What is LAB?  LAB is short for Lactic Acid Bacteria.  In natural farming, it is one of the essential ingredients and one of the easiest to culture. See, lactic acid is bacteria is present everywhere in the air. It is not one specific type of bacteria rather a group. This group of bacterias is the workhorses behind some of our favorite pickled products, including kimchi and sauerkraut.  LAB is also responsible and used to make cheese, yogurt, butter, and sour cream.

Notice all of the foods listed are all said to be rich in probiotics, and we have been told a diet rich in these foods can improve our gut health by introducing microbes.  This does not just apply to humans, and you can give LAB to livestock.  Ingesting food or water mixed with LAB helps increase the health of livestock animals.

Now when it comes to gardening, LAB is dope!  These fast-growing microorganisms have a high tolerance to acidic environments and can outcompete many other bacteria in nature which helps to inhibit pathogen growth.  That’s right.  They help to stop the spread of diseases.  Whether you apply the diluted lab as a foliar feed or a soil drench, this happens.

Adding the diluted mixture to the soil helps aid in the decomposition process.  These Microorganisms help jumpstart the whole decomposition process.  So adding the diluted LAB to a compost pile or directly to the garden bed will help strengthen the soil food web by aiding in the decomposition process.  This process also helps unlock nutrients and makes them more accessible by the plants’ roots.  This helps improve the tilth of the garden.  The LAB helps aid in the decomposition process, which strengthens the soil food web helping to improve the soil texture.

How To Supercharge Your Garden with LAB

When the mixture is used as a foliar feed, leafy greens can produce bigger, brighter colored leaves.  Pay close attention to the ratio used when diluting the LAB mixture.  Applying a too strong mixture can burn the leaves or even cause them to curl up.  Also, applying a foliar spray to leaves or stems can help make the plant more pest and disease resistant.  The microbes from the lab occupy the space on the stems and leaves, leaving no room for the pathogens.

If you use LAB in gardening, you need to pay close attention to the dilution ratio.  You are told to mix LAB serum at 1000:1.   If you look at that ratio and say WTF, understand this, a little goes a long way.  That works out to be roughly one teaspoon per gallon.  You will be ecstatic when you see how easy it is to make and how much you yield.  You know how to make LAB, right?  Read here.

I am looking forward to gardening this season. This time, I try to make a switch to being more than just organic. I mean, organic is cool, but what’s the next level beyond that? The answer, Natural Farming.

There is nothing more vital than excellent organic nitrogen sources during the vegetative state.  If you are growing synthetically, you can just grab any fertilizer and apply it with no extra thought. But, if you are growing organically, I hope everyone reading this is, you have a more difficult choice for organic nitrogen sources.  

Nitrogen is the macronutrient directly related to overall plant growth. Read more about the macronutrients here. Nitrogen is directly responsible for leafy green growth. If you are growing heavy-feeding vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, squash, melons, or anything like that, you need to make sure you have ample amounts of nitrogen. This nitrogen is what in turn supplies your plants with the required nutrients for optimal growth and fruit/vegetable production. Also, leafy greens like lettuce and spinach benefit from high nitrogen levels in the soil.  

When it comes to organic nitrogen sources, we can separate them into three categories: animal-based, plant-based, or manure-based.

While each category provides nitrogen, some types act faster and last longer than others. For heavy feeding plants, try a combination of two or three of these nitrogen sources. For example, I always add a handful of plant-based nitrogen fertilizer to the planting hole when planting tomatoes. This fertilizer acts as an early-season nitrogen source for the plants and an animal-based Nitrogen source that acts as a slow-release fertilizer feeding the plant late in the season.

1. Animal-based Nitrogen Sources

Animal-based nitrogen sources are incredibly high in Nitrogen and the fastest acting. Initially, they quickly release nutrients into the soil and then slowly break down over time. If you are a vegan gardener or opposed to animal byproducts, this category is not for you. 

Warning, these fertilizers can burn or damage small or delicate plants and their roots. Make sure to work the fertilizer into the soil, and do not simply sprinkle it on the soil and leave it there. I have the best performance from these fertilizers when I add them during cool season growing months such as the fall and winter. 

