What is the best soil to grow herbs in?

How do I take care of my perennial herbs?

• I have several perennial herbs that I want to take care of so that they'll grow back in the spring. I have a few questions 1. All of my herbs are in pots and sitting on the concrete in my back patio. Will this prevent them from growing back next year? Do they have to be planted in the ground? 2. I use the leaves and flowers from my herbs to make tea. Is it ok BEFORE the first frost to strip the plant of the leaves and flowers? Should I do this after the first frost, just before the plant dies? or not at all 3. After the frost and the plants begin to wilt, should I cut them down to soil level? or just above the soil? or leave them and let them wilt on their own? 4. Do I need to give them any special care during winter? Do i still need to water them once they've wilted and begun to die? If so how much water? Do I need to fertilize the roots or any other special care? Thanks so much, this is my first time dealing with perennial plants so sorry if I asked any dumb or obvious questions :p !

• Answer:

  You have asked good questions. The questions are difficult to answer though without knowing what area you live in or what herbs they are - especially questions 1 and 4. 2. Do not strip the plant of leaves. Removing the flowers should be fine. It is best not to harvest too much within the few weeks before frost but that does depend on the plant. 3. I either don't cut them back at all or I wait until a few weeks after frost or I wait until spring. 4. Do not let the soil get totally dry over the winter. If it isn't watered by nature you would need to provide water. The soil just should dry completely. Do not fertilize at least until spring. If you can provide more information I can answer your questions more completely.