Do you know how to harvest basil from your herb garden? Whether you are growing herbs indoors or outside, you will want to harvest the herbs and learn how to harvest it to keep the plant healthy. Here are some good home and gardening tips to be able to do that.
Growing Basil and Other Herbs
Growing and drying your own herbs is way better and cheaper than buying them from the store. Here are a few tips that always need to be observed when growing herbs.
Is it better to grow basil inside or outside?
The wonderful thing about basil is that it is very adaptable and easy to care for, which means it can be grown indoors or outdoors. If growing outside, tomatoes make great neighbors for basil plants in the garden!
How do you keep a basil plant alive?
Basil herb plants are among the easiest to keep alive, just by watering when needed to keep them slightly moist. Be sure your basil plant has good drainage or the roots can rot.
Do basil plants need full sun?
Basil plants need warm and bright areas with 6-8 hours of sunlight. Don’t leave them in really hot sun for very long.
How to Harvest Basil from Your Garden
1. Harvest herbs at their peak
When are herbs at their best tasting and most potent as far as oil is concerned? It occurs when they are getting ready to bloom. You will notice several buds but none will be open yet. Wait until after the morning dew has dried before cutting your leaves.
2. Carefully choose your leaves
Look for healthy branches that are free of disease, damage or yellowing. Also remove any insects that might tag along on the plants. This usually isn’t a problem for indoor herb gardens.
3. Wash your leaves
Remove any dirt and soil from the leaves. Use cool water and then dry with a paper towel, being careful not to rip or tear the leaves. Wet herbs will mold so make sure they are completely dry.
Methods for Storing Fresh Herbs
1. Bunching
This involves hanging your herbs. Remove all leaves from the bottom of about four to eight stems. Bind them together gently with a rubber band or a piece of string. Place them in a paper bag with the stems protruding out. Tie the bag closed around the stems and hang in a warm, dry area. Poke holes in the bottom of the bag for air circulation.
2. Tray drying
This is done for the leaves. Remove the stems and the stalks from leaves. Place the leaves in a single layer on a baking sheet or a drying tray. Large leaves can be cut into smaller pieces. Place in a warm area that is dark until drying is complete.
3. Drying in an oven
You don’t actually turn the oven on when you do this. Gas ovens seem to work more efficiently with this method. Using a baking sheet again, place leaves in a single layer so they are not touching. Separate more than one layer with a paper towel. Dry overnight.
4. Solar drying
This is not a very efficient method but may work for people who live in a very warm area. Place your leaves on a drying tray or an old window pane in the sun. In order for this to work, the temperature needs to be constant with low humidity (below 100 degrees F and 60% humidity). Avoid direct sunlight because leaves will fade.
Store your dried herbs in a dry, dark place in airtight jars for up to one year. Drying fresh herbs can keep your food full of flavor all year round.
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