Herbs: Layering Lemon Verbena, 1 by JeaneTH

JeaneTH wrote:
podster, any time you use heat it will break down some of the essential oils. Microwaves are the worst thing to use for drying herbs. I must admit that I have recommended the oven technique in my lectures on preserving. However air drying is best. A friend of mine was lucky enough to find a hydrator at a garage sale a few years ago. We've had really good results using that. If I can't hang the herbs I lay the leaves on open baskets or screens. Timing is important too. The leaves have the highest content of essential oils just before they bloom. Right now, at least here in the cold north my plants are busy trying to send all their energy to their roots so the essential oil content of most of the herbs is at it's lowest for the year. Although I've found I like using Lemon Verbena fresh anytime of year.

Usually when I've put my L.v. in the gh it looses it's leaves. Last year it didn't and so far this year it's actually actively growing. I now have a 6 year old tree and a one yr. bush I'm wintering over.