How to Dry Herbs at Home: Best Times to Harvest, Dry, and Store Your Herbs
- Astrid van Essen
- Apr 21
- 4 min read
As spring breathes fresh life into our gardens and windowsills, it’s the perfect time to start growing your own herbs. Whether you’re tucking a few sprigs of rosemary into a pot by the door or cultivating a lush patch of mint and lavender, there’s nothing more satisfying than harvesting homegrown greenery.
But what happens when your herb garden takes off and you’ve got more than you can use fresh? That’s where drying comes in.
Drying herbs is a simple, age-old way to preserve their fragrance, flavour and magic for months to come. From simmer pots to teas, potpourri to homemade gifts—dried herbs are a beautiful staple to keep on hand.
In this post, we’ll walk you through how to dry herbs at home with ease, sharing the dos and don’ts, handy tips, and even a DIY hanging rack you can make with things you’ve probably already got at home.
Why Dry Herbs?
Preserve their aroma for use in simmer pots, teas, or natural fragrance blends.
Reduce waste by using every part of your plant.
Create gifts like herbal sachets, bath soaks or potpourri jars.
Save money instead of buying dried herbs in plastic packets.
Best Herbs for Drying
These herbs dry well and retain their scent beautifully:
Rosemary
Thyme
Sage
Mint
Lavender
Oregano
Lemon balm
Chamomile
When to Pick Herbs
Timing your harvest helps you get the best flavour and aroma from your herbs. Here’s a quick guide for when to pick your favourites:
Herb | Best Harvest Time | Top Tip |
Rosemary | Spring to early autumn | Pick in the morning when oils are most concentrated. |
Thyme | Late spring to early autumn | Cut just before flowers open for the strongest flavour. |
Sage | Late spring to mid-summer | Best before flowering, pick in the morning. |
Mint | Late spring through summer | Cut before it flowers, encourage bushier regrowth. |
Lavender | Mid to late summer | Harvest when buds are full but not yet fully open. |
Oregano | Early to mid-summer | Pick before flower buds open, flavour is strongest then. |
Lemon Balm | Spring to early summer | Harvest just before flowering, can be cut back and regrown. |
Chamomile | Summer | Snip flower heads when petals begin to droop backwards. |
How to Dry Herbs (3 Easy Methods)
1. Air Drying (Best for Woody Herbs)
Tie small bundles with twine or string.
Hang upside down in a dry, dark, well-ventilated space.
Leave for 1–2 weeks until completely dry and brittle.
DIY Hanging Herb Dryer (Simple & Pretty)
You’ll Need:
A wooden hanger or an old coat rack
Some twine or string
Small paper bags or muslin pouches (optional)
Scissors
Hooks or pegs
Instructions:
Cut twine into equal lengths—around 30–40cm each.
Tie bundles of herbs with twine and attach them to your hanger, spacing them apart for airflow.
Optional: slip each bundle into a paper bag with holes poked in it to protect from dust and light.
Hang your herb dryer in a warm, dry place out of direct sunlight. A cupboard, pantry, or airing cupboard works a treat.
Check weekly—once the leaves crumble easily, they’re ready!
2. Dehydrator (Quick & Reliable)
Spread leaves evenly on trays.
Use the lowest setting (around 35–40°C).
Dry time: 2–6 hours, depending on moisture content.
3. Oven Drying (If You're in a Pinch)
Place the herbs on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Set oven to lowest temperature and leave the door slightly ajar.
Check every 30 minutes. Most herbs dry within 1–2 hours.
DIY Hanging Herb Dryer (Simple & Pretty)
You’ll Need:
A wooden hanger or an old coat rack
Some twine or string
Small paper bags or muslin pouches (optional)
Scissors
Hooks or pegs
Instructions:
Cut twine into equal lengths—around 30–40cm each.
Tie bundles of herbs with the twine and attach them to your hanger, spaced apart for air flow.
Optional: slip each bundle into a paper bag with holes poked in it to protect from dust and light.
Hang your herb dryer in a warm, dry place out of direct sunlight. A cupboard, pantry, or airing cupboard works a treat.
Check weekly—once the leaves crumble easily, they’re ready!
Tips and Tricks
Harvest in the morning after the dew has dried but before the sun is hot.
Avoid washing unless needed—if you must rinse, pat dry thoroughly.
Label your bundles so you don’t forget what’s what.
Strip the leaves off stems before storing.
Store in airtight jars away from light and moisture.
Dos and Don’ts
DO:
Use sharp scissors or garden snips for clean cuts.
Dry in small batches to prevent mould.
Store in glass jars, not plastic (it traps moisture).
DON’T:
Hang herbs in humid areas, such as kitchens or bathrooms.
Crush herbs before drying—they’ll lose their oils.
Store until completely dry—any moisture can lead to mould.
Inspire the Season
Dried herbs aren’t just practical—they’re a way to bring nature indoors. Whether you’re simmering a pot of rosemary and orange on a lazy Sunday or blending lavender and mint for a calming bath, your homegrown stash will make every ritual feel extra special.
How to Dry Herbs at Home: Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does it take to dry herbs naturally?
Most herbs require 1 to 2 weeks to air dry, depending on the type, bundle size, and humidity levels. They’re ready when the leaves feel crisp and crumble easily.
2. Can I dry herbs in the oven or microwave? Yes! The oven is a good quick method—just use the lowest heat setting and leave the door slightly open. Microwave drying is possible, but can be tricky and risks overheating the herbs.
3. Do dried herbs lose their scent or flavour? Not if stored properly. Dry them thoroughly, store in airtight glass jars, and keep away from sunlight and moisture. Most will keep their scent and potency for up to a year.
4. When is the best time of day to harvest herbs? Pick herbs in the morning, just after the dew dries but before the sun gets hot. That’s when their essential oils (and lovely aroma!) are strongest.
5. Do I need to wash herbs before drying them? Only if they’re dusty or have insects. If you do wash, pat them dry gently with a towel and let them air dry for a few hours before hanging, to avoid mould.
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