Application

Since some of these fertilizers can burn plants, I recommend applying this fertilizer to the soil before planting. If you must use it during the growing season, try side dressing or creating a liquid fertilizer and apply it foliarly.   

PROS

• Fast Acting 
• Slow-release of nitrogen source over time 
• Most extended-lasting organic nitrogen source- Animal-based organic fertilizers can last for up to 12 months
• The highest source of organic Nitrogen 

CONS

• Has the ability to burn or damage small plants 
• Animal-based fertilizers have the potential to attract garden pests such as rats, opossums, raccoons, and other visitors
• Made as a byproduct from different industries that include animals. Therefore, vegan gardeners may be opposed to applying this to their garden, 

2. Plant-based Nitrogen Sources

Plant-based fertilizers are an excellent fast-acting nitrogen source. Unlike animal-based nitrogen sources, these will not attract unwanted visitors to your garden. These tend to be less concentrated than animal or manure-based fertilizers, so be prepared to apply at a higher rate.  

These fertilizers only work when the soil is warm, so it is best to apply them during the spring and summer. The reason they only work during these times is that they rely on members of the soil food web to help release their nutrients into the soil

PROS

• Less likely to burn your plants 
• Hard to over-fertilize due to their less concentrated nature 
• Will not attract unwanted visitors to the garden 
• Balanced fertilizers that also supply small amounts of phosphorus, potassium, and Nitrogen 
• Vegan 

CONS

• Only applicable when the soil temperature is over 50 F
• Not as long-lasting as other nitrogen sources 
• Since they are less concentrated, you will need to apply more to your garden to receive benefits 

3. Manure-based Nitrogen Sources

Manure-based fertilizers are a great source of organic Nitrogen.  When it comes to the concentration level, they are more concentrated than plant-based but not as concentrated as animal-based nitrogen sources.  Manure-based nitrogen fertilizers are some of my favorites because you can create them at home.  This fertilizer is the main reason I have chickens in my garden, and I create a closed-loop ecosystem right in my garden.  I feed and house the chickens, and they reward me with fertilizer.  

PROS

• Easily sourced
• Fast-acting and long-lasting 
• Great nitrogen source to make teas and other foliar sprays with 

CONS

• Must be composted for extended periods to kill disease-causing organisms
• Not vegan 

As a beginner gardener, the term frost dates is often heard or seen. Every seed catalog or website you come across will have these two terms first frost date and last frost date. These terms are essential for gardeners. Misinterpret or neglect this information, and you run the risk of reduced or decreased harvest, stunted growth, or even worse, killing your plants. Your frost date is determined by where you live. Each USDA gardening zones frost dates differ. Since we are talking about nature, it is difficult, if not impossible, to be exact. So when it comes to these dates, use them as a guideline. To be safe, add two weeks in each direction.

What are Frost Dates?

It’s important to know that there are two: first frost date and last frost date.

The First Frost Date or FFD is the first day you can expect a frost in your garden. Why is this essential? Armed with this information, we can work backward from this date and ensure that we are planting things at the right time to ensure a harvest. While some plants can withstand or benefit from frost or freezes, this is not true for everything. So this first frost date helps us plan and execute our fall gardening. We know when to plant with this information, ensuring plants have ample time to produce. 

The Last Frost Date or LFD is the last day to expect a frost. So knowing your LFD will help you prepare for spring. Using this information to help plan for the garden Most spring plants except for cucumbers and other squash need a minimum of 8 weeks before they are ready for the garden.   So knowing the LFD, we can work backward eight weeks and make sure that we have enough time to start our seeds and have healthy transplants. 

With gardening, timing is vital Plant broccoli at the wrong time, and it won’t form a proper size head Lettuce too late in the season, and it will bolt before you have a chance to make a salad. 

Armed with this knowledge, you are now ready to plan your garden and start your seeds. Hopefully, this helps you feel more confident getting your hands dirty and out in the garden.

Don’t forget the motto; JUST GROW IT!

Check your Frost Dates here.

