Harvesting Herbs and Flowers
When having your own herb garden, the time to harvest and dry the herbs is the most important step. Flowers and herbs are gathered before the stems and their bloom become fully open. These harvested plants will still open for a fewer days more. The best time to do this is during nine to eleven in the morning, before the noon sun shines and after the morning dew has gone. Also, it is best to harvest during this time because the quality of the herbs with their oils is preserved.
A knife with a sharpened blade should be used to cut the herbs. This will ensure a clean cut will be made for easy grafting and regeneration. When harvesting, just get what you need and do not over harvest.
Herbs and flowers with long stems such as lavender, worts, peony, borage, and baby's breath are best dried in bunches to be preserved. The best season to collect these herbs is during the dry season. Rubber bands can be used to bundle up the herbs for easier handling and drying in an temperature with average of 70 degrees.
Drying flowers usually takes a few days to finish to as much as several weeks. Storage should be dark, in covered containers to protect it from the elements of weather. Herbs and flowers should be dry and crisp, yet not so brittle as to break off.
Drying Herbs and Flowers on ScreensScreens are also the best place for drying out smaller herbs and flowers. An old screen from a door can be used. Just spread the herbs in one layer, with enough breathing space. Drying takes less than a month. Make sure that the herbs are placed properly in dark closed containers.
Storing Natural IngredientsStorage for the dried and preserved flowers are to be in clean and airtight containers that are kept in a dark, cool, and dry location. Light can damage the source of heat. Colored jars made of glass are okay in protecting herbs. Store them at the bottom shelves first, since it is cooler there.
Some items like seeds and nuts are best stored in the freezer. They can be purchased more economically in bulk, and last longer.
