Think winter means the end of your herb-growing dreams? Think again. Even in the chilliest months, a well-planned herb garden can flourish with hardy favourites that will keep your kitchen fragrant and your recipes full of flavour. At Stodels Garden Centre, we’re passionate about making gardening accessible year-round — and we’ve rounded up the best herbs to grow in winter, plus tips to keep them thriving.
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Thyme
A classic in the herb world, thyme is surprisingly winter-tough. Known for its sun-loving nature in summer, thyme doesn’t shy away from the cold. It’s frost hardy, making it ideal for highveld gardens and it thrives in dry condition
Best companion herbs: sage and oregano — these three Mediterranean herbs share similar light and soil preferences, making them great bedfellows.
Mint
Mint may be vigorous (read: invasive!), but it’s also one of the hardiest herbs you can plant. It spreads fast and can thrive in wet, cold conditions, perfect for Western Cape’s winter rainfall. In drier regions like Gauteng, just water regularly to maintain moist soil.
Planting tip: Contain its enthusiasm by planting mint in pots or raised beds to prevent it from overtaking your garden.
Best companion: While mint isn’t the friendliest with other herbs, it pairs beautifully with brassicas, like broccoli, kale and cauliflower. Its essential oils deter pests naturally.
Oregano
A must-have for Italian-inspired dishes, oregano is a frost-resistant favourite and a champion at warding off garden pests. Its versatility makes it an easy yes for winter gardening.
Best companion herbs: Pair oregano with parsley and rosemary for a Mediterranean herb medley that’s as beautiful as it is useful.
Rosemary
Nothing says winter comfort quite like the earthy aroma of rosemary in a hearty roast. Thankfully, rosemary thrives through the cold if given proper care.
Growing tip: Keep it in a sunny, well-drained pot and allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
Best companion herbs: Rosemary plays nicely with just about every herb mentioned here, making it the ultimate team player in your herb garden.
Sage
Needing a little more attention than thyme, sage is still remarkably hardy and thrives in cooler weather. Plant this long-leafed herb in a pot with good drainage in full sun for the best results. Just expect slightly smaller leaves in winter.
Best companion herbs: Rosemary is sage’s bestie, intensifying the health and flavour of sage when grown alongside it. Other top companions include lemon balm, oregano and fennel.
At your local Stodels Garden Centre, you’ll find all you need to start or boost your winter herb garden, including seeds, seedlings, fertiliser, tools… and gardening experts.
Western Cape customers, you can also browse these online and use our Consultants-on-Call service for guidance. Visit www.stodels.com to get started.
