One chilly night can wipe out months of herb growth surprisingly quickly, especially when a warm fall suddenly turns cold. Basil is particularly vulnerable, but container-grown rosemary and other tender herbs may also need help when temperatures tumble. Fortunately, protecting herbs from frost doesn’t require an expensive greenhouse or a cart full of garden supplies. Old sheets, row covers, mulch, and a little advance planning can often buy plants valuable extra time, while containers can simply be moved somewhere protected. The key is knowing which herbs need rescuing, watching the forecast, and getting protection in place before temperatures hit their overnight low.
