Fall Harvesting Herbs: Last Cuts Before Frost
Fall harvesting herbs is about timing the last cuts. NC State Extension notes annual herbs can be harvested until frost, perennial herbs can be clipped until late August plus harvests should stop about one month before the frost date.
The short answer
Cut annuals up to frost plus stop heavy perennial cuts in late summer. NC State notes harvests should stop about a month before the frost date. Wisconsin notes annuals can be cut to the ground just before the first frost. Then dry the herbs or freeze them in ice cube trays.
When is the last herb harvest in fall?
NC State notes perennial herbs can be clipped until late August. UGA Extension notes late August in north Georgia plus late September in south Georgia. Wisconsin advises stopping large perennial harvests in late summer or fall so new growth can harden before winter, though small harvests can go on.
How much should perennial herbs be cut?
Iowa State University Extension advises removing no more than about one third of the top growth at a time. Wisconsin notes up to a third of a perennial’s current growth can be removed.
| Herb type | Fall cut | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Annual | Cut to the ground before frost | Wisconsin |
| Perennial | Up to one third | Iowa State |
| Perennial | Stop large cuts in late summer | Wisconsin |
| All | Stop a month before frost | NC State |
Source: NC State, Iowa State plus Wisconsin Extension.
How do you dry or freeze fall herbs?
Wisconsin advises tying washed branches into small bundles of 5 to 6 stems plus hanging them upside down in a warm, dry, airy place out of direct sun. NC State notes dry herbs are brittle plus crumble easily. To freeze, NC State advises pinches of chopped herbs in water filled ice cube trays.
How to: step by step
- Note your frost date.
- Cut annuals before the first frost.
- Take only a third of perennials.
- Rinse plus shake dry.
- Hang small bundles to dry.
- Store dry leaves airtight.
Troubleshooting
Bundles turn moldy: wet herbs. Wisconsin notes wet herbs can mold.
Mint dries badly: high moisture. Wisconsin notes a dehydrator suits mints.
Leaves not crumbling: not yet dry. NC State notes dry herbs crumble easily.
For fall work see fall garden cleanup after cannabis harvest plus frost damage on cannabis. Read mulch for cannabis plus garden microclimates for cannabis. Kind Seed Co also stocks cannabis seeds.
Sources
- Harvesting and preserving herbs for the home gardener, NC State Extension
- Growing, harvesting and drying herbs, Iowa State University Extension Yard and Garden
- Harvest herbs properly for best flavor and aroma, UGA Cooperative Extension
- Drying herbs, University of Wisconsin Madison Extension Master Gardener Program
FAQ
Can herbs be cut after a frost?
Some can. Wisconsin Extension notes sage flavor may improve after two or three frosts before harvest.
What time of day should herbs be cut?
NC State Extension advises early morning, after the dew dries but before the heat of the day.
How should dried herbs be stored?
Iowa State University Extension advises airtight jars in a cool, dry place once herbs are fully dry.
Should herbs be washed before drying?
Wisconsin Extension advises rinsing branches in cool water plus shaking off the excess, since wet herbs can mold.
How do you freeze herbs?
NC State Extension advises placing chopped herbs in water filled ice cube trays, then moving the cubes to bags or airtight containers.
