate the cold and must be moved inside, while the rosemarymore resistant, can remain outdoors with some precautions. There salviafinally, despite being relatively robust, it needs protection in periods of intense frost.
By following the right precautions, you can guarantee the survival of your aromatics by maintaining them healthy and thriving. Here’s what to do for each of these essential plants for your kitchen:
- Basil: Move it indoors and place it on a sunny windowsill. Collect the largest leaves and freeze them to preserve their aroma. Remember that basil is particularly sensitive to drafts, so keep it away from windows that are opened frequently. Keep the soil slightly moist it is essential to prevent the roots from drying out.
- Rosemary: Leave the plant outside, but place it in a place protected from frost and excessive rain. If necessary, cover it with a light cloth. This plant likes well-drained soilso make sure that the water does not stagnate in the saucer, especially on days of heavy rain.
- Salvia: Protect the base of the plant with mulch and cover it with a sheet on colder days. Remember to remove yellowed leaves to stimulate growth. Avoid excessive wateringas they can cause root rot and compromise the health of the plant.
With these simple steps, you can ensure that your aromatic plants last lush and fragrantready for use even during the coldest months.
Practical solutions for a winter without surprises
In addition to protection from the cold, it is important to optimize the location and hydration of your plants. For the basilchoose a well-lit spot and regularly check the soil moisture. If the climate is particularly harsh, you can use a insulating toilet seat cover to protect the roots from the cold. The rosemary it benefits from mulch around the roots to isolate the soil and maintain a favorable microclimate, but remember to place it away from areas that are too humid to avoid stagnation.
For the salviause terracotta pots, which promote drainage and prevent water stagnation. Raise the pot slightly off the groundusing a support, to prevent the roots from freezing on the coldest days. Even light pruning of damaged leaves can help keep the plant healthier.
With a few targeted precautions, your aromatic plants will survive the winter in perfect health, ready to perfume your dishes and decorate your spaces with elegance and freshness.
Photo © stock.adobe
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