herb growing problem

[Ssindi]

I bought several different types of tyme and one rosemary plant. All of them seem to be dead several inches from the soil line. The tops seem to be still growing and are rather green.I would like to keep them through the winter,particulary the rosemary.I had thought abought bringing it in the house. Any thoughts on what the problem may be?
Thanks in advance for any help.

[Contrary Housewife]

Thyme does that. It's normal. The plants will grow kind of like vines and get very leggy unless you trim them constantly. Thyme is an annual, it is going to die every year even if you take care of it.

Rosemary does not winter over. It is a mediterranean plant and likes it warm. You'd have to get the entire root ball if you wanted to keep it inside (and it will be bigger than you think). I've never had them do well inside, not enough light (it loves sun) and too dry once the heat is turned on. They need a humid environment.

[frugalfranny]

Thyme is an annual, it is going to die every year even if you take care of it.

Not all of it...........I have lemon thyme and a reg. one............I leave them outside year round.........they come right back.
Same with my sage and oregano............perennial here.

Have never tried to keep them in the house during the winter. Have
too many houseplants as it is.

[Ssindi]

My sage keeps getting bigger and bigger every year.The rain from Hurricane Irene killed the lower leaves but I still put plenty in the freezer for the winter.
My mexican oregano grows like a weed,better than my mint.I pulled lots of it this summer and threw it in the field behind my house.
My friend has a rosemary bush that stays out all year round.She used to give me pieces from it all year .I think I'll cut the top from mine and freeze it and see what happens to the rest.

[HappyMama]

I clone my rosemary plants to make topiaries and they grow beautiful in the house. I also over winter the big ones in the house. Hope that helps. I grow tons of herbs indoors and out.