Mulch the crowns of herbs that have died down for the winter - this will improve drainage and provide some frost protection. Grit or bark are good choices.

In cold areas, bay trees should be brought in for the winter, or placed in a sheltered position. They are borderline hardy.

Mint, chives and other herbs can be kept going, ‘forcing’ them for winter use by bringing them into the warmth and light of the kitchen. They should be planted outside again next spring and left undisturbed and un-cropped for a year, so that they can recover from the exhaustion of having missed a dormant period. Alternatively, they can be composted and replaced with new plants.

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