Question
could you tell me how to cut basil, rosemary and thyme?this is the first time I am growing my own herbs.

Answer
Debbie:
Here is how I prune my herbs
How & When to Prune Your Herbs


There seems to be very little info on when and how much to prune our herbs.                                


I have a little formula that I now use that may help you to have healthier and productive plants.                                                  To tell you the truth, I did not practice this myself until I started to experiment with pruning the rosemary, lavender, sage and thyme. What a difference I saw in this timely pruning!

As new growth begins in the spring and gets to 6 to 12 inches, cut 1/3 from the top down on each stem, SPARE NO ONE! This will be done every 3 weeks or less, depending on how much you use the plant.

Don't go over 3 weeks without cutting it, even if you don't need to use it!

Leroy                                                                     

Make an herbal vinegar, freeze, give away or if scented, place in old stocking, tie in a knot and put into your dryer, clothes drawers, closets, car ashtrays, car pillows, etc.

Basil is a must for constant pruning. It also keeps the plant from becoming too woody.

Don't let it flower for more flavorful leaves. You can slow the flowering down a little more (especially basil ) by cutting 3 pairs of leaves below the flower heads.