One moment they are green and vital, the next they seem defeated by autumn. Two days ago you saw them in full shape. Now, you wonder what happened in such a short time. It’s as if autumn took them by surprise.
A puff of cold air, a night just below zero, and there they are herbs in pots they begin to yellow, sag, disappear. Basil, rosemary, sage: all vulnerable if left defenseless. In the summer they were lush, fragrant, a caress of water and a bit of sun was enough. But now, with the first blow of winter, they seem to collapse.
It’s not a question of a green thumb.they resist better than you think, but making one of these three mistakes can spell the end, even before the actual frost arrives.
Cold is not the enemy: the wrong vase for it is herbs in pots
When autumn arrives, we worry about covering the plants. But few think about the container. The pot is the first thermal barrier between the cold and the roots. If it is too small or thin, the soil cools quickly and the plant becomes stressed. Even worse if it is made of light plastic: it retains humidity, heats up and cools down too quickly. Cold alone does not kill. It kills the combination of temperature changes and exposed roots. Better to choose terracotta pots, which insulate better and maintain a more stable temperature. Opting for larger containers also helps: more soil means more protection for the roots. And the raised saucers prevent moisture from stagnating and freezing underneath.
A well-chosen vase is like a house with thick walls: it retains heat, repairs, stabilizes. Often, however, it is just a fragile shell left on the balcony to defy the north wind. And the roots, defenseless, give way.
Water: too much, at the wrong time
In cold weather, plants slow down. Even the aromatic ones, which seem thirsty every day in summer. But in autumn, water can become a silent poison.
Many continue to water as frequently as in the summer. The soil stays moist longer, the sun warms less, and the water stagnates. The result? Roots that rot, leaves that droop, fungi that come forward.
Excessive humidity, combined with the cold, is like walking with wet feet in the middle of winter: colds guaranteed.
Observe the terrain. Touch it. If it is still a couple of inches moist, no more water is needed. Better less, but at the right time.
And pay attention to saucers: empty them regularly. Stagnant water is autumn’s worst enemy.
As a general rule:
- Reduce watering: Once a week is often sufficient.
- Always check with your fingers: touch doesn’t lie.
- Avoid watering in the evening: the water cools and damages the roots.
A plant can resist thirst, but not damp cold.
Improvised protections: a risk for herbs in pots worse than frost
In an attempt to “cover” the plants, many make the ultimate mistake: wrapping them with sheets, bags, plastic. Without thinking too much. Result? A microclimate that condenses humidity, retains night-time cold and prevents the plant from breathing.
Covering the aromatics can help, but it must be done carefully. You need a breathable, lightweight material that protects without suffocating. Non-woven fabrics (TNT) are ideal. Or a small cold greenhouse, which lets light and air pass through.
Evita:
- Plastic bags: they create condensation, increase fungi and mold.
- Closed waterproof sheets: they prevent air circulation.
- Heavy blankets: they crush and damage the branches.
Better yet, move the pots to a sheltered corner: against a south-facing wall, under a canopy, near a window. It doesn’t take much to create a temperate niche.
And remember: a well-placed plant tolerates the cold more than you think. Autumn is a threshold: the days get shorter, the air becomes pungent, but green life can continue. Just listen to the signals, change pace, protect with intelligence. The herbs in pots they don’t ask for much: just solid shelter, a little well-measured care, and respect for their time. In exchange, they continue to give aroma, flavor and presence. Even in the middle of winter.
Photo © stock.adobe and AI
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