Drying Herbs

It's getting to be that time of the year again when the spring and summer rains are making everything in the garden grow like crazy! It's also time to start thinking about growing some herb plants that can be harvested and dried to use in holiday arrangements and to make fragrant potpourri. The extra nice thing about herbs is that not only can you dry them but you can eat them too!

I know, I know. You're probably thinking I've lost my mind. It's only June. But, in order to have a nice variety and good quantity on hand for crafting, you might consider starting now.

Now, I don't have the greenest thumb in town but I have been known to grow a flower and an herb or two. If you need advice, suggestions or how to's on herb gardening, please visit our newest addition to Suite by clicking on the Community tab. Anything and everything you need to know about planting and growing can be found at the new Gardening Center site. Use the drop down search box and click on Herb Gardening. You'll find lots and lots of very useful information available.

Some of the herbs you might think about growing and drying are oregano, thyme, rosemary, basil, sweet basil, lemon balm, spearmint and peppermint just to name a few.

Once you have your plants growing and ready to harvest, there are two methods for drying herbs, both relatively simple.

For the first method, follow these steps: Clip the herbs (after the morning dew has evaporated) and place them in a mesh bag and hang in a dry and dark area (ex. storage room or closet), until herbs dry. This process can take several weeks just like when drying flowers. Snippett: If you live in an area that experiences high humidity, mold can be a definite problem.

Second method is oven drying. Set oven at 200 degrees (less if your oven tends to run extra hot). Place your clipped herbs on a cookie sheet or tin foil and place in oven. LEAVE OVEN DOOR AJAR! Drying can take anywhere from 3 to 4 hours, so be patient. Times can vary because of oven temperature or type of herb.

Once herbs are dry, store them in airtight jars until ready to use.

For excellent instructions on planting, harvesting, drying and additional information on herbs, please visit the Michigan State University extension page. Be sure to use the Michigan State Search Tools link and then type in Harvesting and Drying Herbs. This is a great article filled with information and also has a recipe for making potpourri.

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