By: Candice Brunlinger, Herbalist
These five easy to grow medicinal plants are chock-full of
healing properties for the whole family. Read on to learn how to grow
them, when to harvest them, and how you can use your bounty…plus, check out the
natural recipes for caring for your garden.
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Family:
Mint (Lamiaceae)
Common Names:
Lemon balm, sweet balm, balm mint, Melissa, and heart’s delight
Characteristics
& Care: Perennial; Herbaceous; Zones 4-9
 |
| Lemon balm in flower |
Most lemon balm plants grow about 1-2 feet tall and wide. They have sweet little white flowers which bloom off and on throughout the summer months, especially as you graze and use the plant to encourage new growth. Its heart shaped leaves have a delightful lemony scent and flavor. Lemon balm originated in the Mediterranean region, and grows best in well-drained but evenly moist soil. In cool or warm climates it prefers full sun, while in hotter areas it requires partial shade. Avoid fertilizing this plant as that can shock the foliage and reduce the lemony scent. The plant easily self-seeds and can take over a garden, if you allow it. You can help control its spread by frequent pruning, removing the flowers, and/or planting it in a container or pot.
Leaves can be prone to rust (a fungal infection), so if your plant becomes infected, remove the damaged leaves/stems
to prevent the fungus from spreading. To help minimize or reduce rust, ensure adequate air flow by harvesting, thinning,
or dividing your plants as needed. Additionally, cut back your plant(s)
to 2 inches from the ground after flowering and/or in autumn. Lemon balm will die
back to the ground in freezing weather, but will return in spring.
How to Plant/Propagate:
Sow lemon balm seeds in the spring after the last frost or in late summer but
they can be slow to germinate, so you may have more success if you start your
seeds indoors or in a green house. Root divisions are an easy way to introduce
lemon balm to your garden and can be planted at any time during the growing
season, but it will become established more quickly if planted in early spring when the weather
is cooler. Cuttings from new growth can be started in moist sand or loose
dirt/soil, but I have not tried that method before; divisions are
my preference since the plants like to be thinned anyways. When transplanting
lemon balm into the ground, planter or pot, space plants 18-24 inches apart.
Lemon balm spreads easily so thin the plants as needed.
Companion Planting: Lemon balm grows well with other mints, bee balm, chamomile, calendula, nasturtiums, thyme, sage, basil,
garlic, onion, and most fruits and veggies. Its mild citrus scent can act as
an insect repellent, so plant lemon balm next to plants prone to
plant pathogens or near fountains, ponds, bird baths or other areas where
there may be standing water, gnats and/or mosquitoes.
 |
| Lemon Balm |
Tips for Pruning
& Harvesting: It is best to harvest in the morning before the sun is strong and the plants
release their aromatics oils. To harvest,
use scissors or clippers to cut the stem 2 inches from the ground or, pinch off the upper portion of the branch, which will also encourage the plant to be more bushy. Use fresh or
store the sprigs in the fridge wrapped in a towel or in a bowl with a towel
covering them and use within a week. If you're planning to dry the leaves, they are best harvested
before the plant flowers in summer, while the leaves are still pristine and aromatic.
Leaves tend to slightly brown as they
dry; this is hard to avoid, and they are likely still usable if this happens. I dry and store the leaves whole and crush them to break them up as I use
them.
Herbal/Medicinal
Preparations: Tea, Tincture, Glycerite, Vinegar, Syrups, Respiratory
Steams, Facial Steams, Herbal and Bath Salt Blends, Aromatherapy, etc.
Culinary Uses:
Mince fresh leaves and mix into soft cheese, hummus, pesto and butter spreads for
a mild and delicious lemony flavor. I love to mix in some fresh leaves and
flowers in my salads too. Add a sprig or two into a smoothie or muddle the fresh
leaves in refreshing spritzer drinks and cocktails. I also like use the tea as part of my liquid base in smoothies and popsicles. The tea is also a
delicious addition to homemade herbal syrups, jello and gummy recipes.
