Harvesting the Basil

Ready for Harvest

Have any of you ever harvested your own seeds? I haven't. A few years ago my Great-uncle Tony got my attention when he mentioned that he was harvesting his basil seeds. This is a man who really knows his basil - he and my Great-aunt Rose had a legendary battle going one year over the epic drying vs. freezing debate.

So I've always wanted to try it, but I am notorious for abandoning my gardening projects in August when it gets too hot for humanity to be outside. My basil is rarely alive long enough to harvest any seeds.

But this year I did much better. This year I pinched as I made pesto and fresh salads, but left a few spikes to go to seed. I googled to see how to do it - Uncle Tony's advice was a bit fuzzy after so long - and found a lot of information, and a YouTube video.

The Herb Gardener
Dave's Garden

So I decided to try it.  I guess we'll find out next summer if it works.

And did you know that you can harvest other kinds of seeds?