Harvesting Roots, Rhizomes, and Bulbs
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1. Carefully dig up the plant, keeping as much of the root ball intact as
possible.
2. Once the roots are out of the ground, trim off the tops or aerial parts
of the plant to ¼ to 1 inch above the root crown.
3. Separate the roots from the crown and gently rub the roots free from
soil. Wash it well.
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Most seeds and fruits should be picked when they are fully ripe.
Check the individual plant requirements to know when to harvest
its seeds.
1. Handpick seeds, use a pair of scissors or a flower rake to harvest entire seed heads.
2. Pick fruits individually.
3. Rinse any muddy fruits, but not wash too much as excessive
washing rinse away valuable water-soluble vitamins.
4
Be gentle with flowers as they bruise easily and will turn brown
quickly if picked improperly.
1. By hand-picking, remove the flowers plus 2 to 4 inches of leafy
stems.
2. Using a flower rake to harvest them will be a good way to prevent
bruising.
3. Gently shake the flower to remove any bugs or extra soil.
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​Harvesting Flowers and Buds
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON HARVESTING
Harvesting Seeds and Fruits
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON DRYING
1. You can dry roots in their whole form, chopped into small chunks,
or sliced.
2. Lay out the whole, or sliced, or chopped roots on a non-metal
screen in an area that is out of direct sunlight and gets good warm
air circulation.
3. Roots will take a week to several weeks to dry fully. They should
feel brittle and snap easily into two.
4. At that point, you can store them for later use!
Drying Roots
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Drying Flowers
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1. Lay them out in a shallow layer on a non-metal screen, avoid direct
sunlight and be sure that the air circulation is good and the
temperature is warm.
2. Gently shake the basket of flowers every day to ensure all get
exposed to air and dry properly.
3. Put them into storage after they dry.
Drying Seeds & Fruits
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1. Place seeds and fruits into a close-woven basket for a few days to
a couple weeks for drying.
2. Place seed in a glass jar and store them in the freezer.
3. Fruits may be stored at room temperature in a dry place, ideally in
a glass jar.