scandiwoman
scandiwoman
Anyone know how and when to harvest the herb tyme? Is it best to dry in a dehydrator or hanging them to dry? Thanks for any help.
Harvesting Tyme Herb
- Thread starter scandiwoman
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teefleur
Veteran Member
I always pick as soon as the leaves look big enough to pick! 
I have never tried dehydrating. I use as needed from rinsed leaves kept in Ziploc bag in the freezer. Fresh leaves and fresh frozen have a stronger flavor than dried that comes from the store. I don't know how it would be for home dehydrated thyme...
I have never tried dehydrating. I use as needed from rinsed leaves kept in Ziploc bag in the freezer. Fresh leaves and fresh frozen have a stronger flavor than dried that comes from the store. I don't know how it would be for home dehydrated thyme...Scandiwoman... anythyme! Seriously, if you are looking for the best time to harvest a large amount to put away for winter, you want to get it just *before* it start to blossom. Pick it as early in the morning as you can manage, but after the dew has dried off. This is when the essential oils (which give it it's flavor) are at their highest.
You can dry it and it will be much nicer and stronger than anything you can get at the store. If the stems are large enough to handle, you can bunch them up in SMALL bunches and rubberband them together, then hang them up someplace shady and with plenty of air circulation to dry. If your climate is very humid, skip the "shady" part and hang them in the sun for 3-4 days to dry completely, and then immediately stash them someplace dark.
You can use a dehydrator, but set the temp very low.. if you can smell it while it's drying (and not just when you touch the leaves) you're losing essential oils and flavor. Most varieties of thyme that I have growing have such tiny leaves and stems that they are best dried laying on screens. I don't bother putting them in the dehydrator, though... I just put them on the screens of one of my sets of drying shelves and stash them someplace out of the way until they are dry,
Summerthyme
You can dry it and it will be much nicer and stronger than anything you can get at the store. If the stems are large enough to handle, you can bunch them up in SMALL bunches and rubberband them together, then hang them up someplace shady and with plenty of air circulation to dry. If your climate is very humid, skip the "shady" part and hang them in the sun for 3-4 days to dry completely, and then immediately stash them someplace dark.
You can use a dehydrator, but set the temp very low.. if you can smell it while it's drying (and not just when you touch the leaves) you're losing essential oils and flavor. Most varieties of thyme that I have growing have such tiny leaves and stems that they are best dried laying on screens. I don't bother putting them in the dehydrator, though... I just put them on the screens of one of my sets of drying shelves and stash them someplace out of the way until they are dry,
Summerthyme
housemouse
Membership Revoked
Has anyone tried putting herbs in a brown paper bag, and tucking them away in a dark closet until they are dry?
Someone suggested this was a good way to dry big quantities of herbs, but I have never tried it. I usually use the dehydrator, but am looking for a "low-tech" way. Our house is very small, and the dehydrator noise does get on my nerves after awhile...
Someone suggested this was a good way to dry big quantities of herbs, but I have never tried it. I usually use the dehydrator, but am looking for a "low-tech" way. Our house is very small, and the dehydrator noise does get on my nerves after awhile...
housemouse... I'd be a bit worried that you'd have mold problems that way.
However, you can certainly hang dry most herbs without resorting to the noisy dehydrator. I haven't seen the "closet" method recommended, but some sources suggest putting a lunch type paper bag over hanging bunches of herbs (with a few holes punched in the bag for added air circulation) to keep dust off them while they are drying. Not very picturesque, but effective....
The simplest method is to simply lay them out on screens, supported so that air can circulate underneath, and let them dry. The regular plastic dehydrator trays will work *if you don't stack them up*... if you just lay them out on books or bricks or blocks of wood so they are off the table a good few inches. Or get someone to make wooden frames and attach fiberglass screening (best) or even something like muslin fabric.
Right now I have a wooden laundry rack in my mud room with a hundred or so hanging bunches of assorted herbs. Looks like a green pyramid. I check them frequently to be sure the bunches on the underneath dowels aren't heating up or are staying moist... but I usually can take it outside during the day and they dry quite quickly. By the end of the season I've usually got half a dozen of those racks completely full, plus more which I've found time to strip off the stems and put into jars.
Summerthyme
However, you can certainly hang dry most herbs without resorting to the noisy dehydrator. I haven't seen the "closet" method recommended, but some sources suggest putting a lunch type paper bag over hanging bunches of herbs (with a few holes punched in the bag for added air circulation) to keep dust off them while they are drying. Not very picturesque, but effective....
The simplest method is to simply lay them out on screens, supported so that air can circulate underneath, and let them dry. The regular plastic dehydrator trays will work *if you don't stack them up*... if you just lay them out on books or bricks or blocks of wood so they are off the table a good few inches. Or get someone to make wooden frames and attach fiberglass screening (best) or even something like muslin fabric.