Most medicinal and gourmet mushrooms are grown on mushroom blocks. Nowadays more and more people are realizing the power of mushrooms. That means there are more people than ever growing these mushrooms. Dope, I know! The medicinal and gourmet mushroom industry has more than doubled in the past 5 years. 

What are mushroom blocks?

Mushrooms blocks are made from a form of carbon rich substrate that the mushroom mycelium can feed on and colonize.The most common substrate mix is known as the “Master’s Mix”, created by TR Davis from Earth Angel Mushrooms. You combine hardwood pellets and soybean hulls in a specific ratio. You could also use things like straw, wheat, oat husks, coffee grounds.

After sourcing your carbon source, you sterilize it, to kill off any pathogens. Next, you add mycelium to the blocks and allow it time to grow or colonize. When the mycelium has had time to colonize these blocks, you introduce them to proper conditions and then they fruit or produce mushrooms.

 Often time growers will dispose of the blocks after one growing period, even though you can fruit the same block multiple times. This is because you usually get your biggest harvest on the first flush. After that, the spent mushroom blocks are thrown away. 

This spent mushroom substrate is gold. If you can get your hands on some you should. This substrate is a blend of natural products that work wonders on a garden. There are still nutrients in this substrate even though it is being thrown away.  What’s funny is most urban mushroom farmers do not have the necessary space to properly compost the spent mushroom blocks and are looking to get rid of it. They will often give it to you for free. It’s crazy you’re doing them a favor by taking it.That’s because if left unattended it can attract fungus gnat and Trichoderma, which is an enemy of mushroom growing. These things have the potential to contaminate an entire operation.

Here are some potential ways to use mushroom blocks in an urban garden:

• Compost. Mushroom substrate is a top tier fungal dominated compost. Since mushrooms are fungus and we are inoculating and growing this fungus on these blocks. When composted these blocks produce a high quality fungal dominated compost.  And we all known the benefits of fungal compost vs bacterial compost, right?
• Mulch. By simply placing the spent blocks on the top of the soil they can act as a mulch, like compost. They can help keep weeds at bay and will continue to breakdown and feed the soil
• Animal feed. Some of the potential substrate components are already being used as forms of animal feed. Whether straw, oat husks, or soybean, the ingredients can already be fed to livestock. So, the added fungi will have no harm on the animals
• Biogas and energy. I have no firsthand experience with this. I have read stories about people using the spent substrate as an energy source for anaerobic fermenter.  Bacteria could be propagated with the purpose of ingesting the SMS and converting it into methane gas.  In theory, this sounds dope. 
• Bioremediation. There are many polluted sites and areas in the world. The way process of removing the toxins and revitalizing the land is called bioremediation. The SMS has the ability of absorbing pollutants. Then the microbes that inhabit the SMS could breakdown the absorbed pollutants as they work through the substrate.   

Water. Everything on this planet needs water. To a gardener, it is the most vital aspect of gardening to consider. You could have the ultimate gardening space, with ample sunlight and vasts amount of land, but without a water feature, it is worthless.  I have seen many available gardening plots in California that had incredible views and was right next to a vineyard with fertile soil. The only issue is there was no water available.  Water availability matters for plants but have you ever stopped to think about all of the beneficial insects and other animals that need just as much water as your plants, and maybe even more.

 

Gardeners often overlook leaving available water for beneficial insects and animals. We all know the importance of bringing beneficial insects to the garden. They help keep pests in check and help with pollination.  Make sure you think about how thirsty these garden heroes maybe after chasing down all of the thrips in your garden. What about a bee or wasp after they have spent countless hours helping to pollinate your garden, I’m sure they could use a drink.  

Setting Up Your Garden’s Water Feature

These reasons are why I recommend that every garden has some water feature. I’m not saying you need to go a build a lake or pond in your backyard. I know not everyone has available space like that.  Instead, consider some of these other options.

