Hi xspye and nicos. Yes it is better in the year. Most green leafy herbs are better flavoured and "softer" before flowering, after that as you have found the stems in particular get very tough and the whole thing looks very sorry for itself. Also earlier in the year you are less likely to have problems with tortrix moth and other caterpillars and having to pick lots of chewed, twisted bits off.

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Earthbabe
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