Preserving the Harvest: Making Herb Salts, Vinegars, and Syrups Before Frost

As the last golden days of fall arrive and the garden begins to slow, now’s the time to capture those fresh herbal flavors before frost claims your plants. Preserving herbs into salts, vinegars, and syrups lets you savor their fragrance and taste all winter long — or share them as thoughtful, homemade gifts.

🌿 Herbal Vinegars: Bright and Beautiful

Herbal vinegars are the perfect way to capture the essence of your garden in a bottle. They’re lovely for salad dressings, marinades, or drizzling over roasted veggies.

Try these combinations:

• Rosemary & Garlic Chive Vinegar – Earthy, aromatic, and perfect for roasted potatoes or chicken.
• Tarragon & Shallot Vinegar – Ideal for vinaigrettes and fish dishes.
• Basil & Oregano Vinegar – A perfect flavor to splash over tomatoes or toss with olive oil and pasta.

How to Make It:

1. Fill a clean glass jar half to two-thirds full with fresh (washed and dried) herbs.
2. Warm your vinegar slightly (white wine, distilled white, or rice vinegar with 5% acidity).
3. Pour over herbs, leaving about an inch of headspace. 
4. Bruise the herbs with the handle of a wood spoon.
5. Cover tightly and let infuse for 2–3 weeks in a cool, dark place.
6. Strain and bottle in decorative jars — they make charming kitchen gifts!

Add your creation to Backyard Patch Italian Dressing Mix or Lemon Chive Dressing Mix and enjoy at your holiday table.

🍬 Simple Herbal Syrups: Sweet and Soothing

Herbal syrups add flavor and flair to tea, sparkling water, mocktails, and desserts.

Flavor Ideas:

• Thyme & Lemon Syrup – Uplifting and bright; delicious in tea or with plain soda.
• Anise Hyssop Syrup – Lightly licorice and floral; pairs beautifully with gin-style mocktails.
• Lemon Verbena Syrup – Perfect for cocktails or drizzled over fruit salad.

How to Make It:

1. Combine 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar in a saucepan.
   
2. Bring to a simmer, stirring until sugar dissolves.
3. Add a generous handful of herbs (about ½ to 1 cup) and stir for 1 minute.
4. Remove from heat and cover.
5. Let steep 30 minutes or until it reaches room temperature, strain, and refrigerate up to 2 weeks.

Use these along with the drink suggestions in our Backyard Patch Beginner Mocktails book.

🧂 DIY Herb Salts and Sugars: Quick Gifts from the Garden

These are ridiculously easy to make and keep the essence of herbs long after the garden fades.

Herb Salt Ideas:

• Rosemary & Sage Salt – Great for roasted vegetables and meats.
• Basil & Marjoram Salt – Adds a burst of summer to pasta dishes.

Herb Sugar Ideas:

• Scented Geranium Sugar – Perfect for baking or tea.
• Mint Sugar – Adds a cool twist to hot cocoa or cookies.

How to Make It:

1. Layer salt or sugar with fresh herbs leaves in a shallow jar (or pulse in a blender).
2. Use a ratio of 4 parts base to 1 part herbs.
3. Allow to meld for two weeks, then remove leaves whole (if using a blender, spread out on wax papaer to dry for 48 hours before storing.)
4. Store in airtight jars.

Keep near the stove with a jar of Backyard Patch Herbs Seasonings as ready-to-use cooking aids.

🎁 Gift Idea: “Preserve the Harvest” Basket

Bundle your homemade herb vinegar, a jar of herb salt or sugar, and a bottle of syrup with one of our Backyard Patch Herb Mixes for a thoughtful, garden-inspired gift. Add a sprig of dried herbs and a recipe tag for a personal touch.

🪶 Suggestion:
A woven basket with a bottle of herbal vinegar, a jar of salt, a syrup bottle, and a tea blend or seasoning packet — all nestled in kraft paper and tied with a raffia bow.

🌬️ Don’t Let Frost Steal Your Flavor

Taking a few hours to preserve your herbs now means you’ll have a taste of summer all winter long. Whether you enjoy them in your kitchen or give them as gifts, these simple projects keep your herbal harvest alive — in the most delicious ways possible.

Cozy up with Four Soups from Backyard Patch Herbs

 As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing more comforting than a simmering pot of soup on the stove. Whether you’re winding down after a chilly day or planning a cozy weekend meal, homemade soup has a way of warming both the body and the soul.

At Backyard Patch Herbs, we make it easy to bring that home-cooked goodness to your table — our soup mixes are packed with homegrown herbs and flavorful ingredients that turn simple water (or broth) into a comforting, aromatic meal in minutes.

Here are a few of our favorite cozy soup recipes to enjoy this season — each one easy to make and even easier to love.

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🍅 Hearty Italian Tomato Soup

Perfect for: A quick weeknight dinner or an easy lunch with grilled cheese.

You’ll need:

• 1 package Backyard Patch Hearty Italian Bean Soup Mix
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• Optional: Add cooked macaroni, rice, or white beans for a heartier version

To make:
Combine all ingredients in a large pot and simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The herbs in our mix — basil, oregano, parsley, and garlic — create that comforting Italian aroma that fills the kitchen. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan before serving for a little extra comfort.