Benefits of Growing
Lemon Balm:
Lemon balm is just lovely to have in the garden and is very
easy to grow. The aroma is pleasant and delightful while helping to deter some
pesky bugs. I take the fresh sprigs and brush them over the skin and clothes to
help deter mosquitoes. It is a wonderful plant for children and can be a great
addition in kid’s gardens. The convenience of having lemon balm as medicine for
the family in your own yard is a blessing, especially when anyone gets sick or
irritable. Fresh lemon balm tea is so delicious and has a myriad of uses: I drink it or pour it in the bath for winding down for the evening, for relieving stress and anxiety, for easing cold and flu symptoms, to help peak fevers, to soothe digestive discomfort, to calm irritability and agitation, and to
improve focus. The tea is cooling for the body, and makes a lovely iced tea to take the edge off the
summer heat; I most enjoy it as a moon tea or sun tea for this purpose. I even use some of the larger sprigs in my herbal bouquets for a
refreshing aroma, switching them out as they wilt since they tend to not be
long lasting like other flowers.
 |
| Rosemary in flower |
Rosemary
(Rosmarinus
officinalis)
Family:
Mint (Lamiaceae)
Common Varieties:
Tuscan Blue, Madeline Hill, Arp, Majorcan, Spice Islands
Characteristics
& Care: Perennial; Semi-woody shrub; Zones 8-11; Drought tolerant;
Frost resistant
Rosemary grows anywhere between 1-6 feet tall depending on the variety and growing conditions. Smaller varieties may grow only 1-2 feet wide, while larger varieties can grow much larger over time and will slowly fill in a garden bed or planter, if you allow it. Some rosemary varieties are lower growing and can be used as a ground cover. All varieties have the needle-like leaves; most have little blue or purple flowers, while some can have pink or whitish flowers. The flowers bloom when the nights are cool in early-mid spring and usually again in fall.
Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean region and prefers warm, moderately dry climates; however, it can do well in other zones if you help
ensure it has well drained soil, plenty of sun, and limited exposure to extremely cold temperatures. It can handle some snow, such as found in zones west of the Cascades in the Pacific northwest, but gardeners in the midwest and east coast report rosemary may not survive when the temperature dips below 10 degrees F. Rosemary grows largest and best when grown outdoors directly in the ground. That said, it can grow well in a container, and you can consider growing it indoors in a sun room or next to a large sun-facing window. If you live where there is extreme
rain or snow, your rosemary may be happier if you grow it in a container that you can bring indoors for the winter. When growing Rosemary, remember the
general rule of thumb, “less is more rosemary”. Rosemary does not like to be fertilized or over watered so it
does best if you only water it as needed and avoid or limit watering during the rainy season.
How to
Plant/Propagate: Rosemary is most easily started from stem cuttings. To start your own, begin by cutting off the top 3-4 inches of a fresh rosemary sprig. Take your cutting and strip the leaves of the bottom 1-2 inches of the sprig, which will expose a few nodes on the stem. Since
rosemary has a woodier stem, which can take longer to root than tender stems, I dip the sprig in a
natural kelp or white willow bark rooting solution (see recipes below) for
faster results. Next, fill a 4-inch pot with potting soil and gently
water until moist. I usually water with the rooting solution tea to
encourage healthier root growth. Poke a hole in the soil and place the
rosemary sprig into it so that the stripped stem is below the soil and all the leaves are above the soil. Fill in soil around the sprig and gently pat down the soil in the pot so there are no air pockets and the sprig is supported by the soil. Water your cutting in, making sure to moisten the leaves as you water.
Keep your new plant in a warm and well-ventilated place until roots form, and allow it to become well established before transplanting it into the ground, a planter, or a larger pot. Space each plant at least 1-2 feet apart, depending on how large you want your rosemary to grow. Make sure soil is well drained but stays moist until roots become established, then water as needed.
Keep your new plant in a warm and well-ventilated place until roots form, and allow it to become well established before transplanting it into the ground, a planter, or a larger pot. Space each plant at least 1-2 feet apart, depending on how large you want your rosemary to grow. Make sure soil is well drained but stays moist until roots become established, then water as needed.
Companion Planting:
Rosemary grows well with other drought tolerant plants desiring similar sun and soil conditions. I like to grow it near other sun-loving mint family and
Mediterranean plants. Some plants I often grow with rosemary include thyme, oregano, marjoram, sage,
lavender, peppermint, spearmint, hyssop, bee balm, lemon balm, calendula, and California
poppy.