• Small Pond 
• Bird Feeder 
• ½ or ¼ of a wine barrel
• A pot with no drainage holes 
• A Bucket

When setting up your water feature, make sure the water is accessible to variously sized animals. Ensure your vessel can hold water, and that is not excessively deep. If the vessel you are using is deeper than bees or other pollinator’s legs are long, then consider having ledges or vegetation. Having multiple access points will ensure that no pollinator is left unable to access the water. Sometimes bees and other beneficial insects will be so thirsty that they attempt to access the water and end up drowning unsafely. Now, remember when setting up a water feature, insects like mosquitoes are known to lay eggs in stagnant and still water.  To avoid this, you have a couple of options:

First, add some fish to the container. Guppies or goldfish will suffice. Depending on the size of your water feature, you may even be able to add koi.  Regardless of the fish variety, they will feast on whatever larvae or eggs laid in the water.

Secondly, you could add a pump to cycle and move the water around.  Since insects, like mosquitoes, are attracted to and reproduce in still water, the pump pushing the water around will negate this.  Any water feature that has a fish can also benefit from adding a waterlily or other gog plant to a water feature. The bog plant will absorb the ammonia from the fish waste and help purify the water. Adding a waterlily is a way to handle two issues at once. The flowers from the waterlily are pollen-rich favorites of the honeybees, and other pollinators and the lilypads offer a landing and resting area for the pollinators to access the water.

 

 

I admit I am not too fond of modern medicine.  While I think it has a place, I believe that nature is amazing.  There are so many undiscovered plants that have the potential to possess many medicinal properties. There are also common medicinal plants that have been used since the beginning of time. These plethora of herbs have been talked about so much that I think people forget the power they possess. Or maybe the advancements in modern medicine have led us to believe that we don’t need herbal and natural medicine anymore. We should pay more attention to natural, holistic medicine. More research and conversations with people from indigenous cultures worldwide who have been practicing herbal medicine and passing the information down for generations need to happen. For thousands of years, many different civilizations cultivated these plants. With this article, we will discuss some plants to add to your gardening space to create your medicinal garden.  

Growing Common Medicinal Plants

If you wanted to get started with herbal medicine, or growing common medicinal plants, it is not difficult. You probably have some of these plants already growing in your garden. You would be surprised by some of the medicinal properties of the common herbs that most gardeners have. Here is a list of some of my favorite medicinal plants to grow in any garden. Hopefully, this information gets you interested in growing your medicinal garden or even just adding a few of these plants to your garden. Before you begin your garden, know that some of these plants can spread quickly throughout the planting area. Also, before planting, make sure you look at all of the medicinal benefits of the plants.  Do not plant them if you do not plan on using them. Many of my readers garden in an urban area with limited space, all of these varieties can be successfully grown in containers. While having all of these plants is unnecessary, I can’t see a garden space without a few of them.

Common Medicinal Plants and their Benefits

Calendula is grown for its bright flowers and has been since the beginning of time.  Throughout history, these flowers colored food and cosmetics and used for tea. The buds are resinous and possess medicinal properties.

• Oral Health. Gargling with calendula infused water can help reduce sore throat issues. Imagine the benefits of drinking a tea made from the flowers next time you have a sore throat?  Also, it’s said that ingesting calendula tea can help stop gingivitis.
• Infused calendula oil contains antibacterial, antifungal, antibiotic, and antiseptic
• Digestive aid. Tea made from the flowers is good for digestion. 
• Cancer-fighting. Calendula flowers are antioxidant-rich.  Some of these antioxidants are said to have anti-cancerous and anti-tumor properties.  
• Skin. Known for its healing properties, calendula is great for infusing oils to make salves, diaper rash crème, and other lotions.  

Chamomile is grown for its flowers.  A long time ago, people referred to chamomille as the herb that was capable of curing anything.  Nowadays, both the German and Roman varieties are grown.   An interesting fact is the two types are botanically unrelated.

• As a digestive aid, chamomille oil relaxes the muscle lining of the digestive tract and stomach muscles.
• It is believed that consuming chamomille oil may prevent stomach ulcers. 
• Are you looking for relief from menstrual cramp? Chamomile contains antispasmodics, which are known to relax the uterus and soothe menstrual cramps.
• Chamomile tea has a long history being of being used to aid in destressing and even to treat insomnia 
• For the skin, chamomile oil has been shown to reduce the healing time of burns, cuts, and scrapes.
• By stimulating the immune system’s production of white blood cells, chamomile is known for boosting your immune system’s health. 