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🥕 Garden Vegetable Stew

Perfect for: Using up late-season veggies or frozen garden bounty.

You’ll need:

• 1 package Backyard Patch Barley Vegetable Soup Mix
• 6 cups broth (or water)
• 2 cups chopped vegetables (like carrots, potatoes, zucchini, or green beans)

To make:
Simmer the soup mix and vegetables together until tender. The mix’s combination of thyme, sage, and marjoram adds a rich, layered flavor. For extra heartiness, toss in cooked barley or lentils.

💡 Tip: This soup tastes even better the next day — perfect for meal prep lunches.

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🫘 Rustic Legume & Barley Soup

Perfect for: A satisfying one-pot meal that feels like a hug.

You’ll need:

• 1 package Backyard Patch Hearty Homestead Soup Mix
• 10 cups broth or water
• Optional: Add diced ham, sausage, or chopped kale for variety

To make:
Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 to 1½ hours until the beans are tender and the broth thickens. The blend of savory herbs creates deep, slow-cooked flavor without the wait.

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🌈 Rainbow Harvest Bean Soup

Perfect for: A chilly evening when you want a wholesome, hearty bowl with garden-fresh flavor.

You’ll need:

• 1 package Backyard Patch Rainbow (Multi-Bean) Soup Mix
• 6 cups broth or water
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (optional)
• 1 cup chopped vegetables — carrots, celery, or bell peppers work beautifully
• Optional add-ins: cooked sausage, chopped kale, or a handful of fresh spinach before serving

To make:
Rinse the bean mix, then add it to a large pot with broth and vegetables. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 1 to 1½ hours, or until the beans are tender and the broth is rich. Stir in tomatoes during the last 15 minutes for extra depth.

This colorful blend of beans and herbs makes a nourishing meal that’s as satisfying as it is pretty in the bowl — perfect with a slice of crusty bread or cornbread on the side.

💡 Tip: Make a double batch and freeze portions for quick weeknight dinners!

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🍂 Bonus: Turn Any Mix into a Slow Cooker Meal

Busy day ahead? Toss your favorite Backyard Patch Soup Mix into a slow cooker with broth and your chosen add-ins. Set it on low in the morning and come home to a house filled with the smell of herbs and comfort.

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🌾 A Bowl of Comfort, Straight from the Garden

Every Backyard Patch Soup Mix is crafted from herbs grown and blended right here — with no preservatives, fillers, or artificial flavoring. Just wholesome ingredients and the satisfaction of making something warm and wonderful with ease.

So grab your favorite mug or bowl, pull on your coziest sweater, and let’s make this soup season delicious.

🛒 Explore all our soup mixes and find your new favorite cozy companion: Shop all the Soups.

Thyme to Sleep Tea - Tea of the Month

I have many nights where I find sleep elusive.  I am a light sleeper and easily wake and find myself unable to fall back to sleep.  Thyme is a go-to herb to help me sleep. Thyme is a powerful antibacterial; combined with its strong action as an antitussive (cough suppressive), those dry winter days indoors will bother you no more! When the dry cough comes creeping in and sleep is elusive, drink some of this thyme tea with honey and lemon, and you won’t even need to count sheep.

Thyme to Sleep Tea

3 cups water

4-6 tsp dried garden thyme

4-6 tsp dried bee balm leaves or flowers

Honey to flavor

Place herbs in a tea ball or coffee filter and place in a teapot.  Boil water and pour over dried herbs. Cover immediately to trap volatile oils. Steep time is your preference; longer is stronger. Start with 4-6 minutes. Add honey and lemon juice to flavor bring out the flavor. Sweet dreams!

Mini Cheddar Basil Scones - How to

I have not shared a how to in a bit and I just recently made these scones for an "Afternoon Tea" program and took several phots, so I thought I would share the steps for making them.

These are a mini scone because the diameter is only the size of a 1/3 cup measure, or abut 2 to 2 1/2 inches.  Most scones are 3 to 4 inches in diameter.  These were perfect for a tea party and were also great with soup and a salad.

This is a favorite recipes using  fresh basil and any basil will do, including holy basil, purple basil, thai basil and lemon basil, or a combination of several. It smells so good while it's baking & they are very good reheated days later. Make these as a breakfast treat by adding 3 strips of crumbled bacon as you add the basil and cheese. 

HOW TO - create these scones.

Gather your ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 Tbls. sugar
• 1 Tbls. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (6 ounces)
• 2/3 cup snipped fresh basil
• 1-1/2 cups whipping cream, half-and-half or light cream
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• Whipping cream, half-and-half or light cream

You'll need two bowls.  A large one into which you combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.

Then you add in the shredded cheddar and snipped basil.  You can cut up the basil with scissors, which is what I did giving irregular pieces, or you can chiffinade the basil, there is not hard and fast rule here,

Stir everything together.

clipping the basil

In a small bowl, lightly beat one egg, then add 1-1/2 cups cream

                  

Add the mixed egg and cream to the flour mixture, stirring until moistened. Get all the flour off the sides and bottom of the bowl and make sure it is all moist.  I suggest adding the cream mixture in two parts to give you time to see that everything is moist.