Right now I have a wooden laundry rack in my mud room with a hundred or so hanging bunches of assorted herbs. Looks like a green pyramid. I check them frequently to be sure the bunches on the underneath dowels aren't heating up or are staying moist... but I usually can take it outside during the day and they dry quite quickly. By the end of the season I've usually got half a dozen of those racks completely full, plus more which I've found time to strip off the stems and put into jars.
Summerthyme
scandiwoman
scandiwoman
If I cut my herbs now, will they grow back? Also, how far down do I cut them and do I use just the leaves? This is my first time doing this. I have a nice garden on my deck in pots....mostly herbs and want to do things right....thanks for all the info.
Butterfly
Senior Member
Summerthyme
I also use a wooden laundry rack. My darling hubby hung mine from the ceiling in the garage. It's out of the way, and I simply tie up my bundles of herbs and hang them on hangers, and place on the laundry dryer for drying. Right now, I have a huge load of tarragon drying. I've already put up a gallon of dried oregano.
I also use a wooden laundry rack. My darling hubby hung mine from the ceiling in the garage. It's out of the way, and I simply tie up my bundles of herbs and hang them on hangers, and place on the laundry dryer for drying. Right now, I have a huge load of tarragon drying. I've already put up a gallon of dried oregano.
You should be able to get at least two cuttings on most perennial herbs, even in northern Minnesota. Cut them leaving about 1/4 to 1/3 of the stem on the plant... there should be at least a couple pairs of leaves left (not a problem on something like thyme, generally, but for large leaved plants it gives you something to aim for)
As far as what parts to use, generally the leaves are what is used for cooking, but if you are using fresh herbs and the stems are tender (basil being one which often qualifies) you can add entire sprigs to the dish without a problem.
You can give the plants a boost by adding some compost or other *mild* fertilizer when you cut them this time, but don't fertilize them when you take a second cutting later in the summer... you don't want to encourage new, tender growth close to frost.
Generally, I dry entire branches of the plant, and then strip off the leaves later in one (messy!) operation before putting them in glass jars for storage. Don't crush the leaves or worse, grind them, before storage. Store them as close to whole as possible, and grind or crush them just before use.. they'll stay much fresher and more potent that way.
For annual herbs (basil, and something like rosemary if you aren't going to try and overwinter it indoors) you can harvest early and often, because you aren't worrying about trying to keep the plant's root reserves healthy. With basil, you need to keep clipping it to keep it from flowering, because that stops leaf production once it starts to set seed.
Have fun!
Summerthyme
As far as what parts to use, generally the leaves are what is used for cooking, but if you are using fresh herbs and the stems are tender (basil being one which often qualifies) you can add entire sprigs to the dish without a problem.
You can give the plants a boost by adding some compost or other *mild* fertilizer when you cut them this time, but don't fertilize them when you take a second cutting later in the summer... you don't want to encourage new, tender growth close to frost.
Generally, I dry entire branches of the plant, and then strip off the leaves later in one (messy!) operation before putting them in glass jars for storage. Don't crush the leaves or worse, grind them, before storage. Store them as close to whole as possible, and grind or crush them just before use.. they'll stay much fresher and more potent that way.
For annual herbs (basil, and something like rosemary if you aren't going to try and overwinter it indoors) you can harvest early and often, because you aren't worrying about trying to keep the plant's root reserves healthy. With basil, you need to keep clipping it to keep it from flowering, because that stops leaf production once it starts to set seed.
Have fun!
Summerthyme
SAR01
Social ButterFly
I also use wooden laundry racks and have a large assortment of herbs drying. I love to walk in the dining room and the aroma hits your smeller!
one quick way (low tech) is I will put some things I want to dry quickly on a cookie sheet and park my car in the sun, and stick the cookie sheet in the car on the dash. works very good! I love to do Lavenders, and mints in my care!
of not.. unless you are a cat...do not dry catnip in the car! ...don;t ask me how I know!
also it is very important to keep the hanging bundles small to dry to prevent mold.
I just started some feverfew tinctures this week... will use for the migraines I get.
a great tincture is half lemonbalm and half peppermint...I think someone here posted it. it really helps with sore muscles and tension.
I love working with my herbs.
one quick way (low tech) is I will put some things I want to dry quickly on a cookie sheet and park my car in the sun, and stick the cookie sheet in the car on the dash. works very good! I love to do Lavenders, and mints in my care!
of not.. unless you are a cat...do not dry catnip in the car! ...don;t ask me how I know!
also it is very important to keep the hanging bundles small to dry to prevent mold.
I just started some feverfew tinctures this week... will use for the migraines I get.
a great tincture is half lemonbalm and half peppermint...I think someone here posted it. it really helps with sore muscles and tension.
