Harvest & Preservation
Suggestions


Herb:
harvest
when:
best
preservation:
best
storage:
sage use young leaves any time  hang dry 
'til crisp		 rub 'til soft crumbles,
discard stems
thyme just before flowering hang dry 
'til crisp		 strip leaves,
discard stems
rosemary continuous hang dry 
'til crisp		 strip needles,
discard stem
lavender just in flower hang dry 
'til crisp		 strip flowerheads,
discard stem
lemon balm just before flowering chop 
while fresh		 tincture / syrup*
basil continuous chop 
while fresh		 pesto,
store in good olive oil*
dill seedheads
form		 harvest 
seeds		 store thouroughly dry seeds
mint use young leaves any time chop
while fresh		 freeze or 
tincture / syrup*
oregano use young leaves any time hang dry 
'til crisp		 strip leaves,
discard stems
parsley use young leaves any time rinse and sort
allow to dry		 best fresh
or
freeze


Hang dry 'til crisp =
hang out of direct sun,
in good air circulation (breezy is ideal),
may enclose loosely in brown paper bag
to discourage pests and dust.

*See Herb Preservation from
Maiden, Mother, Crone Recipes section for instructions
re:  tinctures, syrups, oil storage, etc.


To Witches' Garden Index

Basic Herbal Stock Contents:
To Getting Started
To Magickal Properties
To Medicinal Properties
To Harvest & Preservation