How to Dry Herbs at Home: Simple Ways to Preserve Your Garden Harvest
From the garden to the kitchen, learn how to preserve the herbs you've grown and enjoy their flavors long after the growing season ends.
There's something especially satisfying about opening a jar of dried herbs in the middle of winter and knowing exactly where they came from.
Maybe it's the oregano you're adding to a pot of homemade spaghetti sauce. Or the thyme you're sprinkling over roasted vegetables. Maybe it's a little rosemary going into a loaf of homemade bread.
Whatever you're making, there's something wonderful about knowing those herbs were growing in the sunshine just a few months earlier.
Here at Wendland Family Farm, growing herbs has become one of my favorite parts of gardening. Of course, I love growing flowers. That probably isn't much of a surprise. But there's something about growing plants that can go directly from the garden into our everyday lives that I find incredibly rewarding.
Herbs are beautiful. They're fragrant. Many of them attract pollinators. And they don't require acres of land or an elaborate garden setup to grow successfully. But one of my favorite things about herbs?
The harvest doesn't have to end when the growing season does.
With a little preparation, you can preserve many of your favorite herbs and continue enjoying them throughout the colder months. And the good news is that drying herbs at home is much easier than you might think. You don't need expensive equipment, a large kitchen, or years of gardening experience. Sometimes all you need is a handful of fresh herbs, a little patience, and a place to hang them. Let's walk through how to do it.
Why Dry Your Own Herbs?
If you've ever purchased a small container of fresh herbs at the grocery store, you know they aren't always inexpensive. And if you're anything like me, you've probably purchased fresh herbs for a recipe, used a few sprigs, and then wondered what to do with the rest. Growing and preserving your own herbs is a wonderful way to make the most of what you have.
Drying herbs allows you to:
Enjoy your garden harvest beyond the growing season.
Reduce waste by preserving extra herbs.
Keep flavorful ingredients available for everyday cooking.
Save money on frequently used seasonings.
Create homemade seasoning blends and thoughtful gifts.
Build a pantry filled with ingredients you've grown yourself.
I also love knowing exactly what went into growing and preserving the herbs we're using. There's a special kind of satisfaction in opening a pantry cabinet and seeing jars filled with something you planted, cared for, harvested, and preserved. It's one of those small things that makes all the work of gardening feel worthwhile. And honestly, there's something pretty rewarding about making dinner with ingredients that came from your own backyard.
Even if dinner itself is nothing fancy. Because around here, not every meal is going to be a beautifully plated, made-from-scratch masterpiece. Sometimes we're just trying to get everyone fed! And a little homegrown seasoning can make even an ordinary dinner feel special.
When Should You Harvest Herbs for Drying?
The first step to preserving flavorful herbs begins before you ever bring them into the kitchen. It starts with harvesting.
For many leafy culinary herbs, the best time to harvest is in the morning, after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day becomes intense. This is when the plants are generally well hydrated and their leaves are in good condition. For the best results:
Choose healthy plants.
Avoid harvesting leaves that are yellowing, damaged, diseased, or showing signs of stress.
Use clean, sharp scissors or garden pruners.
Clean cuts help prevent unnecessary damage to the plants.
Harvest before flowering when appropriate.
Many leafy herbs develop their strongest flavor before they begin flowering. However, this varies by herb, especially when you're growing plants for their flowers or seeds.
Avoid removing too much at once.
For established plants, a good general guideline is to harvest no more than one-third of the plant at a time.
Keep harvested herbs out of direct sunlight.
Once you've collected your herbs, bring them indoors or place them somewhere shaded until you're ready to begin preserving them.
One thing I always encourage gardeners to remember is that regular harvesting can actually benefit many herbs. Basil, mint, oregano, and several other herbs often become fuller and more productive when harvested correctly. So don't be afraid to use what you've grown! Just remember that every plant has slightly different harvesting needs.
Which Herbs Are Best for Drying?
Not every herb dries the same way. Some herbs hold their flavor and fragrance beautifully after drying, while others are better preserved by freezing. Here are some of my favorite herbs to dry.
Oregano
Oregano is one of the easiest herbs to preserve. Its flavor holds up particularly well during drying, making it a wonderful choice for homemade pasta sauces, pizza, soups, and seasoning blends. I love having dried oregano available because it's something we can use in so many everyday meals.
Thyme
Thyme is another excellent herb for drying. Its small leaves dry relatively easily, and the finished herb is wonderful in soups, roasted vegetables, chicken dishes, and homemade breads. Thyme is also a great addition to homemade seasoning blends.
Rosemary
Rosemary has sturdy, needle-like leaves and a distinctive fragrance. It works beautifully in roasted potatoes, bread, marinades, and savory dishes. You can dry rosemary sprigs and remove the leaves once they're completely dry.
Sage
Sage is especially useful during the fall and winter months. Its earthy flavor pairs beautifully with poultry, stuffing, sausage, roasted vegetables, and savory sauces. And with Thanksgiving approaching, sage is one of those herbs that's especially nice to have tucked away in the pantry.
Mint
Mint is wonderfully fragrant and can be dried for use in teas and other culinary creations.
Because mint can be such a productive plant, drying is a great way to make use of an abundant harvest. Just be sure you're using a correctly identified, culinary-safe variety.
What About Basil, Parsley, Dill, and Chives?
These herbs can be dried, but they often lose some of their fresh flavor, color, or delicate character in the process. For that reason, I frequently recommend freezing them instead.
Basil can be frozen in leaves, chopped into portions, or turned into pesto.
Parsley, dill, and chives can also be chopped and frozen for future cooking.
Farmer Tip: Don't feel like you have to preserve every herb the same way. Some herbs are wonderful dried, while others are better frozen. Learning which method works best for each plant will help you get the most out of your harvest.
Method 1: How to Air Dry Herbs at Home
Air drying is one of the simplest ways to preserve herbs. It's also one of my favorite methods because it requires very little equipment. And I happen to think bundles of drying herbs look pretty beautiful hanging in a farmhouse kitchen. Of course, they don't have to hang in your kitchen. In fact, a dry, shaded location with good airflow is usually a better choice than a busy cooking area where humidity and heat can fluctuate.
What You'll Need
Freshly harvested herbs
Clean scissors or garden pruners
Kitchen twine or string
A clean, dry area with good airflow
Optional: paper bags to protect herbs from dust and catch falling leaves
Step 1: Harvest Your Herbs
Begin by collecting healthy stems from your herb plants.
Choose stems with good-quality leaves and avoid damaged or discolored foliage.
If your herbs need washing, rinse them gently under cool running water.
Shake off the excess water and spread them on a clean towel until the surface moisture has completely dried.
It's important not to bundle wet herbs because trapped moisture can encourage mold.
Step 2: Remove Damaged Leaves
Look over your harvested herbs and remove any yellow, damaged, or unhealthy leaves.
You can also remove leaves from the lower portion of each stem to make bundling easier.
Step 3: Gather Small Bundles
Arrange several stems together and secure them loosely with kitchen twine.
Keep the bundles small.
Large, tightly packed bundles can trap moisture and prevent the inner leaves from drying properly.
Herbs with thicker leaves or stems may need especially small bundles.
Step 4: Hang the Bundles Upside Down
Hang your herbs upside down in a dry location with good air circulation.
Choose somewhere away from direct sunlight.
Too much sunlight can cause herbs to lose color and quality.
Avoid humid locations such as bathrooms, damp basements, or areas directly above the stove.
If your home is particularly humid, a dehydrator may be a better option.
Step 5: Allow the Herbs to Dry
Depending on the herb, bundle size, temperature, and humidity, air drying may take approximately one to three weeks.
Some herbs will dry faster than others.
Rather than relying entirely on the calendar, pay attention to how the herbs feel.
The leaves should become crisp and crumble easily when rubbed between your fingers.
Stems should be dry rather than soft or flexible.
Step 6: Remove the Leaves
Once the herbs are completely dry, carefully remove the leaves from their stems.
You can leave smaller leaves whole or crumble them gently.
I prefer storing dried herbs as whole as practical and crushing them closer to the time I use them.
This helps preserve their aroma and flavor.
Step 7: Store Your Dried Herbs
Transfer the dried leaves into clean, completely dry, airtight containers.
Label each jar with the herb name and the date it was preserved.
Then store the containers in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight.
And just like that, you've turned a handful of fresh herbs into something you can enjoy for months to come.
Method 2: How to Dry Herbs in a Dehydrator
If you have a dehydrator, it can be a wonderful tool for preserving herbs. Dehydrators are especially helpful when you're working with larger harvests or when the humidity in your home makes air drying difficult. The goal is to remove moisture gently without exposing delicate herbs to excessive heat.
Step 1: Prepare Your Herbs
Harvest healthy herbs, remove damaged leaves, and wash them if necessary.
Allow surface moisture to dry before placing them in the dehydrator.
Step 2: Arrange Herbs on the Trays
Spread the herbs in a single, loose layer.
Avoid piling leaves on top of one another.
Good airflow helps the herbs dry evenly.
Step 3: Use a Low Temperature
Follow your dehydrator manufacturer's instructions for drying herbs.
Many dehydrators recommend temperatures around 95–115°F for herbs, although the appropriate setting depends on the machine and the type of herb.
Using a low temperature helps protect the herbs' color, fragrance, and flavor.
Step 4: Check Frequently
Drying times vary depending on the herb, leaf thickness, humidity, and dehydrator.
Check periodically rather than assuming every herb will require the same amount of time.
Step 5: Cool and Store
Once the herbs are completely dry and brittle, remove them from the dehydrator.
Allow them to cool fully before placing them in airtight containers.
Never seal warm herbs inside a jar, because condensation can introduce moisture.
Farmer Tip: If you're preserving several different herbs, keep them separated and labeled. You might be able to identify everything by sight and smell when it's fresh, but dried herbs can start looking surprisingly similar!
How Do You Know When Herbs Are Completely Dry?
This is one of the most important parts of preserving herbs. If herbs are stored before they're fully dry, trapped moisture can lead to spoilage or mold.
Properly dried leafy herbs should:
Feel crisp rather than soft.
Crumble easily when rubbed between your fingers.
Have no damp or leathery spots.
Have stems that are dry and brittle rather than flexible.
If you're unsure whether an herb is completely dry, give it more time. And if you notice mold, unusual moisture, or signs of spoilage, discard the affected herbs rather than trying to salvage them. A little patience now will help protect all the work you've already put into growing and harvesting your plants.
How to Store Dried Herbs
Once your herbs are dry, proper storage helps preserve their flavor and quality. You don't need anything elaborate. A few clean jars and a little pantry space will do the job.
Choose Airtight Containers
Glass jars with tight-fitting lids work wonderfully.
The most important thing is that your containers are clean, completely dry, and airtight.
Keep Herbs Away From Heat and Sunlight
Store dried herbs in a cool, dark, dry cabinet or pantry.
Avoid storing them directly above the stove or near a sunny window.
Heat, light, air, and moisture can gradually reduce their quality.
Label Everything
I highly recommend labeling your jars.
Include:
The name of the herb
The date it was dried
It only takes a moment, and you'll appreciate it later. Especially when you've preserved several herbs and all the jars start looking alike.
How Long Do Dried Herbs Last?
Properly dried and stored herbs can remain usable for an extended period, but their flavor and fragrance gradually fade. For the best culinary quality, plan to use most home-dried leafy herbs within approximately one year, checking their aroma and condition as you go.
Some may retain good flavor longer. If an herb has lost most of its fragrance, it may be time to replace it with a fresher harvest. And remember: if there's any sign of moisture or mold, discard it.
Five Simple Ways to Use Your Homegrown Dried Herbs
Now comes my favorite part. Actually using everything you've preserved! Because while I love a pantry full of beautiful jars, the whole point is to enjoy what's inside them. Here are five easy ways to bring dried herbs into your everyday cooking.
1. Make Homemade Seasoning Blends
Combine dried oregano, thyme, rosemary, sage, or other favorite culinary herbs to create your own seasoning combinations. Experiment with flavors you already enjoy. You can make blends for roasted vegetables, chicken, soups, pasta, and more.
2. Add Herbs to Soups and Stews
Dried herbs are wonderful additions to soups and stews because they have time to release their flavor as the dish cooks. A little thyme, oregano, rosemary, or parsley can make a simple homemade soup feel extra comforting.
3. Season Roasted Vegetables
One of the easiest ways to use dried herbs is to sprinkle them over vegetables before roasting. Potatoes, carrots, squash, and other seasonal vegetables pair beautifully with herbs such as rosemary and thyme.
4. Create Homemade Herb Salts
Herb-infused salts are one of my favorite practical kitchen projects. They make wonderful additions to everyday meals and can also become thoughtful homemade gifts. Use fully dried culinary herbs and combine them with your favorite salt. Store the finished blend in a clean, dry, airtight container.
5. Add Flavor to Homemade Bread
If you enjoy baking bread, try incorporating dried herbs into your recipes. Rosemary, thyme, oregano, and other savory herbs can add wonderful flavor to homemade loaves, focaccia, and rolls. There's something pretty special about homemade bread made with herbs you've grown yourself. And the smell of fresh bread baking? That's hard to beat.
Want to Grow Your Own Herb Garden?
Maybe you're reading this and thinking, This sounds wonderful, but I don't actually have an herb garden yet. That's okay! You don't need a large garden to get started. A few containers on a patio, a small raised bed, or a sunny garden corner can provide plenty of opportunities to grow fresh herbs.
Basil, parsley, cilantro, and dill are wonderful herbs to explore when you're learning how to grow your own ingredients. And the colder months are a great time to start planning what you'd like to grow next spring.
I created our Grow Your Own Herb Garden digital guide to help beginning gardeners feel more confident about starting herbs from seed. It includes practical information about seed starting, germination, seedling care, transplanting, and harvesting. Because sometimes the hardest part of gardening is simply knowing where to begin.
Keep Learning With Harvest & Home
If you've enjoyed learning how to dry herbs, there's so much more you can explore.
Growing herbs is just the beginning. Learning when to harvest them, how to preserve them, and how to use them in everyday life opens up an entirely new side of gardening.
That's one of the reasons I created our Harvest & Home: Herbs for Every Day Living workshop guide. Originally developed from the educational experiences we share here at Wendland Family Farm, this digital guide brings practical herb gardening knowledge directly into your home.
Inside, you'll explore individual herbs, growing and harvesting techniques, preservation methods, herbal pantry ideas, and everyday uses for your harvest. It's designed for gardeners who want to do more than simply grow a few plants. It's for anyone who wants to understand how to make the most of what they're growing. And because it's a digital guide, you can work through it at your own pace, wherever you live.
If you enjoy learning hands-on skills, creating homemade products, and bringing more of the garden into your everyday life, you can also explore our Complete Harvest & Home Collection, which brings together our seasonal workshop guides.
A Little Piece of the Garden, All Year Long
One of the things I've come to appreciate most about gardening is that the growing season doesn't really end when we finish harvesting. It just changes.
In the spring, we're planting seeds and watching for those first tiny sprouts.
During the summer, we're watering, weeding, harvesting, and trying to keep up with everything growing around us.
And in the fall, we're gathering what we've grown and finding ways to enjoy it throughout the months ahead.
Sometimes that means filling jars with dried herbs. Sometimes it's making homemade seasoning blends. And sometimes it's simply adding a little homegrown rosemary to dinner on an ordinary Tuesday.
Those are the moments I love.
Not necessarily the big, elaborate projects.
Just the simple satisfaction of growing something, caring for it, and finding ways to use it long after the season has passed.
Whether you have an entire garden filled with herbs or just one little pot growing on your porch, I hope you'll give preserving your harvest a try. You might be surprised how much you can enjoy from just a few plants. And the next time you open a jar of dried herbs in the middle of winter, I hope it reminds you of a little sunshine, a little time spent in the garden, and the satisfaction of growing something yourself.
Happy growing, harvesting, and preserving!
With gratitude,
Erica
Wendland Family Farm
Faith • Family • Flowers
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