DIY Herb Drying Rack

Learn how to make a stylish herb drying rack at home so you can always have flavor on hand.
By Sydney Price April 20, 2018
Read step by step instructions after the video.

Fresh herbs enhance all kinds of dishes, but dried herbs are just as versatile and stay fresh longer. Preserve your harvest by hanging bundles in the traditional method on this attractive DIY drying rack. It’ll make a fragrant addition to your space and dry herbs to use for months to come.

A few tips for drying herbs: Harvest your cuttings in the morning for best results. Tie a bundle of stems together at the base and hang them upside down on the drying rack. Keep them in a dark, dry location until they are ready (usually in about one to two weeks). Store dried herbs in airtight containers in a cool place. When you’re ready to use one of your dried herbs, grind them up to release their flavor.

Here are the easiest herbs to grow.

  • Working time 45 mins
  • Start to finish 3 hrs
  • Difficulty Easy
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What you need

Tools
Materials
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How to do it

Step 1

Prep Hoops

Separate both sets of embroidery hoops. Sand gently to prep for painting. Spray-paint hoops in a color of your choice and let dry fully. Refer to your spray paint manufacturer's instructions for drying times. Always spray paint outside or in a well-ventilated area. Let hoops dry.

See also
How to Choose the Right Sander for Your Project

We break down the seven basic sanders and which one is best for your specific project.

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Step 2

Attach Hoops to Chain

Make three equal lengths of chain (ours is 36-inches long) by opening links with the pliers. Thread the three pieces of chain through the 9-inch embroidery hoop all the way to the ends. Add inner hoop and tighten. Count up 12 links and thread the outer 12-inch embroidery hoop through the each of the three pieces of chain. Add inner hoop and tighten.

Step 3

Hang Herb Rack

Gather the loose ends of your three chains and hook them together at the top with a metal ring. Then, hang your rack from a ceiling or wall-mounted plant hook. A warm, dry spot is best for your herbs to properly dehydrate.

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Step 4

Add Picture Hangers and Herbs

Hook picture hangers around each hoop. These will serve as an easy way to hang your bundles of herbs. Space them out evenly to give each bundle plenty of room to breathe. Add desired herbs to your drying rack, and you're all set!

See also
How to Dry Herbs

Here's everything you need to know about drying herbs at home.

    Comments (1)

    How difficult was this project?
    Better Homes & Gardens Member
    August 5, 2018
    Why bother when you can just use wire coat hangers.
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