By mid-August, herb gardens are at their most generous. Basil, parsley, mint and rosemary are overflowing, and the scent of thyme or oregano fills the warm air. Knowing how to harvest and preserve herbs now means you can enjoy their flavour well into the colder months.
In the UK’s August weather, woody herbs like rosemary, sage, and thyme will keep producing into autumn if you harvest little and often.
Use clean, sharp scissors or secateurs to prevent bruising.
Take no more than one-third of the plant at a time.
For cut-and-come-again herbs like basil, parsley and coriander, cut just above a leaf node to encourage fresh growth.
1. Air Drying Herbs
Best for: rosemary, sage, oregano, thyme, bay leaves.
Tie small bundles with string and hang upside-down in a warm, dark, well-ventilated space (an airing cupboard works well).
Once completely dry, crumble leaves into airtight jars and store away from sunlight.
2. Freezing Fresh Herbs
Best for: basil, parsley, dill, chives, mint.
Chop and pack into ice cube trays.
Cover with a little water or olive oil, then freeze.
Transfer cubes into labelled freezer bags for quick use in winter stews, soups and pasta sauces.
3. Making Herb-Infused Oils and Vinegars
Pack fresh, washed herbs into a sterilised jar.
Cover with olive oil or vinegar, seal, and store in a cool, dark cupboard for 2–3 weeks.
Strain before use.
Storing Your Preserved Herbs
Label jars and bags with herb name and harvest date.
Dried herbs: best within 6–12 months.
Frozen herbs: best within 4–6 months for maximum flavour.
Q: Which herbs are best to harvest in August?
A: Basil, parsley, coriander, dill, mint, chives, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and sage are all in their prime.
Q: Can I dry herbs outside in the UK?
A: It’s risky in our humid climate — use an indoor space with good airflow to prevent mould.
Q: Is it better to freeze or dry herbs?
A: Woody herbs keep flavour best when dried. Soft-leaf herbs like basil and parsley are better frozen.
Harvesting and preserving herbs is about capturing the height of the season. Come January, a pinch of your own rosemary or a cube of frozen basil will bring the scent of summer back into your kitchen.
By mid-August, herb gardens are at their most generous. Basil, parsley, mint and rosemary are overflowing, and the scent of thyme or oregano fills the warm air.
By mid-August, herb gardens are at their most generous. Basil, parsley, mint and rosemary are overflowing, and the scent of thyme or oregano fills the warm air.
August is one of the busiest months in the British gardening calendar. While summer blooms are fading, it’s the perfect time to prepare your garden for autumn.
August is one of the busiest months in the British gardening calendar. While summer blooms are fading, it’s the perfect time to prepare your garden for autumn.
When temperatures soar up to the 30s, your garden can suffer from heat stress, wilting, and dehydration.
When temperatures soar up to the 30s, your garden can suffer from heat stress, wilting, and dehydration.
Creating a garden that looks good in every season doesn’t have to mean constant replanting. With the right hardy perennials and evergreens, you can enjoy flowers, texture and greenery all...
Creating a garden that looks good in every season doesn’t have to mean constant replanting. With the right hardy perennials and evergreens, you can enjoy flowers, texture and greenery all...
