When to Harvest Fresh Herb Plants

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Fresh Herb Plants When To Harvest

The air drying process works best with fresh herb plants that have a lower moisture content like oregano, summer savory, thyme, rosemary and dill. Herbs with a higher moisture content will dry better using a dehydrator or microwave. To air dry fresh herb plants, cut the stems and remove any unhealthy leaves. Drying wet herb stems will only result in moldy leaves that are unusable. Once your fresh herb plants are sufficiently dried, store your herbs in airtight containers like canning jars or Ziploc bags. Happy harvest!

The Best Time To Harvest Is In Advance Of Flowering

The best time to harvest your fresh herb plants is in advance to flowering, which will normally take place when the weather begins to cool in the fall. For that reason, harvesting in late summer will guarantee the best flavor and freshness to your herbs, but you can also harvest during the growing season to stimulate additional growth and get a jump start on your stock. Cut your stems in the mid-morning hours when possible, because the morning dew has dried out by then but the fresh herb plants have not yet begun to wilt in the afternoon sun.

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November 2, 2010

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All Summer Gardens Must Come To An End

It has been said that all good things must come to an end, and this is particularly true of our summer gardens. Nearly all plants will not endure the cold, frosty days of winter, which is why harvesting and preserving our crops becomes essential as the cold weather begins to emerge. This is as well true of our fresh herb plants, but don't linger until there's a nip in the air to begin harvesting this crop. When herbs are dried correctly, they can bring you months of appetizing flavors right through the fall and winter.

Herbs in Metal Pots Curry Plant, Catmint, Feverfew, Chamomile, Eau De Cologne Mint, Yellow Sage

The Air Drying Process

The air drying process works best with fresh herb plants that have a lower moisture content like oregano, summer savory, thyme, rosemary and dill. Herbs with a higher moisture content will dry better using a dehydrator or microwave. To air dry fresh herb plants, cut the stems and remove any unhealthy leaves. If it is necessary, rinse your stems with some cool water, and pat dry completely. Drying wet herb stems will only result in moldy leaves that are unusable. Bundle together in batches of four to six stems, and hold them together with a rubber band or piece of string. Keep in mind that the stems will shrink as they dry so you will need to check them periodically and retighten as necessary.

Garden Herbs

Place Upside Down In Brown Paper Bag With Holes

Once your herbs are bundled, place your bunches upside down into brown paper bags that have a number of holes punched in them and are labeled with the type of fresh herb plant on the front. Tie the bags closed and hang them up in a warm, airy room and check them every week or two. Once your fresh herb plants are sufficiently dried, store your herbs in airtight containers like canning jars or Ziploc bags. Keep the containers away from direct sunlight and use within one year.

Mimosa Pepper Nutmeg Camphor and Other Herbs and Plants

Happy Harvest!

Using this process for drying and preserving your fresh herb plants, you will be able to enjoy the savory aroma and flavor of home grown herbs year round.

Medicinal Herbs

Great quick video on how to dry herbs

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Garden Herbs

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Herbs Planted Hand Painted Harlequin Pots, Candle, Tropaeolum

DO YOU LIKE FRESH HERBS? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

  • poddys May 25, 2012 @ 3:54 pm | delete
    Just came back for another look as this is a great lens. We love our fresh herbs, especially Rosemary, Basil and Mint.
  • desa999 May 18, 2012 @ 3:37 am | delete
    We always try to use fresh herbs wherever possible. Nice lens.
  • Tipi Jan 2, 2012 @ 8:56 pm | delete
    What a beautiful herb garden lens to step into. I feel like I'm visiting one of my favorite neighbor's back yard right now. I really would like to have a nice big herb garden.
  • Ilona1 Oct 21, 2011 @ 5:30 pm | delete
    Lots of good info here- good job. ~blassed~
  • Ilona1 Oct 21, 2011 @ 5:32 pm | delete
    oops typo! you were blessed,Haha!
  • adamfrench Oct 14, 2011 @ 8:47 am | delete
    Impressive lens, thumbs up
  • LiteraryMind Oct 9, 2011 @ 5:27 pm | delete
    I love basil. Just sniffing it makes my mood lighten. It's great with fresh summer tomatoes and mozzarella. Nice lens.
  • daria369 Oct 3, 2011 @ 7:27 pm | delete
    Nicely done lens & great resource. ***Angel blessed*** :)
  • poddys Sep 22, 2011 @ 2:56 pm | delete
    This is a really nice lens, and very pretty too. Blessings well deserved.
  • efriedman May 26, 2011 @ 12:43 pm | delete
    It makes sense to extend the impact of your garden by drying herbs. Glad you included the video and advice about how to turn and keep herbs open to air so they do not mold.
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 Mar 29, 2011 @ 9:06 am | delete
    I love herbs and have started growing my own. It's great to begin learning how to preserve the garden produce. Thanks!
  • EmmaCooper Feb 11, 2011 @ 5:49 am | delete
    Great lens! And thanks for blessing my Funky Knits lens :D
  • Philippians468 Jan 10, 2011 @ 9:26 am | delete
    oh yes please! a little here and there, on top of salads and on simple fares!
  • mcochs Dec 14, 2010 @ 2:10 pm | delete
    Gorgeous lens! I love herbs and there is some great info here.Blessed by a Squidoo Angel on 12/14/2010. Have a great day!
  • Dec 1, 2010 @ 2:57 am | delete
    I really ejoyed reading your beautifully presented lens. Lenrolled to my cooking with herbs and spices lens
  • clouda9 Nov 11, 2010 @ 1:33 am | delete
    There are so many times that I use a pinch of this herb and a pinch of another and before I know it the rest of the bunch is spoiled. Thank you for these marvelous tips about harvesting, using and preserving herbs! There is really no excuse to letting herbs go to waste.
  • KimGiancaterino Oct 30, 2010 @ 12:59 am | delete
    Very pretty lens ... we love our fresh herbs.
  • Ecolicious Oct 11, 2010 @ 2:51 pm | delete
    what a beautiful and detailed lens. thumbs up and lensroll and favorite
  • briangreen143 Jul 1, 2010 @ 4:21 pm | delete
    This is a great lens. There are great herb garden baskets that can be used as container gardens. It would be of great beauty in our homes. I like to check some container gardening in windowbox.com. Great lines by the way. I enjoyed reading it with all the great ideas you had input.
  • WeddingZazzle Apr 24, 2010 @ 2:02 pm | delete
    Nicely done! Blessed by a SquidAngel :)
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Hello, My name is Susan. I am a registered nurse for 40+ years, currently working in radiology medicine.I am also a baby boomer and proud of it. I am an... more »

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