Don’t Bother Growing That

[Elicia MassengillStudent]

I am new to the school but a very seasoned gardener, so I am very excited to grow as many of these herbs as possible. However, as a seasoned gardener, I also know there are always some plants that are just difficult. Have any of you tried growing specific herbs that you would say “Don’t bother growing that, just buy it”? (I know Doc Jones mentioned how slow growing Brigham Tea is.) I would love to know which ones I should relegate to the back burner, so-to-speak, while I’m beginning. Thanks!

[Greg BoggsStudent]

I’m pretty sure all the ginsengs take multiple years (like 6+) before the rhizomes are ready for harvest, so I wouldn’t bother with that. Also Elder trees can be pretty picky in growing, and will take a while before you start getting any berries from it, those are usually easier to wildcraft.

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Nancy Button, Donna Swanson, Russell Fountain

[Elicia MassengillStudentTopic Author]

Great info, Greg. Thanks so much!

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Kathleen Krailler

[Lisa DerksenStudent]

I’ve gardened since I could walk.  In the “Don’t bother growing that” category, I have many thoughts.  What is your growing zone?  I grew up in zone 2, currently live in zone3-4.  So unless you want a lot of extra work, don’t bother growing something in a higher zone than yours.  Now I have to confess, I challenge this on a regular basis.  A client had an ‘annual’ rose that was perennial in zone 7, so when the growing season is done, they are considered garbage. I had fallen in love with this one, and by making an igloo with bags of leaves three feet thick around this rose, I was able to overwinter it for three years before it died.  The next thought is environment/ecosystem/soil.  What type of environment does that plant live in naturally.  Currently I live in a border between muskeg, forest and prairie.  Brigham Tea would be very homesick here.  But I just might try getting a giant pot, and giving it more sand than clay …. Mostly, grow what you like and will use.

 

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Judy Miller

[Author]

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