Drying herbs - what tools do you use?

[Amara]

I do most of my drying by making bundles and hanging then, but I was thinking I would like to use something flat this year (I know I am getting ahead of myself, but I am already dreaming about harvesting again). In my apprenticeship, my teacher had frames with screens in them to dry on. They worked great, so I though of that, but honestly the screens that I would by at the hardwarestore sketch me out a little. Either plastic or metal. What does everyone use, are there any alternatives to the screens or do you think they are fine?

blessings
gillian

[crystal woman]

I've used sheets of cheesecloth, rolls of cheap plastic windowscreen, cotton sheets, old sheer curtains, old lace curtains or tablecloths, livestock fencing such as 1/4 or 1/2 inch chickenwire. Stretched out one inch or two inch chickenwire (the bigger the weave, the cheaper the cost) is great for supporting cheesecloth, etc. on top of it. Any kind of lattice work with cheesecloth stretched over it, very loosely-woven grass mats, woven bamboo window or patio blinds, just to name a few. Anything that can be stretched tight horizontally and allows air circulation.

[amyd]

i've used expandable screens over the extra bathtub. i also like to use the plastic skirt hangers from a store on the shower rod in the spare bathroom.

[Anonymous]

I use both the screen method and the hanging method. For the hanging method I have an old wardrobe that I utilize. My DH made the screens for me a couple of years ago. I must get him to make me some more now that I think of it. I really do like lying my plant material flat and drying that way. But, both ways are good.

[luvmama]

For herbs that are small or can't be tied and hung easily, baskets are wonderful to use. I love baskets anyway, think they are so pretty so it is nice to be able to use them this way. I have several wide shallow bowl like baskets, that I use for harvesting and drying and you can get all shapes.
I layer the herbs in there only a couple layers deep, and then turn them gently with my hands a couple times a day. You can hang the basket in the air, or set it somewhere where it gets really good air circulation. I like to hang them on my covered porch.
I find I cannot dry huge amounts like this, but it gets me out into the field often, picking only the best quality.

[Red Moon Frog]

Paper bags work too if I have more herbs to dry then I have baskets to put them in.

[herb princess]

I have heard of drying herbs on newspaper in the back of a station wagon, suv and/or van. Reduces road rage !:)[:)]