Fresh herbs are great year round but growing healthy herbs during winter months can be difficult if your location does not get enough sun. The easiest way to extend your harvest is to dry your harvested herbs and store them in air tight containers.

The simplest method is to hang the herbs in small bunches in a warm dark place until they dry naturally. This could take a few days to a couple weeks depending on the ambient humidity and the plant type. If you have a large harvest you may want to construct a drying rack. For delicate herbs you can surround your hanging bunch with a paper bag that has holes cut in the top sides to allow air flow. Don’t try plastic bags.

IMPORTANT! Although attics seem like a perfect place for drying it is not suggested because insulation particulates may land and adhere to your herbs. Consuming insulation is probably not something you should do.

Household Dust is also a problem when drying your herbs. If you are constructing a drying rack you may want to incorporate muslin or cheese cloth or screen material for walls to reduce dust. If you dry your herbs in a closed cabinet or closet you probably won’t have many problems if you transfer your herbs to containers as soon as they are dry


You may also force dry your herbs in a gas oven with just the pilot light burning or in an electric oven set to low for a few minutes then turned off. Heat should not get over 100F.

Electric Food Dehydrators are also a good choice if you have a large harvest. They come in a variety of sizes and can prepare not only herbs but other foods.

Flat Rack models that don’t need electricity are a good choice if you don’t mind checking on your herbs once in a while and flipping or tuning as needed. If you are going to try to use a rack dryer you will need to pick the herbs from the plant and arrange the product so that air can get to all surfaces.

Once dry you should transfer your herbs to containers. You can use plastic bags or glass or plastic containers to store your herbs for months of use. A good idea might be to save some of your old Herb containers or even grated cheese containers if you clean them well will provide you good cheap storage.

Light, heat and moisture are the enemies of any plant material that is being stored. If your containers are transparent then store them in a closed cabinet. If you find any molds or strange discoloration on your stored herbs you should throw away the whole container.

Growing your own herbs is a great way to spice up your foods year long. Proper care and storage will extend your summer harvest and save you money.

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From Our Store

Excalibur 9 Tray Dehydrator - ED 2900 Dehydrater - Jerky Maker Food Dehydrator Excaliber from: Excalibur

Ronco FD1005WHGEN 5-Tray Electric Food Dehydrator from: Ronco

Nesco American Harvest 5-Tray FD-35 425-Watt Snackmaster Dehydrator from: Nesco

Don’t forget your Herb Seeds

Basil

Borage

Catnip

Chamomile

Chervil

Chives

Coriander

Cress

Dill

Fennel

Lavender

Lemon Balm

Marjoram

Mint

Oregano

Parsley

Pennyroyal

Rosemary

Sage

Savory

Sorrel

St John’s Wort

Stevia

Thyme

Wormwood