Growing your own herbs is an excellent way to add flavor and variety to your meals. Certain herbs can be harvested at different times of the year, so it is best to plant several types in order to have an abundance of fresh herbs available throughout the entire year.
Here are the ideal harvesting times for several of the most popular herbs:
Summer Savory
Summer savory is a perennial herb that grows well in full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. Harvest summer savory when the plant is in full bloom by cutting the stems and leaving about three inches of stem on each branch.
Summer savory is native to Europe, but has become naturalized throughout North America. It’s an excellent plant for cooking as it adds great flavor to any dish (especially tomato-based dishes) without being overpowering or bitter.
Hence the name, summer savory can be harvested all throughout the summer months of the year.
Oregano
Oregano, a perennial herb that may be harvested year after year, is best harvested at the end of summer or beginning of fall. The timing varies depending on how you grow it (some varieties are more cold-tolerant than others).
Oregano grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. It is excellent for adding flavor to pizza, pasta sauce, chicken, and more.
Thyme
When it comes to harvesting thyme, there are two ways you can go about it.
The first is to harvest the whole plant when it’s in full bloom at the end of the harvesting season, around September.
The second option is to cut off individual stems from the plant as they mature and begin to flower (throughout July-August). If you’re trying this method, make sure that your thyme has at least 3-4 inches of space between each stem in order to dry out properly.
Sage
Sage is a perennial herb that needs to be harvested in the summer. It’s recommended to harvest sage when it’s in full bloom, but before it starts to go to seed (when the flowers start to turn brown).
This ensures that you get all the benefits of the plant without having too many seeds, which can sometimes be bitter.
If you are going to harvest in hot weather, ensure that your plants are dry before picking them. Sage leaves will wilt quickly once cut from their stems and thus should only be used immediately or stored in an air-tight container until ready for use.
Tarragon
Tarragon is best harvested before the flowers bloom, but you can harvest it at any time of year. The easiest way to tell when tarragon is ready to harvest is by its size. If your plant has grown more than 12 inches tall, then it’s a good time to pick some leaves.
If you’re harvesting from an herb garden or potted plant, use a pair of scissors and snip off all the stems above where they touch the soil (this will prevent any fungal diseases from spreading).
One of the benefits of growing tarragon is that you can harvest tarragon from the same plant for up to three years!
Lavender
Lavender can be harvested early in the spring, which will allow ample time for the plant to produce another harvest before temperatures drop in the fall. Harvest lavender in the morning, as the flowers are fresh and fragrant.
To harvest lavender, simply cut off the flower heads with sharp scissors or shears. Avoid using pruning shears, which can crush or bruise the plant and make it less fragrant. You may have to cut a few stems at once if you have a large amount of herb to harvest.
When to Harvest Herbs: Final Thoughts
If you’ve decided to add herbs to your garden this year, adding varieties that can be harvested at different times of the year will allow you to enjoy fresh seasonings from your garden all year.
As you harvest herbs from your garden, download the Lil’ Broc app to track and monitor the freshness of your produce.