Herbs in July – which to cut and which to leave to bloom?

July is one of the most important months in the herbal calendar. It is now that many popular herbs reach their full aroma and flavor. The right time of harvest is the key to success - both in the kitchen and in the home medicine cabinet.

When to cut?

The best time to harvest most herbs is just before flowering. This is when the leaves contain the most essential oils, which are responsible for the taste and smell. A good example is mint, which should be cut before the first flowers appear – later the leaves become less aromatic. The same is true for lemon balm, oregano and thyme – young, still juicy shoots have the most value. In July, it is also worth harvesting sage, marjoram, hyssop, basil and tarragon.

What to leave to bloom?

If you want to collect your own seeds or attract pollinators to your garden, leave some plants to bloom. Blooming lavender, chamomile, St. John's wort, and even mint will be a real feast for bees and butterflies. Such a part of the garden will become not only a beautiful decoration, but also a valuable source of food for insects.

How to dry?

It is best to cut herbs on a dry, sunny day, in the morning. The shoots are tied into small bundles and hung in an airy, shaded place. Drying at too high a temperature causes the loss of valuable essential oils, so it is worth avoiding direct sunlight and the oven.

AM