Is there a specific way to harvest my indoor herbs?

I am growing basil, mint, lavender, and rosemary. I am not sure how to harvest my herbs when the time come for me to do so.
Is there a specific way to harvest my indoor herbs?
Hi:

There are a couple of different ways you can dry your indoor mint, basil, and rosemary.

You can dry them on an old screen or hang them upside down. There are a few basic steps you need to follow:

1. Water the herbs at the roots at least an hour before you cut them. It is a good idea also to mist the leaves.

2. Cut the branches at an angle so you don't damage the rest of the herb plant.

3. Dry the leaves off with a paper towel.

4. You can put the leaves and branches on an old screen supported by two saw horses, or hang them upside down to dry. A good location is a warm dark area. Dry them for a least a week.

They are wonderful to cook with and to put in a dry arrangement. Take a look at the article in my website on Drying and Preserving herbs for a full detail description on how to do this process. Good luck and if you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me.

Kimberly

http://www.landscape-solutions-for-you.c...
Reply:One of the great things about growing herbs inside is that they are ready to use - anytime. For the basil, mint and rosemary, just snip off what you need. If you have sprayed your plants with any type of spray (insect control, etc.) it would be a good idea to wash your cuttings first.



One thing to keep in mind is that you do not want to cut off more than 1/3 of the existing plant. What will happen when you start using the herbs this way is the plant will become bushier and give you more places to harvest from.



Using the lavender depends on what your final use is. If you are using the leaves in cooking, it can treated just like the rest of the above herbs.
Reply:cut off the top inch or any extenting leaves. Clean, cut and put in your favorite dish. If you want to save them for later, don't bother, you have plants that will continue to grow, and fresh is best.
Reply:you can use as you go

you can also trim a bunch and tie at the end - hang them upside down in a cool dark place to dry and put in jars when done

you can add sprigs to icecube trays and make herbed icecubes to use later in dishes - can be stored in a paper bag in freezer to keep from sticking together.

herbs are pretty versatile - fresh, dried, or frozen - pick your best.