Greetings! I am moving to TN (zone 7B) and will be taking up some of my herbs to keep in pots on a deck (apartment). The deck is not technically my unit but a courtesy so I have to be courteous with space.

I want to make sure I won't be signing up my mature herbs for death this winter. Will thyme, sage, oregano, chamomile, lemon balm, and mint overwinter OUTSIDE in pots? Are there any measures I can take to protect them? I can't bring them inside as I do not have access to a garage.

Any help asap would be lovely thanks.

You can cluster the pots in a protected area during the coldest months for added insulation, especially from freezing wind. Mint and lemon balm will die back and reemerge in the spring. Sage and oregano might not even lose their leaves — VERY important that you do not allow their roots to get waterlogged, that will kill them faster than cold. I've never had success with thyme in pots but it is hardy in zone 7.

Chamomile — might depend on which one. Here's an article
https://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/...

@NMoasis I have German Chamomile. Hoping it will do well.

Thank you for the clarification on the Mediterranean herbs. I'm thinking then that if I move them to against the side of the house/under the deck in the winter, out of the wind and snow, and give them a diy grow tent like a clear milk jug, they'll be fine through the winter. That'll be the plan at least.

Thank you for getting back to me! I've been really hesistant about this because these are mature, very successful plantings, and they *can* stay in the garden at my parent's house where they are, or come with me. I'd like them to come with me, but not if it kills them haha.

It's hard to leave old friends. When I first moved here and wasn't accustomed to freezing winters, I went to great lengths to protect my potted herbs with sheets, plastic, piles of leaves, etc. Several years later, I rarely bother. I scoot them under shrubs sometimes, but most withstand this zone easily. However it's very arid here, just what they like. I suspect your climate is more humid, so excess dampness might be more of a concern for these Mediterraneans.
Good luck with the move

@NMoasis (or anyone else with an answer) Hi! Me again. The thyme is honestly what I'm the most anxious about and I wanted to ask if you knew which pot would be better for it- wide and shallow, or the smaller but deeper one. I know their roots aren't all that deep, but I just wanna double check. Pictures enclosed.

Beautiful lush patch of thyme, no wonder you don't want to lose it!

I'd go with the deeper pot with extremely gritty well-draining potting mix (not garden soil), but my track record with potted thyme isn't great.

Maybe @gardengus might have advice. Cinda, suggestions?

nice thyme
I think the deeper pot and it will cascade over the pot

Oh and don't forget to harvest some ((Yum))