Turn out the somewhat sticky dough onto a well- floured surface.  

Pat a bit of flour on top and then knead by placing the left and ride side inthe the middle and press down with the heal of your hand. Then do the same with the top and bottom sides.  Flip it over and repeat.  Flip it over and repeat.  As you work the dough will become stiffer and less stick as the glutten is activated.  Do the same thing two more times.  You should knead a total of 10 to 12 times.

kneading the dough

Then cut the dough in half and press into a flat square or oval, about 1/2 inch thick.  

I used a 1/3 cup meaturing cup and cut 8 scones from each half of the dough.  I worked the scraps back together and got one and 1/2 extra. 

Place the scones onto a baking sheet about 1 inch apart.  Brush tops with additional cream. 

Bake in a 450 degree F oven for 12 to 14 minutes or until golden. Remove from baking sheet; serve warm. Makes 16 scones. Warm us scones later, by wrapping in a damp paper towel and microwave on high for 30 seconds.

Cheddar Basil Mini Scones

• 
  3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 Tbsp. sugar
• 1 Tbsp. baking powder
  
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (6 ounces)
• 2/3 cup snipped fresh basil
• 1-1/2 cups whipping cream, half-and-half or light cream
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• Whipping cream, half-and-half or light cream

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Add shredded cheddar and basil; stir to combine.  In a small bowl, combine 1-1/2 cups cream and egg. Add to flour mixture, stirring until moistened. Turn out onto a well- floured surface; knead gently for 10 to 12 strokes. Divide dough in half; shape into two balls. Pat or roll each into a 6-inch circle. Cut each into 8 wedges. Place onto ungreased baking sheet. Brush tops with additional cream. Bake in a 450 degree F oven for 12 to 14 minutes or until golden. Remove from baking sheet; serve warm. Makes 16 scones.

 

Zap out Muscle Aches - Bath Blend of the Month

Zap Out Muscle Aches

No hot water bottle or heating pad handy? Try moistening a thick hand towel, or modest-size bath towel, folding it, then heating it in a microwave oven for about I minute and 30 seconds. Check to make sure it's not too hot, then press this "moist heat" pad on aching muscles. When it cools down, reheat for about 30 seconds. Use a face towel for smaller aches.

If you have an old clean sock and a few herbs and rice, you can make something herby to use in the mircowave as well. Here is a blend you can create, place in a sock (or if you are sewing inclined, create a small fabirc pillow,) and warm up to place on sore muscles and joints.

Zap out Muscle Mixture

Take a clean, heavyweight sock such as a cotton tube sock. 

4-5 cups of raw rice

1/4 cup lavender buds

1/8 cup chopped ginger

1 Tbls Valerian root

Fill the sock about 1/2 full with rice and add the herbs and spices.  Tie a knot in the top of the sock or wrap string around it and tie firmly. Massage the sock to distribute the herbs.

To Use: Warm in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time, until it's the right temperature. It's a heating pad that will fit against sore muscles, especially sore necks. Take care not to get it wet.

Green Cleaning a Video -- From Batavia Community TV

On September 17, 2025 I presented a program at the Batavia Public Library on Green Cleaning with Herbs.  The presentation was recorded by Community TV and we have the link to share with you here.  If you have wanted to see me in person but have not had an opportunity, you can check this out.

See the video here is the link - you will need to cut and paste it: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5hRLVshQyk

At Backyard Patch Herbs, we believe in using nature’s bounty to keep our homes fresh and toxin-free. Our Green Clean program dives into the art of chemical-free cleaning, offering techniques and recipes to make natural cleaning both easy and effective. Here, we’re sharing a simple yet powerful herbal cleaning recipe to get you started!

Herbal Citrus All-Purpose Cleaner

This multipurpose spray is great for countertops, sinks, and even glass. The vinegar cuts through grime, while citrus and herbs provide a fresh scent and antimicrobial boost.

• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup dried herbs (rosemary, thyme, lavender, or a mix)
• Peels of 1 lemon or orange
• 10 drops essential oil (optional; lemon, tea tree, or lavender work well)

Instructions:

1. Place citrus peels and dried herbs in a mason jar. Pour vinegar over the ingredients and let sit for at least a week to infuse. Strain out the solids and mix with water in a spray bottle. Add essential oils if desired, shake well, and use as needed!

This cleaner is a fantastic way to harness the antibacterial properties of herbs while filling your home with a fresh, uplifting scent.

Lemon Thyme Mint Fall Tea for Tea blend of the Month

Thyme is a great germ fighter and lemon is always refreshing, so this special recipe for a thyme -based tea will have you sipping as the days grow cooler.

Lemon Thyme Mint Tea

1 part lemon thyme (or ¼ part lemon peel)

1 part peppermint

1 part thyme

¼ part crushed coriander

Blend the ingredients together and place in a jar with a tight fitting lid.

TO USE: Add 1 Tsp to an infuser or coffee filter and allow to steep for 7 to 10 minutes.  Sip and enjoy!