How to Dry Herbs by Hanging

Look around your home to see where the best place to dry the herbs from your garden will be. Search for a place that does not get a lot of sunlight, such as a pantry or an enclosed back porch. Remember that some air circulation will be necessary, using open windows or fans.

Prepare the area for drying. Wash the area well and sweep all of the dust out. Tie wire or twine from hooks screwed into the ceiling or build a frame from 2-by-4s and attach wire to it with a staple gun. Hang this frame to the ceiling, wire side down, with long screws. Place wooden or metal racks in the area to use for drying the herbs, as an alternative.

Install a long counter or table to use as a work area, with a couple of chairs. Keep a basket handy with plenty of twine and a couple pairs of scissors. Keep dry towels on hand at all times.

Harvest the herbs as they are ready, which is usually before they flower, according to KountryLife.com. Cut the herbs during the early morning hours, leaving a little foliage at the bottom. Place these herbs in a long, flat basket and bring them in to your work surface. Harvest more than once during the growing season.

Rinse the herbs and pat dry with a towel. Lay them out on fresh towels to dry further. Group the herbs by type, a few cuttings per bunch. Tie their lower ends with the twine and then tie the twine to the wire or rack as well so that the herbs are hanging upside down. Check the herbs after about two weeks for dryness.

Break the herbs up gently with your fingers once they are dry, over bowls. Use a different bowl for each type of herb. Separate each bowl of herbs into storage containers of your choice and label them. Store the herbs out of direct sunlight, preferably in a cool, dry place.