It appears that this will be the year I get the herb bed really established. I found a new company, Companion Plants, that I really like. They ship a good quality product with reasonable shipping. This means I have added many new plants to my herb bed. This is the beginning of the herb bed I have always dreamed of. I hope in the next few years it will mature and be self-sustaining. We have future plans to increase some of these plants in larger patches in other locations. Here is the tour with a brief description of each.
Comfrey. I had already obtained five new roots, but I added a couple more. Now I have eight established comfrey plants to harvest for animal feed supplement, as well as medicinal uses.
Marshmallow. Tender leaves can be used in spring salads. Roots, flowers, dried or fresh.
Wild yams. Fresh or dried root decoction.
Camphor wormwood. Insect repellent and animal wormer. It also doesn't get along with other plants very well, so it needs a corner of it's own.
Bergamot (monarda fistulosa) and Bee Balm (monarda didyma). Leaves and flowers, fresh, cooked or dried for tea. Attracts pollinators.
Anise hyssop. Seeds whole or crushed. Leaves for salad
Uva ursi. Leaves, berries for infusions.
Butterflyweed. Just because it's pretty. Attracts pollinators.
Angelica. Roots, stems or leaves, dried or fresh.
English lavender. Flowers and leaves for infusions or oils.
Mexican marigold. Leaves, fresh or dried, flowers for dye.
Wild ginger. Roots, dried or fresh.
Ground nuts (apios americana). Tuber, protein, starch, isoflavones
The old and new hops now have another permanent home. I had originally put them on the west side of the old shed. When Frank tore it down, I dug up the old plant and put it in a pot on the porch for a while. I ordered two more plants, and now all three are residing on the west side of this shed and doing well. They have been joined by a clematis that needed a new home as well.
Sweet, edible bamboo in it's new location. Some of it died while it was in a pot on the porch during the winter, but it's started sending up new shoots again. This should be a good spot for it to spread and grow.
Our new batch of sun chokes, or Jerusalem artichokes. They are doing very well.
Our old patch of sun chokes are also growing well this year. They need to lose a few weeds and pesky scrub growth, but that will have to wait for another day.
The meadowsweet we planted back in the winter is doing well beside the branch here. I've tried to locate a few companions for this plant, but haven't found any yet. I have some seeds as well, but haven't had the time to start any seedlings lately.
Roses. I had some in a pot on the porch for a while, and finally decided where to put them. In the meantime, I found a good sale and ordered more. So far, so good. If they're going to be very picky, they won't make it. Most plants have to be pretty hardy to make it around here. I like to call it loving neglect. I love to have them around, but they have to stand some neglect.
I grow all of these things for specific reasons. If you are interested in any of them, or curious why I grow them, do some research and see what they can be used for. I have spent many hours reading and researching. Some of these plants may never be used for my intended purpose, but they are here if I want them. Using herbs for anything except culinary purposes is frowned upon in many circles. If you choose to use them, research them thoroughly first. Make wise, informed decisions about your own health and the health of your family. Along the way I will share some of the things we are doing, like feeding comfrey to the chickens and goats. The rest is up to you.
There are many different things we can grow that are fairly self-sustaining, even if they are somewhat neglected. We try to find ways to tuck in some plants that will produce in spite of us. They may provide a source of food, nutrients and/or possible medicine if the time comes that they are needed. And besides all that, it makes for another spot of beauty that surrounds us. Learn about and work at whatever needs doing around your place. It is time that is never wasted.
Until next time - Fern
I've been working on my 'Herb Bed Harvest' data so I can keep track of when to harvest my medicinal and culinary herbs. As I read and write, I keep running across herbs that are good for anxiety, nervousness and stress. This makes me think of the things happening in the world that are adding to our uneasiness. So, even though I have not tried these remedies, I wanted to share this information with you.
In no particular order, here are some herbs you may find of interest.
- Catnip - infusion from dried leaves can be used for a digestive aid, tonic, sleeping aid, a mild nightcap; not for pregnant women
- Chamomile - infusion for insomnia
- Basil - infusion of dried leaves for nervous headaches, anxiety
- Hops - make a sachet of dried herbs and put inside your pillowcase or infusion before bedtime for stress, anxiety, tension and headaches
- Lemon Balm - infusion for anxiety, depression, tension, restlessness, irritability
- Valerian - roots used for chronic anxiety, insomnia, nervous exhaustion, premenstrual tension
- Oats - have many benefits and are good for depression, stress, nervous disorders
- Pumpkin seeds - high quantities of zinc, iron, calcium, B vitamins, proteins which help with brain functions and help deal with stress
There are many other herbal remedies that are indicated for stress, nervous tension and insomnia, but I wanted to stick with some basic, mostly familiar choices. I find if I try to branch out too far, I don't get anywhere. If you try to do too much at one time, you can get overwhelmed real quick. So, here is some very basic information that can form a foundation for further research and experimentation.
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| Planting chamomile |
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| Catnip |
Out of the plants I have listed, we have recently planted catnip and chamomile. We have used chamomile tea for years, but now we hope to grow our own. Catnip will be a new herb on our shelf.
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| Basil 2013 |
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| Lemon Balm 2014 |
We started basil and lemon balm last year. This will be our first year to harvest the lemon balm and the basil has yet to come up again.
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| Cushaw squash 2013 |
We don't grow oats or pumpkins, but we do grow other winter squashes. I know the goats and chickens will eat the seeds and we have roasted pumpkin seeds before. I haven't really thought of them as something I should consciously keep. This year I will share them with the animals, but keep some for us as well.
I started growing hops a couple of years ago. Then when we tore down the old shed, it had to move into a pot on the porch for a while. I have decided where it's new home will be, but it hasn't moved there yet. Most folks ask why I grow it, to make beer? No, for it's sedative properties. I know that times will get hard, and would like to have something available to help us weather those times a little easier.
I hope this gives you something to think about. What can you do naturally to decrease the stress of your family? What can you provide that is sustainable? When life becomes a matter of survival, having a few things on hand to help everyone relax a little may be a life saver. I don't think any of these remedies will come anywhere close to replacing prescription medications some folks take on a regular basis. But if a time comes where prescription medications are no longer available, or there is a long-term disruption of availability, some of these simple herbs may help in some small way.
Before you use any herbal remedies, you need to do your own research and form your own conclusions. This information is in no way a replacement for needed medical attention. Peaches are very good for you, but the pit can kill you. If you choose to add herbs to your medicine chest, do so with good common sense and a solid base of information. It's something to think about.
Until next time - Fern
