Preserving Herbs & Vegetables at the End of the Season
As summer winds down, your garden is likely bursting with herbs and vegetables that you’ve nurtured all season long. The end of the season is the perfect time to preserve that hard work—so you can enjoy the flavors of your garden well into winter. Here are some practical steps for saving your harvest.
1. Drying Herbs
Herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, sage, and mint can be easily dried to store for months.
Air drying: Gather small bunches, tie the stems together, and hang them upside down in a warm, well-ventilated space out of direct sunlight.
Oven drying: Spread herbs on a baking sheet and heat at the lowest setting until completely dry.
Tip: Store dried herbs in airtight jars away from heat and light to preserve their flavor.
2. Freezing Vegetables
Some vegetables keep their flavor and nutrients better when frozen rather than canned.
Best candidates: Beans, peas, broccoli, bell peppers, and sweet corn.
Blanch first: Briefly boil vegetables, then plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking process before freezing.
Packaging: Store in freezer-safe bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
3. Canning for Shelf Storage
Canning is ideal for tomatoes, pickles, jams, and relishes.
Water bath canning: Best for high-acid foods like tomatoes and fruit preserves.
Pressure canning: Required for low-acid vegetables such as carrots, green beans, and potatoes.
Safety tip: Always follow trusted canning guidelines to prevent spoilage.
4. Pickling for Tangy Treats
Cucumbers, beets, carrots, and even green beans make excellent pickles.
Combine vinegar, water, salt, and spices for your brine.
Store in the refrigerator for quick pickles, or process in jars for long-term storage.
5. Making Herb Butters & Oils
Fresh herbs can also be blended with softened butter or oil for flavorful additions to winter cooking.
Freeze herb butters in small portions for quick use.
Store herb-infused oils in the refrigerator and use within a week for safety.
Your Garden’s Flavor—All Year Long
Whether you’re drying basil, freezing beans, or making jars of tangy pickles, preserving your harvest is a rewarding way to savor the taste of summer.
We have educational books, composting bins, gloves, harvesting tools, and more to make your end-of-season gardening and preserving easy and enjoyable. Stop by and stock up before the frost!