What Is the Best Way to Package Herbs You Grow?

Dehydrating

• Dehydrating herbs works well for perennial herbs with strong flavors such as rosemary, thyme, oregano and mint. The flavors might change slightly in the dry form, but sometimes they taste better, as is the case with oregano. Pick fresh herbs and dry them thoroughly. Seal out any moisture that might invite mold by using plastic sandwich bags or glass jars with tight lids. If you want to give them out to friends or family, make up labels that list the name of the herb as well as the growing season. Mail these easily to friends and family.

Freezing

• Freezing herbs is a suitable way to capture the flavor of tender herbs such as basil. Although you cannot herbs that are preserved and packaged this way, you can give it to neighbors or serve to your family and friends when they visit. Use plastic bags to wrap the frozen herbs whether they are ground first, frozen in ice cubes or in single leaves.

Fresh

• Fresh herbs make a nice gift just as you might use fresh-cut flowers. Keep the stems wet with florist foam or even a simple damp paper towel, and wrap them in plastic. Clear cellophane shows off the leaves, and you can always add a few edible flowers such as nasturtiums or violets for a little color. This method of packaging is not suitable for mailing but perfect for giving herbs in person.

Live

• Live herbs make an unusual gift for Mother's day or even a birthday gift for the gardening friend or family member. Transfer the herb from the garden, and package it up in a new and decorative plant pot. If you use garden soil, tell the recipient to keep the pot outside. Otherwise, use a sterile soil-less potting mix to package the herb. Encase the whole herb in a plastic gift bag or a clear plastic bag. Small plants might fit in a plastic tube for mailing, as long as the soil is encased and there are air holes in the tube.