Harvesting Herbs From Your Vegetable Garden
Harvesting organic herbs from your garden can be a rewarding and delicious experience. Not only do you get to enjoy the fresh taste and aroma of herbs grown in your own backyard, but you also have the self satisfaction of knowing that you grew your own healthy, bountiful herbs! Below, we will discuss tips for harvesting common herbs like rosemary, sage, cilantro, basil and parsley!
Rosemary:
This evergreen herb can be harvested year-round, but is best when harvested just before the plant flowers. Simply snip off a few sprigs, leaving at least two-thirds of the plant intact. Rosemary is a hardy herb that can withstand colder temperatures, so it is a great herb to grow in your garden during the winter. Use rosemary to flavor meats, stews, and soups, or add it to your homemade bread dough for a delicious herb infused bread!
Freshly harvested Rosemary sprigs!
Cilantro:
This tender herb is best harvested when the leaves are still young and tender. Cut the stems near the base of the plant, leaving at least two-thirds of the plant intact to continue to grow. Be sure to harvest cilantro before it flowers, as the leaves may become bitter once the plant goes to seed. Cilantro is a popular herb in Mexican and Asian cuisine, and is often used to make vibrant dishes, seasonings, and delicious as a fresh garnish!
Brighten up your meals with delicious herbs!
Sage:
This aromatic herb can be harvested year round, the leaves will have the most flavor just before flowering but can be harvested at any time for a delicious seasoning. Cut the stems just above a leaf node, leaving at least two-thirds of the plant intact. Sage is a versatile herb that can be used in a variety of dishes, including stuffing, sausages, and poultry. It is also a great herb to dry and use in teas and tinctures.
A lovely array of aromatic herbs.
Basil:
As one of our favorite herbs, this can be harvested at any time, but is best when the leaves are still young and tender. Cut the stems just above the leaf node, leaving at least two-thirds of the plant intact. As you harvest, the plant will continue to grow and produce new offshoots providing an abundant harvest all season long. Be sure to harvest basil regularly to encourage bushier growth. Basil is a staple herb in Italian cuisine, and is often used to make pesto, pasta dishes, and pizza!
Nufar Basil planted early for an abundant Spring harvest!
Parsley:
This bright herb can also be harvested at any time, but is best when the leaves are still young and tender. Harvesting often will help promote new growth for a continued harvest. Cut the stems near the base of the plant, leaving the smaller leaves to continue to grow. Parsley is a great herb to add to salads, soups, and stews for a pop of fresh flavor.
Fresh Parsley and Chives neatly cut and bundled!
When harvesting herbs, always use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to make clean cuts. And it’s best to harvest herbs in the morning when the oils are most concentrated. Harvesting herbs from your vegetable garden is a great way to add fresh flavor and aroma to your meals! So check out our selection today and start harvesting your own organically grown herbs!