Proping the aromatic at the end of August is the secret to keeping them vigorous and ready to face the following months with new energy. With a few targeted gestures you can stimulate new perfumed leaves and prolong the pleasure of using them in the kitchen.
The aromatic herbs, so common on the balconies and vegetable gardens, are not only useful in the stove but also fascinating to observe while they regenerate after a good pruning. It is curious to note that some of them, if they are not shortened at the right time, tend to harden or losing part of their aroma. So why risk having tired plants when a scissor is enough and a little attention? The period of late August is considered perfect: the days are still hot, but autumn begins to be felt.
Do you want to know what the aromatic to be cured right now? Here are five protagonists who deserve an accurate cut and who will surprise you for their stronger ability to be reborn than ever.
Rosmarino: prune at the end of August by force and perfume to be renewed
Il rosemarysymbol of Mediterranean cuisine, at the end of the summer it may appear a little woody and disordered. A light pruning, eliminating the drier branches and shortening the long ones, helps it to remain compact and produce new green jets. It is interesting to note that, if neglected, it tends to develop bare twigs at the base and an irregular appearance.
A small trick: never cut too close to old wood, because from there it will hardly fall back. After pruning, the perfume intensifies and the plant also seems to breathe better.
Sage: less wood, plus tender leaves
The salvia It is one of the aromatic ones that easily risks becoming woody, with hard branches and increasingly smaller leaves. At the end of August it is better to shorten it to stimulate the growth of young, soft and much more aromatic leaves. In this way it is also avoided that the plant stretches too much and loses the compact shape. Some gardeners suggest pruning the oldest branches decisively, leaving room for new vegetation: a gesture that may seem drastic, but which returns to sage a fresh and luxuriant appearance.
Here are some practical tips that can help at the time of pruning:
- Always cut with well sharpened scissors not to damage the fabrics of the plant.
- Remove the branches that cross or grow inwards, so the light filters better.
- Do not leave too long stems, otherwise they will tend to bend or break.
- Avoid pruning on the days too hot so as not to stress the plant.
- After cutting, he waters slightly to encourage the resumption of vegetation.
Basil: last cut before autumn
Il basilking of summer salads and pesto, is perhaps the most loved aromatic. At the end of August he often begins to bloom, reducing the production of leaves. Cut the inflorescences and try the longer branches is essential to still extend the collection season. It is almost a small magic: after pruning, new tender leaves appear that perfume in summer even when the days are shortened. It is worth remembering that it must never be cut at the base, but always just above a pair of leaves, so as to stimulate new ramifications.
Mint: energy that is renewed
The Menta It grows fast, sometimes even too much, so much so that it becomes intrusive. After a summer of generous crops, at the end of August it may appear tired, with yellowed or stained leaves. A decisive, almost radical pruning is the ideal solution: in a few weeks new green and vigorous stems will appear. It is not necessary to be afraid, because mint has an incredible ability to regenerate itself. Indeed, by cutting it, now the appearance of diseases is prevented and a fresh harvest is guaranteed even in the autumn.
Thyme: small but resistant
Il timo It is perhaps the most discreet of the aromatic, but no less precious for this. After the summer it tends to lignify, and older twigs become not very productive. A light pruning, concentrated on the ends, stimulates the formation of new sprouts that maintain the typical intense perfume. It is curious as such a minute plant manages to transform a whole dish with a few leaves. Cut regularly, without exaggerating, means always having a fresh and fragrant thyme available.
Why prune at the end of August makes the difference
Many wonder: why just in late August? The answer is simple. In this period the plants still have enough energy to recover and generate new jets before the first colds. In addition, a well -made pruning reduces the risk of parasites and helps the aromatic to overcome winter better. It is not just aesthetic or order: targeted cut is a real investment in the health of the plant.
Poding the aromatics at the end of August means giving them a second youth and those who cultivate the pleasure of having them always fresh, beautiful and fragrant. And you, have you already taken the scissors in hand or do you still wait?
The right time is right now.
Photo © Stock.adobe
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