Should I cut them back?

[lumpyjumper]

Last year I planted a tub just outside the back door, it has in it Thyme ( my favourite), Sage, Rosemary and Chives.

I've kind of neglected it over the winter and it all looks a bit grey straggly and sad!

Do I chop it all back or do I leave it and it will become ok again in the Spring?

[zazen999]

Hi
They are all very hardy, I cut mine back in the autumn and the chives have already regenerated themselves.

Chop out all the dead stuff, mulch with some compost and it should all spring back in a few weeks.

[Flummery]

A hair cut will do them good. I've chopped sage back to woody stumps in the past - on the old 'it's got 2 chances' principle - and it's come thicker and bushier for it.

[lumpyjumper]

That's brilliant thanks both!

I always get a bit worried about cutting things back but as you say, it has two chances!

I do so love thyme tea....

[Jedi Gardener]

Reading this I had the same problem and have now also given the said haircut. Will be interesting to see which of the 2 chances my plants take......