I don’t grow a large volume of herbs, as we currently don’t have the space to do so. What I do harvest is grown with purpose, dried with care, and stored to be used—not forgotten. Every bundle represents time in the garden, attention during drying, and space on the shelf. Creating a dried herb inventory is how I make sure that effort is respected and carried through to the end.
Inventory isn’t about being rigid or overly organized. It’s about respect—for the time it took to grow these herbs, the energy spent processing them, and the harvest itself. Writing things down creates a clear bridge between drying herbs and actually using them, so nothing quietly disappears into the back of a cabinet or gets replaced before it’s needed.
This inventory is focused entirely on dried herbs. Once herbs are fully dried and ready for storage, they’re recorded and given a place. I note the herb name, the form it’s in—whether whole, cut, or powdered—along with an approximate quantity. I also record when it was harvested or purchased, where it came from, where it’s stored, and any observations about scent, color, or strength. It’s not meant to be complicated, just useful.
Keeping an inventory has changed how I interact with my herbs. I naturally reach for older herbs first, notice when potency begins to fade, and avoid buying duplicates I don’t need. Instead of feeling scattered or unsure, I feel grounded in what’s already on my shelves. The herbs stay active and purposeful rather than decorative.
Inventory also supports better storage habits. Once herbs are dried, labeled, and written down, they’re placed where they’re easy to see and reach. That final step—recording them—signals that the harvest is complete. The herbs are no longer in transition; they’re ready to be used.
I update my inventory a few times a year, usually after harvest season and again before winter. Smaller updates happen naturally as herbs are used up or replaced. If something has lost its scent or color, it’s time to let it go. The goal isn’t to keep everything forever, but to keep what’s useful and potent.
To make this process easier, I’ve created a simple dried herb inventory printable based on how I track my own herbs at home. It’s designed to be practical and flexible—something you can use without overthinking, and return to season after season.
Inventory is a small step, but it carries a lot of weight. It’s a way of honoring the time, energy, and care that went into each harvest, and making sure nothing is taken for granted between the garden and the shelf.
You can download a free printable to help keep your herbs organized.
Thanks for being here.
Till next time ~
— Angie
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