My sister told me of a way to use the microwave to dry your herbs. Wash them as usual, let dry, take off their stems, don't crush. Lay on a paper towel and nuke for 60 seconds. If not dry enough, continue at 15 seconds at a time till dry enough to suit you. Don't go more than 15 seconds at a time after the 1st 60 seconds as they could catch fire. Ask my sister how she knows...........:-) Once dry enough and they have cooled down enough, store them in a ziploc bag or container with lid. I've tried it and it worked for me. I also hang my basil upside down in bunches to ward off bugs. Seems they don't care for the smell of basil. I also put a bunch out into my garages to help with the spider problem.