Question
I'm not sure how to cut the herbs when I'm ready to use them.  Top, bottom?  Help please

Answer
Heather:
Use this chart to prune your herbs. Start at lower branches first.
How & When to Prune Your Herbs

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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 end of  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!                                                                      

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 and flowering early.

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.

Check out my web site. Place URL into your browser to open up. www.askthisherbman.net

Leroy