Tips for Pruning
& Harvesting: Rosemary likes mild pruning throughout
the season, so graze it as needed. I try to aim for grazing around 10% to
encourage new healthy growth regularly and cutting no more than 25% for more
moderate pruning. Rosemary can be pruned before the winter months but refrain
from pruning too much; otherwise, the plant may not return as strongly. Rosemary can be valuable medicine through the winter months, since
it is one of the few plants which can continue to grow during the cold season.
Herbal/Medicinal Preparations:
Tea, Tincture, Syrups, Vinegar Infusions, Honey Infusions, Oils, Salves, Liniments, Respiratory Steams, Facial
Steams, Herbal and Bath Salt Blends, Body Scrubs, Lotions, Hair and Scalp
Oil, Hair and Scalp Vinegar Rinses, Aromatherapy, and more.
Culinary Uses:
Rosemary has a unique, easily recognized flavor. Many would
describe its taste as sharp, bitter, pungent and earthy. It is strong and a
little goes a long way, especially when using the fresh needles/sprigs. It
pairs well with other Italian spices such as thyme, oregano, marjoram, sage,
parsley, bay, garlic, or onion. Sprinkle a little in any
Italian or pasta dish, potato dishes, soups, stews,
beans, grains, sautéed vegetables, baked breads, or meat. Mix it in cheese spreads, or infuse it in butter or oil and use as a spread or as an addition to other savory or sweet dishes. I love the flavor in my
pickled or fermented vegetables and greens. Rosemary compliments barbecued and grilled
food and the stalks can be stripped to be used as skewers on the barbecue. Its antioxidant and anti-microbial quality helps to preserve food and
meats. The flowers make a colorful and spicy
addition to salad, stir fries, bakes goods, cheese and dip spreads, and more.
Benefits of Growing
Rosemary:
Rosemary is easily one of the top three most used and most versatile
herbs in my garden. I love to inhale the aroma when walking by and I value how its sweet little
flowers attract bees to the garden. The sprigs can be harvested year round when you desire a little pick-me-up and need to enhance
concentration, memory or mental alertness. Rosemary stimulates circulation and eases
pain, sore muscles, stiff joints and cramps. It is great for digestion, heart
health and is one of my go-to plants for colds, flu and respiratory
infections, especially when there is excess congestion and mucous needing to
be thinned and cleared out. It warms the body and has a motherly and comforting
energy. I really enjoy using fresh rosemary in decorative bundles, wreaths, and floral bouquets.
Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)
Family:
Mint (Lamiaceae)
Characteristics
& Care: Perennial; Herbaceous; Zones- 4-8
 |
| Skullcap |
Growing about 8-24 inches high, skullcap has small light blue flowers that bloom throughout the summer months. If you look closely, the flowers resemble
tiny skulls wearing hats, hence its name, Skullcap.
This meadow plant loves moist soil and prefers to grow near running water, streams,
rivers, or in marshy lands in full sun or partial shade. It grows in
clumps and should be planted 12 inches apart in well drained but moist soil.
How to
Plant/Propagate: I mainly propagate skullcap using plant divisions, like with many other mints, but
you can also start plants from seed. For best success, cold-stratify the seeds at least 1 week before sowing. Once sown, the seeds should germinate within 2 weeks.
For best results, germinate your seeds inside and transplant them after the
last frost. Skullcap grows well in the ground or in containers - the key is to keep the soil
moist.
Companion Planting:
I like to plant skullcap with other relaxing plants such as chamomile, lemon balm,
feverfew, catnip, or valerian. It may grow well with other low growing mints
but you may need to contain them so they do not completely take over the less
aggressively-growing skullcap.
Tips for Pruning
& Harvesting: Harvest the
aerial parts when in full bloom by cutting the stem about three inches above the soil. Skullcap is best used fresh when preparing tinctures or other preparations. If you'd like to dry some for tea, bundle a few
sprigs to hang-dry or strip the leaves and spread them evenly on a screen or in
a basket in a well-ventilated place away from moisture and sunlight.
 |
| Skullcap |
Herbal/Medicinal
Preparations: Tea, Tincture, Glycerite, Vinegar, Syrups, Foot Baths, and more.
