Rosemary & Lavender: Putting the Beds to Sleep for Winter

Crystal Wubbels
Nov 11
4 min read

When to Start Prepping Herb Beds for Winter

In Nebraska, the first frost usually arrives between mid-October and early November. That’s your cue to begin preparing perennial herbs like rosemary and lavender for the cold months ahead. Once temperatures dip below 40°F at night, it’s time to trim, tidy, and preserve what’s left of the harvest.

Both of these Mediterranean herbs thrive in warmth and sunshine but dislike soggy roots and frigid air. In raised beds, that means a little extra fall care can go a long way toward helping them bounce back come spring.

How to Trim Rosemary and Lavender Before Frost

Both herbs benefit from a fall haircut, but timing and technique matter. For rosemary, trim about one-third of the plant—remove any woody stems and shape the bush for airflow. Lavender prefers a lighter touch: snip just above a pair of green leaves, avoiding old wood.

Save your trimmings! They can be dried, propagated, or turned into creative home projects.

How to Propagate Rosemary and Lavender Cuttings

Before composting the trimmings, select a few healthy green stems (about 4–6 inches long). Remove lower

leaves and plant the stems in moist potting mix. Keep them under indirect light in your propagation window or near a bright spot indoors. Mist occasionally to keep humidity up.

Some will root within a few weeks, while others take until early spring—perfect for starting new plants when the soil warms.

Best Methods for Drying and Dehydrating Herbs

If you’ve got a dehydrator, you already have one of the most reliable ways to preserve rosemary and lavender before winter. Dehydrating herbs locks in color, aroma, and potency without the guesswork of air drying — especially helpful when Nebraska’s fall humidity lingers.

How to Dehydrate Rosemary & Lavender

Rinse herbs gently and pat completely dry.
Strip leaves from thicker stems if desired.
Arrange in a single layer on dehydrator trays.
Set the temperature between 95°F–105°F and dry until crisp (2–4 hours on average).
Cool before storing to prevent condensation.

Once dried, crumble and store in airtight jars away from direct sunlight. Properly dehydrated herbs can last up to 12 months with full flavor and fragrance.

Alternative Methods (If You Don’t Have a Dehydrator):

Air Drying: Bundle small bunches and hang upside down in paper bags.
Oven Drying: Use your oven’s lowest setting with the door cracked slightly open.
Desiccant Drying: Place herbs in paper bags with silica packets for gentle moisture removal.

Why I Prefer Dehydrating: It saves time, keeps the scent stronger, and gives me predictable results for later projects like herbal infusions, simmer pots, and salves.

Optional Ways to Overwinter Herbs Indoors

If you want to keep rosemary or lavender alive through the coldest months, here are a few overwintering options:

Pot and Bring Indoors: Transplant small rosemary or lavender plants into pots before the first hard frost. Place near a sunny window or under a grow light. Keep soil barely moist.
Cold Frame or Garage: Store potted herbs in an unheated garage or cold frame to protect from freezing while keeping them dormant.
Mulch Protection: For established lavender in raised beds, pile straw or leaves around the base for insulation.

Creative Ways to Use Trimmings

Those trimmings hold value long after the garden sleeps. Try these seasonal projects:

Dried Herb Jars – Store in airtight containers for up to 12 months. Great for cooking, simmer pots, or bath blends.
Herbal Infused Oil – Combine dried herbs with olive oil for 2–4 weeks. Use within 6 months in salves or body oils.
Simmer Pot Blend – Mix dried herbs with citrus peels. Store for up to 3 months; simmer to freshen your home.
Bath Sachets – Blend herbs with Epsom salts and store in cloth bags. Add to a warm bath for a soothing soak.
Fire Starters – Tie small rosemary bundles with twine and air-dry completely for a naturally scented kindling.
Mini Wreaths & Bundles – Weave long sprigs into small wreaths or hang bundles for rustic home décor.

📥 Download the Free Printable:

What Rosemary and Lavender Teach About Rest and Renewal

Every fall, these herbs remind me that rest isn’t giving up—it’s preparation. Rosemary toughens through hardship; lavender conserves by cutting back. They both teach that survival often means slowing down and conserving strength. A quiet kind of wisdom for both plants and people.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can rosemary survive a Nebraska winter? Not usually outdoors—Nebraska winters are too cold. Overwintering indoors or taking cuttings is the best option.

Should I prune lavender before or after frost? Trim before the first frost. Cutting too late in fall can leave stems vulnerable to cold damage.

How can I use leftover rosemary and lavender trimmings? Dry them for cooking, infuse them in oil, or use them in simmer pots, bath sachets, or handmade gifts.

How do I keep rosemary alive indoors? Give it bright sunlight (6+ hours/day) or a grow light, and water sparingly. Rosemary dislikes damp roots.

Supplies & Tools

Garden shears or snips (affiliate link)
Dehydrator (affiliate link)
Twine or string
Small pots for cuttings
Potting mix
Glass jar + olive oil (for infusion) (I usually buy my Olive Oil at Costco)
Small jars or sachet bags for dried herbs

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