Matthew Wood Institute of Herbalism

In the middle of summer, it becomes apparent that a plant's harvestable time does not last forever. The long hours of heat and light during mid-summer speeds the growing cycles of the plants, and their ultimate goal is to set seed and reproduce for next year. Some plants seem to linger in a harvestable stage longer than others.  This is just something you will have to learn by observation.

But don't feel sorry you missed the earlier ones. The plants available now are important too. And they too will pass and the late summer plants will show themselves, and then the fall harvest will begin. The variety and speed of the plants, as they pass us by during their growth cycle can feel like a parade. Enjoy the show!