I'd get the rosemary and lemon thyme in tonight. Thyme (vulgaris) will stay green under a bed of snow pretty much all winter and sage mostly does the same. The lavender will probably have to come in at some point since zone 5 is right on the edge of hardy without lots of mulch and then, only if you have good drainage during the spring thaws.

Oregano, chives and garlic chives will die back after a hard frost / freeze but they'll come back strong in spring.

Don't know which will overwinter best but I can tell you that cats seem to munch chives and garlic chive starts indoors in late winter, even if you're growing cat grass right next to them. The only thing that they seem to like better is lemongrass ;)

The Lemon Thyme is usually hardy to zone 4 if planted in the ground. Your Lavender and Sage should do just fine especially thru frosts. If your are on the very edge of zone 4b a good mulch of straw laid down AFTER the ground in frozen should be sufficient. I'm zone 5b-6a Eastern Wa but I've friends north of me in zone 5a Eastern Wa who have no problems with lavender *English types* or the 'Grosso' making it thru the winter mulched or not. I don't mulch mine at all. There is also a very productive Lavender farm in Otis Orchards (eastern Wa...east of Spokane) in zone 5 in the foothills of Mt. Spokane and I know they don't mulch several acres :D

Vera

Does anyone think hot caps might help those herbs see thru a light frost?

Does anyone think hot caps might help those herbs see thru a light frost?

Never tried it. Let us know how it works for you.

FataMorgana

Does anyone think hot caps might help those herbs see thru a light frost?