The harvest time for an herb is best determined by its growing condition,
rather than by a specific date or month. Most herbs are ready to be
harvested just as the first buds appear. The leaves contain the maximum
of oils at this stage as well as the most succulent taste and fragrance.
Harvest and dry herbs during the summer and fall in order to extend
the use of herbs into the winter months. The best time to plant
herbs is early in the morning, before the sun gets too hot.
1. Annual Herbs can be cut back quite a bit during the harvest.
Use a sharp knife or floral snips and cut just above a leaf, leaving
four to six inches of stem. If an annual herb is grown for its seed,
it should not be cut back. In this case, allow the plants to fully
mature and then harvest them. Collect the seed heads when they are
turning brown by cutting them from the plants and drying them on
a tray made of very fine wire mesh.
2. Leafy perennial herbs should not be cut back as much as heavy
annuals. Only remove about one-third of the top growth at a time.
Careful pruning insures new growth. Most perennial herbs will be
ready to harvest prior to or during the summer months. The herbs
should be fresh and clean before drying and storing. The easiest
way to dry herbs is to allow the leaves or stems to air-dry at room
temperature.
3. When drying whole branches or stems: first wash and dry, then
gather five to eight stems together and tie them into a bundle.
Place the bundle into a paper bag with the stems extending and hang
in a dark, warm place. Drying time can take up to four weeks, depending
on the temperature and level of moisture. Tray drying tends to be
the most effective for short-stemmed herbs.
4. Once the herbs have dried, store them in airtight jars in a cool
and dry area. Make sure the herbs are completely dry to prevent
mold. Keep the jars away from light and heat; both will destroy
the quality of the herbs.
5. Herbs are edible and can be used to make several delectable treats
such as: herb butter, oils and mustard. Dried herbs can be made
into potpourri, which gives your room or drawer a fresh smelling
fragrance.
