Although the majority of herb users purchase their herbs from markets, either fresh or dried, you can cultivate and preserve your own herbs. That’s right; throughout history herbs have been dried, preserved in salt or vinegar and, in more recent years frozen.  Whether using garden herbs in culinary, medicinal or aromatic applications – fresh, frozen or preserved, what more satisfaction can be obtained than knowing that you grew the herbs you are serving to the people you love.

When harvesting herbs for preservation it is best to remember that herbs should be gathered early in the morning after the morning dew has dried but before the heat of the day peaks, causing the foliage to wilt. Usually mid-morning is an optimal time to harvest. The plant should be established with enough foliage to maintain and continue its growth after harvesting, allowing for a harvest of up to 75 percent of the foliage. If the foliage of the herb plant is being harvested, such as parsley or chives, the harvest should occur before the herb plant is allowed to flower. Once the plant has flowered the taste of the herb will decline. If the flower of the herb is  to be harvested, such as chamomile or lavender, harvest well before the flower fully open.  If using the flowers of the herbs for craft purposes the harvest can wait until the flowers are almost fully bloomed.  Root herbs should be harvested in the fall after the foliage begins to fade but before the first frost. When harvesting the seeds of an herb plant for storage, the seeds should be brown colored and dry, but harvested before the seed pod opens.   Each type of herb will have its own instructions on usage, harvesting and storing. Research the specific type of herb you are preserving to ensure correct preservation method that will produce the best results for those precious herbs you nurtured and cultivated all summer long – and enjoy your harvest on a cold winter day!

Sandra is a gardening enthusiast, and enjoys helping others get the best out of fresh herb gardening. Her newest book, teaches gardeners everything they need to know about starting, maintaining and getting the most out of fresh herb gardening. For more great information on herb gardens, visit http://www.secretstogrowingherbs.com

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/gardening-articles/did-you-know-you-can-preserve-garden-herbs-1646919.html

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