Culinary Uses:
Skullcap does not have many culinary uses; however, I will use skullcap in my
relaxing, digestive and cold/flu/fever tea blends combined with yummy
herbs to improve its bitter taste. I also use the tea as a liquid base in stress
smoothies or popsicles, especially for kids when they get sick or are overly
anxious or hyper-active.
Benefits of Growing
Skullcap:
This calming nervine not only takes the edge off stress and anxiety, but also nourishes and restores the
nervous system, increasing our resilience. While not sedating, it can aid
with insomnia by restoring our natural rhythms when they're impacted by daily stress and
worries, over-exhaustion, or an overactive mind. It
is a calming digestive aid and body wide helps reduce pain, inflammation, tension, cramps,
spasms and twitching. It can be beneficial for women’s reproductive health but
should be avoided during pregnancy. Skullcap is beneficial for aiding with addiction
and withdrawal symptoms from alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. It may also help to prevent seizures. Skullcap is an herb I use
in a foot bath to help peak fevers, especially for children. Grow your own skullcap and only buy it from trusted suppliers to avoid potential issues with adulteration of commercial supplies.
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)
Family: Honeysuckle
(Caprifoliaceae)
Characteristics
& Care: Perennial; Herbaceous; Zones 4-7
 |
| Valerian |
Valerian grows 3-6 feet tall; support the delicate stalks with stakes to prevent them from falling over. Its tiny, fragrant white and pale pink flowers grow in fluffy clusters. They bloom in late spring and through
most the summer, attracting many bees and butterflies. Valerian spreads itself very
easily by seed; the tiny flowers develop into seeds with parachutes that float easily in the wind, and the heavy flower heads often fall over and
spread their seeds in a circle around the mother plant. Valerian prefers moist soil and enjoys growing near
ponds, lakes and streams. Water it well and frequently to prevent
drying out, especially in the warmer summer months. It prefers temperate
climates and partial shade but can handle full sun.
How to
Plant/Propagate:
Valerian has a quick germination rate of 7-10 days and is an
easy plant to start from seed, especially for beginners. You can sow the
seeds directly into the ground in early spring, thinning the plants as they grow. Or, use a seed tray and transplant the baby plants into the ground, planter or pot, spaced 12-15
inches apart. You can easily collect the seeds in fall to give away or plant the
next season, but once you allow valerian to go to seed in your garden, you
should have no problem getting an abundance of plants to return on their own.
You can also plant what is called the root ball of Valerian, or the mass formed by the roots of the plant and soil around them. When I harvest
Valerian I will sometimes trim off the smaller rootlets and replant the main part
of the root ball back into the ground so it may return, or, I'll give it away to
friends so they can easily introduce Valerian into their garden.
Keep in mind cats love valerian and experience it much like catnip. I grow separate valerian for my cat so that he leaves some plants for me to use. He will lay between the plants and dig at the soil to expose the root bulb, chewing it and rubbing his face all over it. He sometimes goes a little crazy at first, but then gets quite dopey and falls asleep in the plants. If you have cats, consider growing Valerian along with catnip or cat mint in a little cat garden. If you want to deter cats from digging and laying in your valerian, try arranging larger rocks around the plants to barricade them.
Keep in mind cats love valerian and experience it much like catnip. I grow separate valerian for my cat so that he leaves some plants for me to use. He will lay between the plants and dig at the soil to expose the root bulb, chewing it and rubbing his face all over it. He sometimes goes a little crazy at first, but then gets quite dopey and falls asleep in the plants. If you have cats, consider growing Valerian along with catnip or cat mint in a little cat garden. If you want to deter cats from digging and laying in your valerian, try arranging larger rocks around the plants to barricade them.
Companion Planting:
I like to plant valerian near other nervine plants which prefer moist soil such
as lemon balm, skullcap, chamomile, California poppy, or vervain.
Tips for Pruning
& Harvesting: I personally do not prune my valerian plants much until after the plant has gone to seed, at which point I'll cut the
plants back for winter. If you'd like to harvest flowering stalks for floral bouquets and
culinary décor, just cut the stalk at an angle at the desired
length. If you cut the flowers just above the lower nodes or buds, you can
continue to get more flowers on that same stalk.
