Also, herbs that are grown for their flowers are generally picked when the buds are still tight - lavender and sometimes chives come to mind here. It isn't true for all of them, but that's a general rule of thumb. As Honu said, prior to flowering is best for plants you use just the leaves of. I pinch back the forming flower heads on basil, tarragon and oregano especially, unless i want a few blooms to garnish a dish. if you don't already own that Rodale's book, I suggest picking it up at the bookstore - it's really a good one.
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Mostly Harmless
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