Herb problems (2 of 3)

Question: This is the second request with pictures of basil in one pot, that looks similar to the pictures I just sent of mint and rosemary. Is this the same problem on the basil (and the other herbs in my prior request? They are all in pots near each other. The other two pictures are of thyme and sage in the same pot, near the others. These overwintered and came back fine, and then started to look like the other plants but then seems to die off pretty quickly.

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied June 20, 2023, 10:17 AM EDT
response: Yes, the basil stippling damage looks like it too was likely caused by thrips or leafhoppers (whitefly possibly, but we think less likely). The thyme pictured does appear to be completely dead (that is, not just its above-ground growth), and the sage described (we didn't receive a sage photo) likely is as well. Several kinds of hardy perennial herbs, plus marginally-hardy herbs like rosemary, died this winter for gardeners in our region due to the fluctuating temperatures we experienced (which are more stressful on potted plants since their roots are less insulated) plus our overall low levels of precipitation.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 20, 2023, 11:28 PM EDT
response: Thanks for your quick replies. Actually the thyme and the sage were in the same pot (pics 1 and 2)  (next to the pot with the mint and the one with the basil) . Both plants were overwintered and were doing fine with new healthy foliage. They then started to look similar to the other herbs in terms of leaf damage with yellowish spots. And then pretty quickly they died .I am worried that the bugs causing the stippling and whatever cause these herbs to die is going to spread to other plants besides herbs - tomatoes, peppers, echinacea and a bay leaf plan that are in pots nearby.  (see pic #3 for echinacea which also came back and had been doing fine.) I also have an oregano plant that was across the deck  maybe r20 feet away that overwintered and was doing great and now also looks terrible (pic 4)  On Tue, Jun 20, 2023 at 10:17 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied June 22, 2023, 1:22 PM EDT
response: The dieback of the herbs that appeared to survive the winter may have been due to soil moisture (too much or too little) or just a delayed reaction to root damage from the winter that didn't manifest right away. The damage on the oregano pictured might be from thrips but it's hard to tell for certain since thrips can be hard to see and other insects that feed in a similar way cause similar damage. To avoid accidental over- or under-watering, feel the soil at least an inch or two deep (more for larger pots) to check moisture levels before watering. The soil should be somewhat dry to the touch at that depth before watering is needed, both for the herbs and for the Echinacea which does not like to stay damp. Moisture stress tends to be more serious for these plants than the damage caused by insects, especially for bay leaf, which is not very pest-prone.  Miri