Michigan’s autumn is the perfect time to harvest herbs before frost claims them. Picking and drying herbs preserves flavor for months ahead.
These 10 tips help you make the most of your herb garden. Get ready to enjoy Michigan-grown flavors well into winter.
1. Basil
Late summer in Michigan provides the perfect opportunity to harvest this aromatic favorite. The leaves are at their most flavorful right before flowering begins.
Dry bundles upside down in a dark, well-ventilated space for about two weeks. Michigan gardeners often get a generous final harvest if they pick before temperatures dip below 40°F.
2. Mint
Hardy and prolific throughout the Great Lakes State, mint needs trimming before frost to prevent winter rot. Gather stems in the morning when essential oils are most concentrated.
Michigan’s mint varieties dry quickly when hung in small bunches or laid on screens. The leaves retain their distinctive scent for months, making them perfect for winter teas and holiday recipes.
3. Rosemary
Many Michigan gardeners treat rosemary as an annual since it rarely survives our harsh winters. Harvest woody stems now while they’re still vibrant and full of essential oils.
The needle-like leaves dry beautifully when placed on screens in a warm room. Throughout Michigan, experienced herb enthusiasts know this Mediterranean native needs thorough drying to prevent mold during storage.
4. Thyme
Surprisingly resilient in Michigan’s climate, thyme often survives light frosts but benefits from pre-winter harvesting. The tiny leaves pack intense flavor that intensifies when dried properly.
Bundle small stems together and hang in a Michigan kitchen away from direct sunlight. The herb’s woody stems allow for excellent air circulation, resulting in perfectly preserved thyme within 7-10 days.
5. Oregano
Fall harvests yield the most potent oregano in Michigan gardens. Cut long stems in the morning after dew evaporates but before the midday sun diminishes essential oils.
Michigan herb enthusiasts recommend drying oregano in bundles away from direct light. The robust flavor makes this herb a staple for winter pasta sauces and stews throughout those long Great Lakes winters.
6. Sage
The velvety leaves of sage remain productive until Michigan’s first hard frost. Harvest entire stems, leaving a few inches of growth if you’re hoping for perennial return.
Dry flat on screens rather than hanging to preserve the delicate leaf structure. Michigan’s autumn humidity can sometimes slow the drying process, so patience yields perfectly preserved sage for winter stuffing and teas.
7. Lavender
Michigan’s lavender farms demonstrate how well this fragrant herb grows in our climate. Harvest flower stalks when buds have formed but haven’t fully opened for maximum essential oil content.
Hang small bundles upside down in a dark, dry location. Throughout Michigan, dried lavender provides winter aromatherapy and can be used in cooking, crafts, and homemade gifts during those long snowy months.
8. Chives
Before Michigan’s frost damages their tender leaves, snip chives about 2 inches from soil level. These onion-flavored herbs dry quickly when chopped into small pieces and spread thinly.
Microwave drying works especially well for chives in Michigan’s sometimes humid fall weather. The fast process preserves their bright green color and distinctive flavor better than traditional hanging methods common across the state.
9. Parsley
Flat-leaf and curly varieties both flourish until Michigan’s first hard frost. Harvest entire stems and remove any yellowing leaves before the drying process begins.
Unlike other herbs, parsley dries best when laid flat rather than hung. Michigan gardeners often freeze this herb instead of drying, but properly dried parsley retains impressive flavor throughout winter’s coldest days.
10. Lemon Balm
The citrusy fragrance of lemon balm brightens Michigan gardens until frost threatens. Harvest in the morning when essential oils peak, cutting stems before they flower for best flavor.
Dry quickly to preserve the lemony scent that makes this herb special. Michigan herbalists prize well-dried lemon balm for winter teas that bring sunshine to gray days – a welcome reminder of summer during snowy months.