Foraging: Timing and Method
Summary: Timing
In general, harvest parts during most active growing season, when most of plant's resources are focused on that plant.
| Part | Time |
|---|---|
| ROOTS | New moon |
| Fall and early winter | |
| - Biennial | Fall of 1st year / Spring of 2nd year |
| - Annual | Immediately after flowering |
| - Perennial | Late fall, after aerial parts have died back and sap has returned underground |
| Very early spring immediately after plant appears above ground | |
| After 2-3 years of growth / 3-7 years full maturity | |
| WHOLE HERBS | When freshly in flower |
| Before flowering but after appearance of foliage | |
| BARK | 3/4 waning moon |
| During spring (shrubs) or autumn | |
| LEAVES | When fully developed and before flowers develop and leaves wither |
| After morning dew dissipates and before midday | |
| - High EO/Resin Content | Morning after dew dries, during hottest part of year |
| - Biennial | 2nd year spring, before flowering |
| AERIAL PARTS | Full moon |
| Spring and summer | |
| STEMS | Gather herbaceous stems before flowering |
| FLOWERS | Just before fully developed, on clear mornings after dew dries |
| SAPS & PITCHES | Late winter / early spring |
| FRUITS | When close to but not fully ripe |
| SEEDS | When perfectly ripe |
For Specific Plants
| Plant | Time |
|---|---|
| Gingko | As leaves yellow, while still on tree and mostly green |
| Artichoke | Spring and fall, then combined |
| Mint Family | Tops and near tops |
| Blackberries, mulberries, raspberries, and strawberries |
When not fully / perfectly ripe |
References
The Herbal Medicine-Maker's Handbook: A Home Manual (2000) by James Green
Herbs and Things by Jeanne Rose