How to prune my herb plants?

Question

I have just bought a Italian Flat Parsley plant and Sweet Basil Plant. I have no idea how to prune them though. I don't have much of a green thumb and am afraid of killing them. Do you know how far down i should cut them?

Answer 1

For basil you need a dramatic cut.  Usually cut just above the second set of leaves from the bottom.  Do this every couple of weeks and you will be guaranteed no flowers (once it flowers the herb stops growing and leaves get tougher).

Parsley you can also dramatically cut, but too slight of a cut isn't a big deal because it won't flower, it'll just spread.

The oils in the herbs are what give them their scent, so rather than washing them off after you cut wash them whole the day before and wait until they dry and then cut.  Later morning is usually best before sun bakes the oils off but just after dew evaporates.

Both of those withstand constant pruning.  If they look healthy before you prune, you almost can't kill them by pruning.  But if you just bought them (and planted them) you may wait for some new growth to begin.

Good luck.