Autumn is a Great Time for Your Herb Garden

Tuesday, October 27th, 2009 at 7:02 am

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Fall is the time of year that the colors change to yellow, red and brown so do not forget your home herb garden. The weather is not too hot and not too cold, which is a perfect time to manicure your home herb garden.

Now is the time to capture the seeds from your blooming herbs. You can put a paper bag over the flowers. Put your hand around the bag and grab the stem. Trim the stem to release the bag. To release the seeds from the pod, rub the bag. You can store the seeds in a container until planting. My storage method is putting the seeds in an envelope, which I label. The envelopes are then put in a shoebox.

Dry your herbs by cuting the stems and tie them together, then hang in a dry location. When drying herbs you want to avoid sun light, which dries up the oils and diminishes the flavor. Remove the leave after they are dry and they are ready for your recipes. Some of the sprigs will be especially nice, so wash them and cover with oil or vinegar. These are great for adding flavors to your recipes. I save nice looking jars just for this reason. Give the oil or vinegar a few weeks to gain the flavor, and then you have a great gift for a holiday or house warming. I usually put a bow on the container. Most of us will enjoy adding a little tarragon vinegar to our salads or vegetables.

If you would prefer, strip the leaves from the herb plant and separate them for drying. I put them on paper towels.After the leaves are dry, you can store them for your use. Fall is the perfect for cleanup up the herbs in your herb garden by trimming. Many of your herbs will thrive better is brought in side for the winter.

So, now you have cut, dried and thinned the herb garden plants, you are not through yet. Autumn is not the time to forget to plant. Garlic, chives, french tarragon and thyme are great autumn plants. If you live in a warm or hot area, then do not forget to plant dill and parsley. Add shallots and saffron to your bulb planting schedule along with your daffodils, narcissi and tulips.

Autumn is a wonderful time of the year to be out in your home herb garden clipping, thinning and planting. Enjoy the weather and prepare your herbs for growing in the spring. You will enjoy your dry herbs in your favorite recipes.