How to Harvest Broom Straw

Harvest broomcorn stalks in the fall, after the green stalks have turned brown.

Cut down the stalks on a sunny day, preferably in the morning after the sun has burned off the dew. Cutting wet broomcorn is harder. Cut the stalks about 6 inches above the root with a safe tool such as a hedge cutter. The stalks are thick, and using a knife is more difficult and more dangerous.

Lay the stalks out to dry, leaving about three inches between stalks. The stalks should be in as much sun as possible for the entire day.

Examine the stalks near the end of the drying day and look for pests on the stalks. If you see pest damage such as significant chewing holes on a stalk, throw it away. It is likely that pests are living in the stalk, which weakens it. Also throw away stalks showing damage such as severe bends and breaks. Stalks with black spots, which indicate mold, should also be discarded. These damaged stalks would not last through the drying process.

Remove the stalks to a dry location such as a garage or barn before nightfall to protect them from moisture. Store them standing up. At this point, is is acceptable for the stalks to touch each other. They can be tied into bundles to save space.

Dry the stalks for at least three more weeks. When they are completely dry they are very brittle. Do not store flammable materials near the stalks.