Why Herbs Deserve More Love in the Garden
In my opinion, herbs are extremely underrated in the garden. I remember only growing vegetables and flowers during my first two years of gardening, but once I gave herbs a shot, they quickly became a staple in my garden.
In today’s article, we’re going to dive deep into the world of popular herbs and figure out which of them need regular pruning to maintain healthy growth.
Let’s get right into it, shall we?
Wait…Why Does Pruning Herbs Matter?
Well, like in most plants, pruning encourages fresh and tender growth. Certain herbs have a tendency to bolt and lose flavor quickly, so cutting them back at the right time prevents premature flowering and other issues. Pruning herbs also keeps the plants compact and productive for longer, securing long-term harvests that you can enjoy.
Quick Tips For Herb Pruning Success
-
Always use clean, sharp scissors or pruners for pruning. Blunt or dirty tools can lead to fungal infections and other issues.
-
Morning time is the best time to prune herbs for optimal flavor and plant health.
-
DO NOT over-prune! Never remove more than one-third of the plant at once.
-
Compost your trimmings or dry them for later use.
9 Herbs That Need Regular Pruning
1. Basil
Pinch your basil just above a leaf pair to encourage branching and new growth. Try your best to remove flower buds early to prolong leaf production.
2. Mint
Trim your mint plants often to prevent unwanted rapid spreading and keep them dense and bushy. Cut stems back by a third every couple of weeks.
3. Oregano
Oregano tends to become woody and cardboard-like quickly, so prune it regularly to prevent that from happening. Cut back to about two-thirds height, especially before flowering.
4. Thyme
Thyme tends to develop a woody base, which is why pruning it frequently may be a good idea. Snip the top few inches of the plant, but avoid cutting into old stems.
