How (and Why) to Prune Herbs

Pruning herbs can be a daunting task for many home gardeners, but it is essential for healthy plants and bigger harvests. It can seem overwhelming to know which methods and techniques are the most beneficial for each type of herb. But by following these easy steps, you can become an expert at pruning your herbs!

1. First, determine which herbs need pruning. Pruning encourages the growth of new stems and branches while keeping the plant healthy and full. Herbs like oregano, thyme, sage, mint, lavender, rosemary, and basil are all great candidates for pruning.

2. Choose when to prune your herbs carefully. Early summer or late spring is usually best because this is when they’re most actively growing. Also, consider when the herbs will be harvested; some should be pruned right before harvesting while others should be pruned just after harvest so that they can regrow for the next season.

3. Always use sharp scissors or pruners when cutting back any parts of your herb plants. This will ensure that you get a clean cut that won’t damage or deform the stems or leaves of the plant.

4. When it comes to trimming off individual leaves or stems on an herb plant, you want to remove any damaged foliage first as well as any stems or leaves that appear too crowded in order to give each one enough room to grow freely and vigorously without competing with other branches or stems for light and air circulation. 

5. Trim off any flowering stalks unless you want them for their medicinal properties or decorative purposes. Otherwise, they take up valuable energy that could otherwise go towards making new shoots and branches and providing a bountiful harvest! 

6. Finally, once you’ve completed all of your desired cuts and trimming on an herb plant, make sure to clean up the surrounding area as much as possible to reduce disease risk among other nearby plants in your garden beds or containers. 

Following these simple steps will help ensure that you get the most out of your pruning experience while keeping your herbs happy and healthy!