The roots of the Valerian plant are used for
medicinal preparations, and are best harvested in the fall and
early spring. To harvest, dig up the entire plant, cut the leaves and stems off and compost them, then wash
the dirt off the roots. Cut off the smaller rootlets, then either replant
the root ball if you desire, or break the root ball up into smaller pieces so
it is easier to clean and chop up. Use the fresh root to make medicinal preparations or
dry the roots on a screen (preferred) or basket lined with an open paper bag. Place the screen or basket to dry
in a well ventilated area away from moisture and sunlight.
Herbal/Medicinal
Preparations: Tea or Decoction, Tincture, Syrups, Vinegar
Infusions, Honey Infusion, Topical oils, salves and balms
Culinary Uses:
Use the flowers to decorate baked
goods, salads, appetizer platters, jello, or other goodies.
Benefits of Growing
Valerian:
Valerian root is not commonly enjoyed for its flavor as the roots
have a very bitter and earthy taste. Fortunately, valerian medicine is very
strong and a little goes a long way, so we do not need much of it to
receive its sedating and pain relieving effects. It can prepared as tea, but most
do not enjoy drinking it unless it is combined with yummy herbs
such as chamomile, linden, rose, ginger, etc. and/or has been sweetened with
honey. Tincture and syrups seem to be the most preferred medicinal preparations
for internal use. Many people notice valerian extracts made with the fresh root instead of dry are is less likely to cause the groggy feelings or “valerian hangover” that people experience sometimes after consuming this plant.
I also like to use the freshly wilted or dry root to make an
infused oil, salve or balm to be used topically for pain, cramps, spasms,
tension, stress and anxiety. It is great for rubbing on sore and tired feet
especially before bed to aid with falling asleep and reduce the
frequency of waking up throughout the night.
Borage (Borago officinalis)
Family: Borage
or Forget-me-not family (Boraginaceae)
Other Common Names:
Star flower
Characteristics
& Care: Annual, Zones 8-10
 |
| Borage |
This Mediterranean native plant continues to grow throughout
the summer and fall months, creating little star shaped flowers which bloom
most the year, attracting many beneficial bees and insects into the garden.
Borage will benefit from having a little extra space in the garden as it may
spread over as much as 3 square feet. It typically gets about 3 feet tall
and should be planted about 24 inches apart. It grows well in the ground,
a planter, or in a pot. Plant it in full sun or partial shade, and keep the soil
moist with moderate watering.
How to
Plant/Propagate:
Sow the seeds directly into the ground in spring or
start them indoors and transplant them outside after the last frost has passed.
Borage can be a little finicky after being transplanted and tends to not like
being moved much so plant it wisely. It will also take over as it self-seeds, so consider planting it alongside other vigorous and competing weeds. It is especially nice for the wild and overgrown garden. Alternatively, plant it between food or herb crops to deter harmful
insects and attract beneficial ones.
Companion Planting:
Borage is a wonderful companion plant and addition to any
garden. It helps protect many herbs but is
praised for being helpful companions
to strawberries, the brassica family (cauliflower, broccoli, kale, cabbage, etc.),
spinach, legumes, etc. It is also said to be a good companion plant for
tomatoes because the mother moths of the tomato hornworm will lay their eggs in
the borage plant instead. It attracts beneficial predatory insects and bees
while deterring many harmful pests. 
Tips for Pruning &
Harvesting:
I end up not pruning my borage much and I tend to let it
grow a little wild, harvesting leaves and flowers as needed, especially for
culinary use. I do cut larger branches as they become heavy and are ready to
break and fall. I strip the leaves off those branches to use medicinally or as
an edible green. The optimal time to harvest the leaves and flowers is
when the seeds are green and just starting to form. When harvesting the flowers,
carefully pick them by gently pinching them between your thumb and
pointer finger and tug or pluck them off the plant. I also collect the
flowers which naturally fall off the plant if they are still clean and
pristine.