I love working with my herbs.
scandiwoman
scandiwoman
If I bring my cooking herbs into the house in the fall and keep them in sunlight, will they still grow? Also how tall should the plants grow before I cut them?
Here are some sites I found helpful:
Growing Herbs in the Home Garden
http://www.wvu.edu/~agexten/hortcult/herbs/ne208hrb.htm#Drying Herbs
Harvesting & Drying Herbs
http://www2.ville.montreal.qc.ca/jardin/en/info_verte/fines_herbes/recolte.htm#sechage
Herb Gardening: Drying Your Herbs
http://www.suite101.com/lesson.cfm/17555/950/2
Container Herb Gardening (has drying/preserving info)
http://www.thefarm.org/charities/i4at/lib2/herbgard.htm
Herb Gardening
http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/herbs
Botanical.com
http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/comindx.html
BackyardGardener.com Plant Encyclopedia
http://www.backyardgardener.com/plantsearch.html
Penn State Directory of Herbs
http://horticulture.psu.edu/extension/vegcrops/herb_directory.php
Michael Moore’s School of Botanical Medicine
http://www.swsbm.com/HOMEPAGE/HomePage.html
National Gardening Association
http://www.garden.org/foodguide/browse/herb
Best regards,
Noelle
Growing Herbs in the Home Garden
http://www.wvu.edu/~agexten/hortcult/herbs/ne208hrb.htm#Drying Herbs
Harvesting & Drying Herbs
http://www2.ville.montreal.qc.ca/jardin/en/info_verte/fines_herbes/recolte.htm#sechage
Herb Gardening: Drying Your Herbs
http://www.suite101.com/lesson.cfm/17555/950/2
Container Herb Gardening (has drying/preserving info)
http://www.thefarm.org/charities/i4at/lib2/herbgard.htm
Herb Gardening
http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/herbs
Botanical.com
http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/comindx.html
BackyardGardener.com Plant Encyclopedia
http://www.backyardgardener.com/plantsearch.html
Penn State Directory of Herbs
http://horticulture.psu.edu/extension/vegcrops/herb_directory.php
Michael Moore’s School of Botanical Medicine
http://www.swsbm.com/HOMEPAGE/HomePage.html
National Gardening Association
http://www.garden.org/foodguide/browse/herb
Best regards,
Noelle
Last edited:
scandiwoman
scandiwoman
Thanks to all for the good information and links.
SARO... yeah, that half lemon balm and peppermint is my "recipe" I discovered more or less by accident many years ago. So, do you find it helps with muscle spasms too?
On the feverfew, I'll be very interested in hearing whether or not it seems effective in tincture. So far the only forms people have had any good results with are either fresh leaf or freeze dried leaf. It wouldn't surprise me a bit if no one ever tried tincturing fresh leaf, though! Sometimes the oddest things seem to be "missed" even by veteran herbalists.
I have lavender and roses drying in my kitchen, hanging off a wire shelf which holds my bread machine and grain grinder. The scent any time I walk by is heavenly!
I have one entire rack devoted to bunches of Virginia skullcap. For times like these, where it seems everyone is under stress and more and more news is bad... it's such an amazingly valuable nervine. And several people have noted good-to-amazing results using it for nerve type pain.. diabetic neuropathy and other types. I make both tincture and capsules and hubby took capsules in his lunch box to work for a few years when the job situation was getting really ugly. In fairly low doses it's non sedating and doesn't affect your reactions like most "tranquilizing" drugs do, but it seems to give you the ability to "step back" emotionally just bit before reacting.. a valuable resource!
I make a couple gallons of basil vinegar every year, and use it on steaks and roasts.. it not only adds flavor, it seems to work very well as a meat tenderizer. I like to use purple basil and white vinegar.. white wine vinegar if I'm splurging, but just plain white distilled vinegar turns into something completely different.. smooth, rich and sweet.. after the basil has steeped for awhile. And it's such a gorgeous fuschia color! It's wonderful in potato salads, too
Summerthyme
On the feverfew, I'll be very interested in hearing whether or not it seems effective in tincture. So far the only forms people have had any good results with are either fresh leaf or freeze dried leaf. It wouldn't surprise me a bit if no one ever tried tincturing fresh leaf, though! Sometimes the oddest things seem to be "missed" even by veteran herbalists.
I have lavender and roses drying in my kitchen, hanging off a wire shelf which holds my bread machine and grain grinder. The scent any time I walk by is heavenly!
I have one entire rack devoted to bunches of Virginia skullcap. For times like these, where it seems everyone is under stress and more and more news is bad... it's such an amazingly valuable nervine. And several people have noted good-to-amazing results using it for nerve type pain.. diabetic neuropathy and other types. I make both tincture and capsules and hubby took capsules in his lunch box to work for a few years when the job situation was getting really ugly. In fairly low doses it's non sedating and doesn't affect your reactions like most "tranquilizing" drugs do, but it seems to give you the ability to "step back" emotionally just bit before reacting.. a valuable resource!
