Harvest in the morning after dew dries.
Cut above leaf nodes so the plant bushes out.
Dry out of harsh sun; store whole leaves airtight.
Kit
- Clean snips
- Salad spinner or towels
- Twine for hanging bundles or a dehydrator
- Airtight glass jars kept cool and dark
Do this
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Harvest in the morning
Pick after dew dries — essential oils are typically most intense then.
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Cut above nodes
Snipping above leaf nodes encourages bushier regrowth. For drying, many herbs are best just before flowers open.
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Rinse and dry
Rinse if dusty, then dry thoroughly before storage methods.
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Store smart
Air-dry small bundles upside-down with airflow, or dehydrate around 95–115°F. Avoid sun drying (flavor/color loss).
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Pinch flowers on basil
Pinching delays flowering and keeps leaves sweet for the kitchen; leave a few blooms elsewhere for bees.
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