Herbal/Medicinal
Preparations: Tea, Tincture, Vinegar Infusion, Syrups,
Elixirs, Honey Infusions, Crystallized (preserved or candied) Flowers
Culinary Uses:
All aerial parts of borage are edible. The
leaves can be used just like spinach or kale, and
have a mild cucumber-like flavor. Especially when young and tender, they are delicious added to stir
fries, sautéed veggies, baked salads, raw salads, soups, stews, green
smoothies and more. As the leaves mature, they become more rough and fuzzy so you
may wish to blanch, cook, or puree them before eating.
The sweet little flowers are delicious to eat right off the plant. They are tasty enough that children enjoy picking the
delicate flowers and munching on them while they play in the garden. I add the
flowers to my raw salads and as a garnish on my baked salads or sautéed veggies.
Heat does damage the flowers wilt and fade them, so I use them fresh. The blue flowers will store in a jar or
Tupperware container in the fridge for up to a week; alternately, candy the flower to preserve them and retain their color. The flowers beautifully decorate desserts and baked goods.
Benefits of Growing
Borage:
Borage is a nourishing plant filled with various vitamins and
minerals. It benefits women and supports reproductive
health, PMS symptoms, menopause, thyroid health, and more. It calms and restores the nervous
system and tonifies the adrenals, supporting those experiencing exhaustion. It brings a lovely
energy to the garden along with the bees and beneficial insects. Borage flowers
are rich nectar sources for our depleting bee
populations and to encourage the honey supply. Borage was used during ancient
wars to inspire bravery and courage, so you may hear the phrase, “Borage for Courage” among the herbal
community. Whenever I feel the need for
some courage and strength, I hang out with my Borage plants and snack on their
flowers, embracing the flow of courage from within.
 |
| Bee collecting borage nectar |
DIY Recipes to
Naturally Care for Your Garden
White Willow Bark Rooting
Solution/Tea
Gently simmer 1 heaping tsp of willow bark chips per 8
ounces of water, covered, for 10-15 minutes. Allow the infusion to sit until
it cools to room temperature (or up to 12 hours for a stronger infusion), then strain and store in the fridge for up to two days. Use your preparation to pre-soak for the cuttings for a minute or two before planting, or to water the soil after planting. White willow bark
is naturally high in B-vitamins which stimulates root growth.
Kelp Solution (for
rooting, foliar spraying & watering)
Follow the same instructions as above using kelp to make your
own kelp solution. I find that I use it so often that purchasing an organic kelp
concentrate is more convenient for me. I follow the instructions on the bottle for
making a rooting solution, a foliar spray, or watering solution. Kelp to nourishes the
plants with trace minerals and help prevent insect damage.
Herbal Compost Tea
Add this tea solution into your compost pile to nourish and
activate it, or use it as a natural fertilizer when watering your plants.
8 cups fresh nettle leaves (or 4 cups if using dried leaves)
8 cups fresh comfrey leaves (or 4 cups if using dried
leaves)
8 cups fresh horsetail branches and/or stalks (or 4 cups if using
dried)
2 cups kelp granules, flakes or powder
Add herbs into a 5-gallon bucket and cover with moderately warm
water. Allow the herbs to infuse for 4-8 hours, then pour the entire contents into your compost
or use the infusion to water plants. You can ferment the solution for by adding air stones
which oxygenate the solution and speed fermentation of beneficial bacteria.
Store the solution outside and use within 1-2 weeks.
Anti-fungal Baking
Soda Garden Spray
1 tsp of baking soda
1 tsp of natural dishwashing liquid (avoid degreasing
ingredients which can harm the plants)
1 quart warm water (replace with horsetail tea decoction for
added benefits)
Add all ingredients into a spray bottle and mix well. Spray
the plant thoroughly, making sure to fully cover the entire plant, especially
under the leaves. Repeat every 3 days or as needed to prevent and reduce
powdery mildew and wash away insects like aphids.
Horsetail Spray
¼ cup dried horsetail or ½ cup fresh horsetail needles
1 gallon of water
 |
| Horsetail |
Simmer the horsetail in the water on the stove, covered, for
20-30 minutes. Remove from heat and allow it to cool overnight or up to 12
hours. Strain and add ¼-1/2 cup of the horsetail tea into a spray bottle with
12-14 ounces of water. Spray your plants to reduce or prevent various plant
fungal diseases including powdery mildew, leaf spots, botrytis, or other pathogens. Store
excess tea in the fridge, or cover and set outside and allow it to ferment while
you use it as needed. I also periodically add the horsetail tea into my
watering solution for an extra nutrient boost.
