When can you cut/use fresh herbs?

[holmgirl]

I have an herb (oragano?thyme?basil? :shrug one of those) growing in my garden. I want to know when I can start picking it and using/drying it. Does it need to flower first? Is it better to get to it BEFORE it flowers? Does it matter?

:rolleyes2 I'm such a gardener....NOT!

[SueQ]

You can use it before it flowers and you also can pinch off the flowers. Pinching off the flowers helps the plants (especially basil) get thicker. Also cut sections off rather than pulling up the plant and you can keep using it. I hope that makes sense.

[holmgirl]

Yup! Thanks! :yum Fresh herbs!!