The Beginner's Herb Garden: An Herb Society of America Guide

Pruning & Harvesting

Pruning improves the shape of herb plants. To do a good job, use pruners, loppers or a pruning saw, according to the size of the plant. Dead material should always be removed, and a weak plant should be cut back so that its food and water can be used to greater advantage.

Harvesting herbs is a form of pruning. Take clippings of 2 or 3 inches, preserving the shape of the plant as much as possible. The volatile oil in the leaves is most potent just before the plant blooms. Cutting at this time under optimum conditions will produce the best
harvest, although two more cuttings may often be taken before the end of the growing season. Harvesting after the dew has dried on a sunny morning is ideal. Collect the clippings for drying or freezing in a basket or paper bag, never a plastic one.

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