- 1). Find a time to harvest reeds when they just start to dry. Letting them dry too long while still in the ground will result in brittle reeds.
- 2). Cut reeds and canes with a scythe, sickle or machete. Swing the blade through clusters of foliage, keeping the blade down to cut stems close to the ground.
- 3). Cut the reeds or leaves from the canes or stems with a sharp knife.
- 4). Collect the felled reeds and canes and gather them into several bunches. Secure the bunches by tying long pieces of twine around the ends of the stems.
- 5). Hang the bunches upside down in a dry, warm area. Space each bunch a few inches apart to allow for airflow between the bunches.
- 6). Inspect the drying process after a few days. If uneven drying is apparent, rotate the bunches or divide them into smaller bunches. Depending on the season and the plant, reed drying may take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.
- 7). Soak the reed and cane in water for several minutes before starting a basket to make them pliable for weaving.
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