Horsetail is high in silica which help strengthen the
integrity of the plant cells, especially in the early stages of growth. Foliar spraying with horsetail can create healthier stems, stalks and leaf
structure while improving the plants ability to absorb nutrients and water.
When the plants are strong and healthy, they are more resilient and less
susceptible to disease and pests.
*If you don’t have horsetail you can try using nettle or
comfrey, both of which are also great for nourishing other plants.
Anti-fungal Neem
Spray
Use 100% cold pressed organic Neem oil. Gently warm the
container in hot water to make the thick neem oil easier to blend (natural
separation occurs), pour, and mix. A foliar neem spray helps deter harmful
insects that eat plants and prevent fungal growth. If you use neem in your
watering solution it will absorb into the plant systemically and affect the
predatory bugs as they eat the plant, and will deter them. It can also help reduce
insect egg populations in the soil.
1 tbsp of Neem Oil
1 tbsp of a gentle dish soap (avoid degreasers)
1 gallon of warm water
Optional: Add 1 tbsp of baking soda for added benefits
against powdery mildew
Pour warm-hot water into a foliar sprayer or container for
watering. Add the neem and soap. Soap will help the neem disperse evenly
throughout the water. If you still see neem oil floating on the surface, add a
little more soap and mix. Repeat until all neem is mixed throughout the water.
Add baking soda if needed and shake until mixed well. Spray or water optimally in the
cool, early morning, or alternatively in the early evening. Try to
make sure plants can dry before night fall to help prevent rust, rot and mildew,
while being mindful to avoid the late afternoon sun which can burn the leaves.
Some plants may be sensitive to neem oil so test the foliage first by spraying or applying
the solution on a leaf and waiting 12-24 hours. If there does not seem to be
any damage or burning on the leaves, then your solution should be safe to use.
If there is damage you can try a higher dilution or avoid the neem and use
other natural deterrents instead.
Herbal Gardening
Resources:
Homegrown Herbs: A Complete Guide to Growing, Using and
Enjoying More than 100 Herbs
By: Tammi Tartung
*Zone and specific
growing conditions for the plants discussed in this article were referenced
from this book. Many of the natural recipes for caring for your garden also have
been inspired by the information and recommendations in this book.
The Medicinal Herb Grower (Volume 1)
by Richo Cech
Growing At-risk Medicinal Herbs (Second Edition)
by Richo Cech
Gardening Know How
Has information and considerations for growing herbs and
food, naturally treating pest, general gardening tips, soil, composting,
building beds, designing your garden and more.
Companion Planting
Here are some charts and lists of companion plants and how
they can benefit the garden
Strictly Medicinal Seeds (Horizon Herbs)
Source on the Pacific Northcoast for organic seeds and plant
starts
Seed Savers Exchange
Source for organic and heirloom seeds
Herb Society of America
United Plant Savers
A non-profit organization founded by Herbalist, Rosemary
Gladstar, which preserves endangered and threatened species of herbs in their
wild habitat and creates botanical sanctuaries to preserve the environments for
these diminishing botanicals to thrive. They have newsletters and resources to
educate others about the importance of growing your herbs, especially the
common herbs which are heavily used and becoming endangered in their wild
habitat. They also provide free seeds in spring and plant starts in fall for
members.
About the Author:
Candice Brunlinger has
been studying and practicing herbal healing since 2004. Her interests include
incorporating plant medicine as a way of living, making herbal remedies,
cooking, growing herbs, gardening, teaching, writing and being a mom. She
teaches for the Northwest School of Botanical Studies & Humboldt Herbals,
Volunteers as a farm Herbalist, has a small clinical practice and an herbal
product line, Herbal Infusions.
You can visit her Nourishing Herbs blog
or become a member of her facebook group Herbal Living.
 |
| Candice Brunlinger at Pacific Botanical Farm |
No comments:
Post a Comment