Comfrey is a hairy leaf member of the borage family. Careful where you place it in your garden. Some people report that rubbing the leaves causes their skin to itch. I have not experienced this. Like other herbs on this list, this too has been used for centuries. For this plant, the roots and leaves contain the magic.

• Centuries ago, the leaves were applied to bruises, broken bones, cuts, and other minor wounds. Now comfrey is used to infuse oils and used in other skin products and used to treat the same kind of ailments
• Applying a cream, gel, or salve infused with comfrey oil has been shown to decrease joint pain and lower back pain.
• Use comfrey externally. There is debate on whether ingesting comfrey tea is safe. Centuries ago, people believed consuming comfrey tea would treat stomach issues, ulcers, bronchitis, and more. Since then, scientists discovered comfrey contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, compounds that can cause severe liver damage.
• Use comfrey leaves to create a nutrient-rich liquid fertilizer for your garden.  

Garlic is a member of the allium family. Historical records show people have used garlic since the beginning of time.  Most people don’t even think about garlic as a medicinal plant. They think about it solely as a culinary plant.  But remember, back in the day, people used medicinal plants in cooking to absorb as much of the healing powers as possible. Little did they know that cooking garlic destroys many of garlic’s healing properties.  So consuming raw is the preferred method.

• Garlic contains antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.When taken internally, garlic helps fight common colds and cases of flu.
• Garlic can help prevent heart disease 
• Strengthen the immune system
• Reduce high blood pressure 

Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean region. A member of the mint family, it is a hardy perennial. It does well when grown in containers or beds. With a distinct aroma from their oily leaves, rosemary is one of the most well-known scents. The ancient Greeks believed it improved their memories and spirits and used it as a symbol of love. 

• The leaves are the coveted parts 
• As a digestive aid, rosemary soothes the muscles in the stomach as well as the uterus.  
• Use rosemary for its decongestant properties.  You can unlock these properties by infusing the oil with sprigs from your garden or adding essential oils to your favorite carrier oil.  Apply the infused oil to the chest, under the nose, and neck area next time you feel congested
• Rosemary can be used as a preservative. Centuries ago, people found out wrapping meat with rosemary would help prolong the amount of time meat went rancid.  Keep this in mind during your next cookout.  A little more rosemary in your hamburger mix?
• Rosemary contains Antiviral, Antibacterial, and antifungal properties.  
• Rosemary is rich in antioxidants
• For topical applications, use rosemary essential or infused oils to aid with muscle or joint pain. 

Oregano is also a member of the mint family. Oregano, which is grown for its stems and leaves, is an herb that can take over your garden area.  With many different types and flavor profiles, there is oregano for everyone.

• Oregano contains two oils that possess similar properties as over-the-counter expectorants. A tea made from the leaves loosens phlegm from chest congestion.  Also, it is good for sore throats, coughing, bronchial problems, headaches, and swollen glands 
• As a digestive aid, oregano soothes the muscles in the stomach aiding in  indigestion and bloating 
• Oregano also contents high levels of varying antioxidants.
• Next time you have a cold, before reaching for the day quill, try consuming oregano tea rich in antibacterial properties.

Lavender is a member of the mint family. Used since the days of ancient Egypt, people believed lavender purified the mind and body.  Lavender prefers being grown in well-drained soils. There are two primary varieties of lavender;  English and Spanish.

• The most consumed essential oil is Lavender oil. Do you ever wonder why most massage therapists have some in the room? Often dispersed into the air by a diffuser, the lavender’s scent is said to ease muscle spasms.
• Harvest lavender flowers and foliage and add to your nighttime tea recipe. This combination helps create a destressing and calming sleep aid. 
• Lavender is said to have Antibacterial properties and be a mild antiseptic. A tea made from the flowers is said to help aid with a soar throat.

Lemon Balm is also a member of the mint family. A favorite of honeybees and other pollinators, there is evidence that shows people have used lemon balm for over 2000 years. The greeks and Romans used it to flavor foods and wines. This plant was introduced to America by European colonists who brought it over as a medicinal plant. This mounding plant can reach 1-3 feet tall and just as wide.  

