From my perspective, deep beneath the soil, my metabolic processes are nearly halted. I am in a state of deep dormancy. My roots are my entire world right now, and they require protection from repeated freeze-thaw cycles. A thick layer of mulch, like straw or shredded leaves, is my blanket, insulating my root ball from severe cold. I do not require water from you unless the winter is exceptionally dry and devoid of snow cover, which is my natural insulator. My above-ground stems may look brown and dead, but this is my survival strategy.
As the sun's angle changes and daylight increases, I sense a shift. My roots begin to absorb a tiny amount of warmth from the soil, signaling a very slow awakening. Towards the end of March, you might notice faint green growth at my base. It is now safe to gently remove the heaviest winter mulch to allow the soil to warm and my new shoots to access sunlight. However, be vigilant for a late hard frost; be prepared to cover my tender new growth with a cloth if one is forecast.
This is my time to shine! With temperatures consistently warming, I will channel all my energy into producing abundant new foliage. My stems will lengthen, and my signature fragrant leaves will unfurl. This is the ideal time for you to give me a light feeding with a balanced, organic fertilizer to support this burst of growth. Ensure I receive full sun for at least 6-8 hours daily. Water me when the top inch of soil feels dry, but always remember my Mediterranean heritage: I prefer my roots to be on the drier side rather than waterlogged.
As summer begins, I will start to direct energy towards reproduction. Flower buds will form on tall stalks. If your goal is to maximize my leaf production for culinary harvest, you should pinch off these flower buds as they appear. This forces me to redirect my energy into growing more lush, flavorful foliage instead of seeds. If you allow me to flower, you will be rewarded with beautiful pink or white blossoms that are highly attractive to bees and other pollinators, which benefits the entire garden ecosystem.
The intense heat of late summer is my favorite. I am in my element. You can harvest my stems regularly by cutting up to one-third of my growth, which encourages me to become bushier. Always harvest in the morning after the dew has dried but before the day's heat, as this is when my essential oil concentration is highest. Continue to monitor moisture, as prolonged drought can stress me, but my drought-tolerant nature means I am more resilient than most herbs.
As daylight wanes and temperatures drop, my growth will slow significantly. This is the time for a final, light harvest and to cease fertilizing. I need to harden off my tissues to prepare for the coming cold. Do not cut me back drastically; my remaining stems will help protect my crown through the winter. After the first hard frost, apply a fresh layer of mulch around my base. This is not for warmth during my active season but to provide consistent cold insulation and protect my roots during my dormant period.
I have returned to my dormant state. My life force is conserved deep within my roots, waiting patiently for the cycle to begin anew. My needs are simple: protection and peace. Ensure my mulch is still in place to guard against freezing winds and temperature fluctuations. I require no further attention until you sense the awakening of spring once more.
