Full Harvest? (herbs)

Nocturna · Post by **Nocturna** » Sun Sep 20, 2009 4:45 pm

Hello everyone Smile

Okay, so I've grown herbs for the first time ever this year. I have Basil (which hasn't done too well), Chamomile, peppermint, spearmint, Lemon Verbena, and Catnip. I've been doing a continual harvest through the summer (taking a bit, letting more grow, etc), but now that fall is nearly here...do I do a "full harvest"? As in, cut them down to the ground? If so, when? We have a bit more warm weather on the way, but it'll end soon. I'm guessing I should take what I can before it gets too cold? As said, this is my first time growing herbs, so I'm still learning.

I'm from western washington.

Thanks!

Joe.

Clodhopper · Post by **Clodhopper** » Sun Sep 20, 2009 5:06 pm

Hello and welcome!

I don't think I can help much, since although I'm also trying to grow things I am very inexperienced.

However, I have been told that basil is notoriously difficult, so don't be too concerned if it hasn't gone well. Mine only started to really go when I gave up and ignored it - then the snails got it. Aaaargh! :wah:

How do you plan to preserve it when /if you do harvest it fully?

Nocturna · Post by **Nocturna** » Sun Sep 20, 2009 7:12 pm

LOL yes, I've heard many others say the same thing about Basil. Apparently it's hard to take care of..at least in my area.

As for preserving them..I've been taking a bit here and there, and using some fresh, and drying others (by hanging them upside down, and then putting them into air-tight containers once dried).

That's been working great..but now since fall is almost here..I'm thinking I need to harvest what I can, so the plants don't just die because of the cooler weather. I'm thinking I should chop them down to a few inches from the ground..but I'm not entirely certain.

Thanks for your response

qsducks · Post by **qsducks** » Sun Sep 20, 2009 7:50 pm

Nocturna;1244563 wrote: Hello everyone Smile

Okay, so I've grown herbs for the first time ever this year. I have Basil (which hasn't done too well), Chamomile, peppermint, spearmint, Lemon Verbena, and Catnip. I've been doing a continual harvest through the summer (taking a bit, letting more grow, etc), but now that fall is nearly here...do I do a "full harvest"? As in, cut them down to the ground? If so, when? We have a bit more warm weather on the way, but it'll end soon. I'm guessing I should take what I can before it gets too cold? As said, this is my first time growing herbs, so I'm still learning.

I'm from western washington.

Thanks!

Joe.

Harvest the basil...get a paper bag & put the basil in it with the stem sticking outta the bag & tie the bag...hang in a dry place like your basement...wait a couple of weeks & I would do this outside, take your basil bags out on your deck/porch & and just crunch up the leaves & fill containers...you should get enough for the winter. Chamomile, peppermint & spearmint are all perenials & will come back, but watch out as the mints spread. Oh and welcome to FG

qsducks · Post by **qsducks** » Wed Oct 07, 2009 2:14 pm

Any ideas about what to do about Sage? I've got loads of it.

Post by **Oscar Namechange** » Wed Oct 07, 2009 3:08 pm

Nocturna;1244563 wrote:

I have Basil (which hasn't done too well)

YouTube - Fawlty Towers: Basil in Bed - Comedy Greats - BBC

:sneaky: