Cutting

The best time for harvesting herbs is in the morning after the dew has evaporated but before the afternoon sun has sapped the plants' color and fragrance. For nonculinary uses, select plants in full flower and cut extras to allow for breakage later on. For the health of the remaining plants, leave a few inches of stem on each as you make your cuttings.

Air Drying

Hanging herbs in bundles is the simplest drying method. Gather three to six branches together and secure the stems with string, yarn, or a rubber band. Hang the bundles upside down in a dry, dark place (sunlight robs color, fragrance, and flavor). A well-ventilated attic or basement works well. Your herbs will be fully dry within a few weeks; probably less. For culinary uses, make sure the plants are brittle, then remove the leaves and store them in airtight jars or bags. For creative endeavors, you'll have better results with herbs that are still a bit moist.

Desiccant Drying

Moisture-absorbing substances speed along the process of herb drying and preserve the colors and shapes of your prettiest blossoms. Sand, borax, and cornmeal are traditional drying agents. To desiccant-dry flowers, put them in a container and cover them with clean, dry sand or a mixture of one part borax to three parts cornmeal. Leave the container open to allow for evaporation. The blooms should be dry in three to five days. Silica gel, available at crafts stores, has lighter granules that are less likely to damage the leaves and petals. For most uses, pour about an inch of gel in a moisture-tight plastic, metal, or glass container, add your herbs, then cover them with more gel. Drying time will vary from about two to 10 days. Use a small paintbrush to remove crystals between the petals.