You can make a beautiful and functional DIY herb drying rack with materials you probably already have lying around the house. Dry them for cooking, potpourri, or other crafts. Or just enjoy the beauty of the dried herbs hanging in your home.
A while ago, I created a hanging globe moss planter, and I was left with a set of flower basket chains. I thought they would be useful to hang a wreath base where I could hang flowers and other plant material. This could be used for a decorative look or something to dry herbs and flowers on for future craft or culinary use.
Making a Herb Drying Rack
All you need is a wire wreath base. I have several of these hanging around the house, but you can purchase this wreath base online
or at a local craft store. This one was a little worse for wear, so I did hit it with a little black spray paint to match the chains.
However, I also like the look of the rustic, worn wreath base. You can also purchase the hanging basket chains
if you don't have any lying around.
You also need rubber bands and large paper clips. The rubber bands hold the plant material together. As the herbs dry and shrink, the rubber bands will contract and keep the stems together.
The paper clip can be opened up and slipped in and under the rubber band on one side. The other end can be used to hang it on the wreath base. You can use regular silver paper clips. I actually received these gold paper clips
as a gift in a basket of goodies from a recent bridal shower.
For a cleaner look, but not totally necessary, consider removing the leaves from the end before placing your rubber band on the bunch.
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You could use twine; however, the nice thing about rubber bands is that when the plant dries and the stems shrink, the rubber bands will contract to continue to hold the stems.
As you can see, this concept is incredibly simple. However, I like that you can place it out of the way when you want to dry your herbs or flowers. And, this fun DIY project allows the herbs to slowly dry with a lot of space between to prevent mold from excess moisture.
I've also used old window screens to dry flowers, as seen in this post about homemade potpourri, but that method takes up much more space.
I'm keeping this on my screened in porch because it's shady, warm, and gets good air flow. Don't place it in direct sunlight, and make sure to hang it in a well-ventilated area.
Uses for Dried Herbs
- When the herb bundles are dry, you can remove them from the herb drying rack. Strip the leaves and place them in airtight containers for future cooking needs.
- You could also leave them to look pretty as a decorative element. Add more herbs or bundles of flowers as you wish.
- Dried bundles of herbs and flowers also make great homemade fire starters and have the added benefit of scent.
- You could even fill it up with flower bundles and use it as a flower chandelier.
What do you think? A simple solution for a handy, multi-purpose herb drying rack.
More Great Herb Crafting Ideas
DIY Herb Drying Rack
Equipment
- Scissors
Materials
Instructions
- Hang the wire base on the hanging basket chains and suspend it somewhere inside or out where there is proper air circulation and not too much bright light.
- Gather herbs together in bunches.
- Remove the leaves at the end and tie with a rubber band.
- Open up a large paperclip and slip it under the rubber band on one end.
- Use the other end to hang it on the wreath base.
Pammykds
My neighbors gave me some garlic with the braided tops… I just remodeled our kitchen and have an unused space and I was like I need to hang herbs and such there… but how? The wall is too far beck to reach easily so I wanted to hang something and This is exactly what I was looking for to do! I can’t wait to get started.
Patti Estep
So glad you like this idea. I think it will look beautiful with braided garlic
Julie Briones
Such a clever idea! And adds a sense of texture to a room, too! Love this! Pinning!
Patti Estep
Thanks Julie. Don't you love it when something functional turns out pretty too.
Carole West
I'm currently drying some flowers in bunches hanging from nails. This is a much better idea and I have a wired wreath that would work perfect. I prefer hang drying and because it's so warm here it doesn't take but a week before they're done. Great Project idea!!
Patti Estep
Thanks Carole. Using nails is another easy and great way to dry herb and flowers.