I make a couple gallons of basil vinegar every year, and use it on steaks and roasts.. it not only adds flavor, it seems to work very well as a meat tenderizer. I like to use purple basil and white vinegar.. white wine vinegar if I'm splurging, but just plain white distilled vinegar turns into something completely different.. smooth, rich and sweet.. after the basil has steeped for awhile. And it's such a gorgeous fuschia color! It's wonderful in potato salads, too
Summerthyme
SAR01
Social ButterFly
Summerthyme I couldn;t remember if it was you or Herbmt. I knew it was one of you and I usually remember to note WHO posted it!
I have some fresh feverfew still growing, how do I use the leaves? I only know about tinctures.
And, thank the Lord it is about 3 months since I';ve had a killer Migraine that has me down all day.
I made spicanch icecubes and sucked on them with last one, but it did nothing for the pain. have nothing from drs or OTC that even touches the migraines when I get them.. so ANYTHING that will help I am willing to try!
the Muscle spasm tinc is just plain GOOD.
I use it if I am stress and can;t calm down..usually over sick or hurt critters.
I have some fresh feverfew still growing, how do I use the leaves? I only know about tinctures.
And, thank the Lord it is about 3 months since I';ve had a killer Migraine that has me down all day.
I made spicanch icecubes and sucked on them with last one, but it did nothing for the pain. have nothing from drs or OTC that even touches the migraines when I get them.. so ANYTHING that will help I am willing to try!
the Muscle spasm tinc is just plain GOOD.
I use it if I am stress and can;t calm down..usually over sick or hurt critters.SARO... not getting migraines myself (I've had precisely TWO in my life... both during the first months of pregnancy, so I DO sympathize!) I can only tell you what I've read.
They claim that you just eat the fresh leaves.. 1-3 small leaves daily, as a preventative. However, they can apparently be rather hard on the mucous membranes of your mouth, so most places suggest making a small "sandwich" ouf of them, putting them in between a couple small pieces of bread.
Seems to me you could also easily put them into a capsule and swallow that... I don't believe it's necessary to chew them, just that they are fresh (and I believe I've read they will work if frozen... might be worth looking into)
All of this is from memory, which isn't all that great these days.. so maybe you can verify it with Google...
Are migraines from blood vessel spasm? (darned memory glitches lately are driving me crazy!) If they are, it might be worth trying Ginko Biloba... it improves blood circulation to the brain (at least, that's how they think it helps brain function and memory) but it's also pretty amazing for other circulatory issues. Hubby has used it for years for Reynaud's Syndrome and while it's not a complete cure, it's kept him from having to get on Rx meds for it, at least so far. He's been a good sport being my "experimental subject" over the years... but he's found that often whatever I give him helps... LOL!
Summerthyme
They claim that you just eat the fresh leaves.. 1-3 small leaves daily, as a preventative. However, they can apparently be rather hard on the mucous membranes of your mouth, so most places suggest making a small "sandwich" ouf of them, putting them in between a couple small pieces of bread.
Seems to me you could also easily put them into a capsule and swallow that... I don't believe it's necessary to chew them, just that they are fresh (and I believe I've read they will work if frozen... might be worth looking into)
All of this is from memory, which isn't all that great these days.. so maybe you can verify it with Google...
Are migraines from blood vessel spasm? (darned memory glitches lately are driving me crazy!) If they are, it might be worth trying Ginko Biloba... it improves blood circulation to the brain (at least, that's how they think it helps brain function and memory) but it's also pretty amazing for other circulatory issues. Hubby has used it for years for Reynaud's Syndrome and while it's not a complete cure, it's kept him from having to get on Rx meds for it, at least so far. He's been a good sport being my "experimental subject" over the years... but he's found that often whatever I give him helps... LOL!
Summerthyme
hitssquad
Inactive
Peppermint is a sterile hybrid...summerthyme said:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peppermint
...so I suppose it might require different techniques than those that would be appropriate for most herbs for cultivation.
yellowsprings
Inactive
Moved to H & H ...
Hitsquad... yes, you can't grow "peppermint" from seed. Various forms of mentha can be grown from seed, but to get the "good stuff" you need to buy plants.
However, once you have a plant.. you'll have more peppermint than you know what to do with. Mints are.... "invasive"... most people find they take over entire gardens far too easily.
I naturalize mine down around a pond and a little creek as well as keeping some plants in tires near my chicken pens. It's "black peppermint" and is a very potent strain.
Summerthyme
However, once you have a plant.. you'll have more peppermint than you know what to do with. Mints are.... "invasive"... most people find they take over entire gardens far too easily.
I naturalize mine down around a pond and a little creek as well as keeping some plants in tires near my chicken pens. It's "black peppermint" and is a very potent strain.
Summerthyme