Pruning Herbs 

How to prune herbs? 

Pruning herbs – I dedicate these pages (the herb pages) to you – the urban gardeners. This site wasn’t meant only for those who own a garden, and when it comes to pruning herbs I feel even more responsible for those of you who are grow your garden in planters or window boxes. When I created the herbs category, it’s you I was thinking of.

Sensory overload - Many years ago, I tried to be creative, well sophisticated really, but that’s too embarrassing to talk about… anyway, I planted a small rooftop garden based on herbs. It looked amazing, but in the spring when the garden bloomed it smelled… unbearable would be an understatement (!!) Anyway, the owners (did I mention this was not actually my roof..?) forced me to ‘close shop’ and I was forced to uproot. I’d love to tell you that I quickly found a new location and replanted – but I was smart enough to learn my lesson.

It’s like nothing else – I compare pruning herbs to the ultimate celebration of the senses. Aside from the blossoming and the incredible smell (not when you smell them all together) this is one plant that you can almost taste as you prune it – it’s mind blowing!

Esthetics – this is true for many plants, but especially true for herbs. They look great as hedges or ornamental plants and many will spruce up a dish, both as a herb and a garnish.

Bottom line – Pruning herbs not only creates fresh new blossoms, it also provides additional flavor and nutrition to your plate. Herbs can also be used as fresh flowers, they look great in a bouquet, or dry them and sprinkle on your salad, stake, fish or vegetables (they are very versatile). I love herbs, they are the perfect combination of blossom, flavor, scent & esthetics.

Pruning Herbs – My Shortlist

 The most rewarding herbs

I am happy to present you with my short list for the eight most rewarding herbs to prune. These eight pruning herbs are easy to grow, easy to prune, and easy to use in the kitchen (drum role please…):

  1. Sage
  2. Lemon grass
  3. Rosemary
  4. Basil
  5. Mint
  6. Lemon verbena
  7. Lavender
  8. Sheba

Providing general guidelines on 'how to prune' any kind of plant is important, but there are plants, and there is YOUR plant. So despite there being loads of information on this site, I also provide specific and personalized support. If something wasn't clear, or you're not sure of your plant's name, simply send me a picture with your question. Use the form below and I'll get back to you. In the mean time, see what others are asking. 

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