• Applying lemon balm essential oil to temples or neck has been shown to relieve stress and anxiety.
• Merely brushing up against the leaves will release a calming aroma.
• When added with other ingredients, it can help create an insect repellant spray. 
• Lemon balm is a digestive aid. Steep fresh or dried leaves by themselves or combined with mint and chamomille for a stomach-soothing beverage.  

Mint is a must for any garden. With hundreds of varieties to choose from, there is a mint out there for everyone.  After eating, people used to chew mint stems to help soothe their stomach after a large meal. Mints are divided into two categories, peppermint, and spearmint. Both share the same medicinal properties, but spearmint has a more potent taste. Ancient Egyptians used mint to soothe their stomachs.

• Chewing mint leaves can help relieve toothaches due to the menthol content.
• The leaves and stems contain high amounts of menthol.  
• Mint contains a high mineral content of potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, and magnesium.  
• Mint is rich in antioxidants, Vitamin A, C, b-6, riboflavin, and thiamin.
• Mint is aromatic , diuretic, antiseptic,antspasmodic,antiparasitic, antibacterial.
• Tea can help treat nausea, headaches, indigestion, colds, cases of flu, flatulence, or insomnia.

Thyme is also a member of the mint family and one of my favorite herbs to grow. Like other herbs on this list, thyme has been used medicinally and in culinary preparations for ages. This low growing ground cover grown for its leaves and flowers is known for its showy purple and blue flowers. Thyme should have a home in every garden. When growing thyme in your garden, make sure overgrowing plants do not cover the plant.  I have lost many thyme plants this way. After a few years in the garden or a harsh summer, thyme will become woody and may need replacing.  Replace the plants by propagating from cuttings or root division. In French cuisine, thyme, parsley, and bay leaf are combined in soups, stews, and other dishes.   

• Thyme is an expectorant. The oil in the leaves helps clear coughs and remove mucus. Drop a few sprigs of dry thyme in hot water, steep, and enjoy.  
• The essential oils in thyme contain antiviral and antifungal properties. Therefore, consuming thyme helps to fights infections and suppress colds 
• Use thyme as a digestive aid. Like other members of the mint family, thyme helps soothe the stomach lining.
• Whether you know it or not, thyme is already present in your medicine cabinet. Thyme contains the oil Thymol which is the main ingredient in Listerine mouthwash and decongestants.
• Thyme is a digestive aid. Thymol and Carvacrol, active oils found in thyme, have been shown to calm and soothe the stomach lining.

St. Johns Wort is a member of the hypericum family. This plant has been cultivated for over 2000 years. Originally used as a way to ward off demons and evil spirits, St. Johns wart was seen as a symbol of protection. When pinched, the leaves and flowers produce a blood-red oil.  Early Christians named this plant after St. John for folklore reasons. The highly sought-after yellow flowers bloom in late July.

• Ancient herbalists discovered St. Johns wart is an antidepressant. Its mood-altering properties are as effective as prescribed antidepressants without all the side effects.
• St. Johns wort contains antibacterial properties. 
• When applied topically, St. Johns wort can help relieve muscle aches and pains. Also, an infused oil made from the flowers helps speed up the healing of wounds, burns, and insect bites.
• St Johns wort contains antiviral properties. These properties have been shown to have to be highly active against herpes and HIV.

Sage is a member of the mint family. Ancient Greeks and Romans used sage as a preservative for meat.  While it was coveted for its culinary reasons, sage would soon become known for its medicinal properties. The common name for sage is salvia, which in Latin means “to heal.” It is no wonder Greeks, Romans, and later the Arabs believed it helped people become immortal by extending their lives.  The healing properties of sage caused the plant to be highly coveted and grown almost everywhere. Even in Iceland! In every region where sage grew, locals had a different medicinal use for the herb. Grow sage for its aromatic leaves as well as the blueish flowers.

• Sage contains estrogenic properties which aid in reducing sweating and perspiration 
• Sage contains antiviral and antiinfection properties.  
• Sage is rich in antioxidants.  Some of these antioxidants contain similar preservative properties as commercial preservatives.
• Like most members of the mint family, Sage is a digestive aid.   
• The antibacterial properties help to treat infections within the intestinal tracts 
• Drinking sage tea has been shown to regulate blood sugar levels in diabetic patients
• Sage can help shorten and alleviate symptoms associated with a soar throat. Sage contains tannins. When ingested, these tannins aid in healing 
• Consuming sage tea has been shown to aid in discomfort associated with menstrual cramps.

Ginger is a member of the Zingiberaceae family. Grown for its highly aromatic and fleshy root, Ginger has been cultivated since the beginning of time. Many different cultures all rave about the medicinal uses. Greeks and Romans imported Ginger from the east as a cure for internal parasites. A sun-loving perennial, when grown in tropical regions, ginger does not produce any seeds. The highly coveted ginger root is used to grow more ginger plants. Keep that in mind, whenever you grow and harvest your own.  

• Ginger contains antiseptic properties and can be taken to help fight off infections
• Ginger contains anti-nausea properties.  These properties are best known for treating motion and morning sickness.
• Ginger contains compounds that make it an anti-inflammatory.
• Ginger helps reduce cholesterol levels.  Reducing these levels helps improve heart health, helping to prevent heart disease.
• As a digestive aid, Ginger helps to soothe the gastrointestinal tract.
• Ginger helps strengthen your immune system.
• Ginger possesses antiviral properties. When taken, it can help stop and cure viruses that cause the common cold and the flu.

Turmeric is a  member of the ginger family that is grown for its deep yellow colored root. Every year it never fails. I am growing this plant in my garden. Native to southern Asia, turmeric is one of the plants you hear about throughout history across many different cultures to be more valuable than gold or even have many benefits. The main staple in curry dishes and India for thousands of years, turmeric is being discovered by Americans. In Indian and Chinese cultures, turmeric is known as a whole body cleanser due to its health benefits.  

• Turmeric contains curcumin, which is known for reducing inflammation throughout the body. Therefore turmeric has had a positive effect in reducing the pain in patients with arthritis.
• Turmeric has been shown to have anti-parasitic properties.
• Curcumin is linked to anti-cancer properties. Lab studies have shown curcumin can inhibit the growth of lymphoma and other tumor cells.
• Consuming turmeric reduces cholesterol levels. 
• The oils and active compounds in turmeric have been shown to protect liver health.
• As a digestive aid, turmeric stimulates and soothes the stomach muscles and helps digest fats.

Echinacea is a member of the Aster family. Native exclusively to North America, Echinacea was used by native indigenous Americans.  Believed to “heal all,” this plant was used for everything from wound care to soothe sore throats and toothaches. The beautiful flowers are a favorite of pollinators. For the healing properties, you can use the entire plant; roots, flowers, and leaves.

• Echinacea contains antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties.
• The roots of the plants contain a natural antibiotic called echinacoside.
• Echinacean strengthens the immune system. By boosting the immune system’s strength, echinacea increases T cells’ production. These cells are responsible for fighting infections. Therefore ingesting echinacea can lead to shorter infection time if you do catch a cold. 
• Echinacein, a chemical found in the roots, encourages skin cells to produce new tissue and heal wounds faster.
• Echinacea contains anti-cancer properties.

Which of these common medicinal plants have you planted and used for relief? Share with us in the comments below!

If I could only eat one thing for the rest of my life, it may be potatoes. I mean, you can prepare them in so many different ways depending on your mood. It is no wonder they are one of the most consumed crops in America and have played such a vital roll in world history. This is even one of the many reasons I started growing potatoes. Want to know how? Check out this guide below!

Varities of Potatoes

The potatoes we eat are actually underground tubers. “A much thickened underground part of a stem or rhizome.” (Wikipedia)

Potatoes originated in the Andes mountains. Why is knowing where a crop originated important? When you know where they came from, then you can determine what types of conditions the plants need to thrive. 

Potatoes come in an array of colors and sizes. Although they appear different, they all like the same growing conditions, the difference between the types is the amount of time before harvest, and how they are commonly prepared. Here are the most well-known varieties:

• Russet 
• Red 
• White 
• Fingerling

Growing Potatoes: When Is The Best Time?

Potatoes are a cool-season crop. They grow best when nighttime temperatures are below 70F. Remember, they originated in the Andes mountains, so there is no way they are meant to be grown in hot, humid temperatures like what we experience in a Houston summer.  

For spring crops plant potatoes about 3 weeks before the last spring frost. For fall potatoes, plant about 16 weeks before the first frost.  

Depending on the variety planted, potatoes take between 85-120 days to grow and mature. 

More Growing Potatoes Info

Potatoes do not grow from seeds.  In fact, they grow from other tubers called seed potatoes. Buy your seed potatoes from a reputable source.  Now you can plant the ones from the grocery store, but I do not recommend it. The potatoes in the grocery store are usually sprayed with a root inhibitor to stop them from growing. Also, they are not pure seed potatoes.

Have you ever bought potatoes from the store, left them on your counter for an extended period, and seen what looked like buds sprouting from the potato? These buds or eyes are what grows into a new potato plant. 

Depending on which season you are growing the potatoes, you will treat these seed potatoes differently.

For fall planting, you will plant the entire seed potato. Fall time usually has wetter and colder conditions.  This excess moisture in the soil has the potential to cause a cut seed potato to rot before it has time to begin growing.  If the seed potato rots, you are out of luck. A way to help avoid the rotting issue is to dust the seed potatoes with sulfur before planting. This will also help with the soil pH, more on that later.

If you are planting spring potatoes, you will cut the seed potatoes into smaller pieces. Each piece must have at least one eye.  Remember, these eyes are what help grow into the potatoes. There is no need to plant the entire seed potato, but if that’s what you want to do, don’t let me stop you.

After planting the potatoes, don’t be surprised if it takes a while to see some growth. Potatoes go through a rest period before sprouting.  During this time is when the seed potatoes have the tendency to rot.  

How to grow

Potatoes are fun to grow. Understanding how they grow and produce more tubers is key to your success.  All of the tubers we eat from the plant grow above the seed pice we plant. The new tubers cannot be exposed to light, or else they become inedible. To prevent this from happening, you use a method known as hilling.  Plant the seed potato relatively shallow around 4-6” beneath the soil. When you see a sprout growing around 3” above the soil, it is time to either add more soil to the top of the row. Honestly, you do not have to use soil, you could add any kind of mulch to the top.  I often use straw or left or leaves I have bagged and saved during the winter. Without hilling, you will have a small harvest.  

Where to grow 

Make sure you have removed any debris from the soil where you plan to plant. You don’t want the tubers bumping into any rocks while growing.

Potatoes prefer full sun, so plant them in any area that receives such. Loose, well-drained, and slightly acidic soil is where potatoes thrive.  Planting in an area with poor drainage will result in rotten potatoes.

Potatoes can be grown in a container or directly in garden beds. The versatility is one of the reasons I can produce them every year despite having a relatively small gardening space.  If you are going to use a container, make sure it is at least 10 gallons.  I have tried growing in 5-gallon containers, while it will work, the yields are relatively low.  

Fertilizer 

Before planting mix in an all-purpose fertilizer into the soil.  If you are planting in rows, you can place the fertilizer between the rows. And I only fertilize before planting. Potatoes do not need much extra fertilization, another reason why they should be grown.  For additional fertilization, try using compost during the hilling process instead of soil or straw.

Pests & Problems 

Both early and late blight can affect your potato growth. Do not plant in an area where you have recently dealt with these issues.  

Potato beetles and aphids are the only pests that I have ever encountered while growing potatoes. There are insecticides, both organic and non-organic, that can deal with these pests.

Harvest 

Tubers and root crops are not visible, so how do you know when its time to harvest?  When the tops begin to die, it is time to harvest the potatoes.  If you are growing in a container, then this process is simple. No tools are necessary; turn the container over and pour out the contents onto a table, tarp or wherever. Sift through the soil and remove the potatoes. Discard the seed potato when you come across it.  

If you are growing in a bed, I recommend using a digging fork. You can also grab the vine and pull. Use the digging fork to make sure that no potatoes remain in the soil.  

Eat them fresh or allow them to dry before storing them in a cool place.