How to Dry Herbs the Cheap-ass Way

Besides just being beautiful plants, the number one reason I grow herbs is to have fresh herbs, on hand during the growing season, at a fraction of the cost.

The number two reason is to have dried herbs for the rest of the year. If you sweat money, maybe you can buy a nice dehydrator to accomplish this in a quick and timely fashion. If, however, you can’t afford said dehydrator (maybe you work at a nonprofit? Maybe you spent all your money on plants? Maybe both?) – never fear! In four steps and for the cost of cheap yarn and old hangers you too can have fancypants dried herbs.*

Step 1

Cut the herbs. I’ve heard tell that one should ‘cut herbs in the morning as this is when they have the highest level of essential oils. I can barely get up early enough to get to work, let alone early enough to harvest herbs. I cut them in the evening and have lived to tell the tale.

lemon balm, calamint, stevia, cinnamon basil and dark opal basil. Without morning dew. Alas.

Step 2

Tie the herbs in bundles of three or four. They’ll shrink as they dry, so I usually try to tie under a set of leaves whenever possible. Although if you forget and just tie on the stems, your cat may thank you for the smelly, rustley new toy dropped from above.

Stevia, aka ‘sweet leaf’

Step 3

Tie the strings of herbs onto an old hanger for easy hanging and transport. I usually try to hang the same herbs on one hanger as all dried things look the same to me.

the kitchen doesn’t smell like burning- huzzah!

Step 4

Hang the herbs someplace dry, preferably darker and undisturbed where you don’t mind smelling some tasty herbs.. Bonus points if it’s above a catbox.

This summer’s herbs so far.

Once dry, store in air tight containers, as you would any store-bought dry herbs. Buy more herbs with the money saved.

*because cinnamon basil is something you’re definitely going to want this winter.