Herbal Real Estate

[Tammy]

So, I am living in a condo right now with a patio that only gets about 5 ish hours or so of sun.

However we do have community gardens that are somewhere around 5 or 6 feet by 8 or 9 feet long-ish in size.

I was thinking about getting one of those this summer to grow a few herbs.

So I am curious to know from all you herbalists out there… If you only had that much room, what herbs would you grow to get the most bang for the space?

Thanks!

Tammy

[IdahoHerbalist]

What ph is the soil .

I am guessing full sun.

Would you be able to conveniently monitor daily or at least 3 times a week?

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

This is a great (and common) question.

There isn’t really a “one size fits all” answer. But I would use these criteria to guide the choices:

– Herbs you need for your own particular health problems

– Herbs not conveniently available in the wild

– In a public garden, no super-invasive species (mints, comfrey etc…)

Calendula & yarrow would be good choices. They do a lot of things and will produce a lot of material. You could also plant some cayenne pepper plants. Garlic and parsley are also well behaved and medicinally excellent.

In the pots around your house you could do some Lobelia, some mints (peppermint, lemon balm, skullcap), some culinary herbs…maybe even a comfrey plant if you have a big pot. 🙂

Patrick

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

[IdahoHerbalist]

:chimp:

Doc Jones wrote:
– In a public garden, no super-invasive species

Calendula

well behaved

Maybe you should talk to Lori about the relationship of words you have used here? 🙄

[Tammy]

Thanks for your responses Idaho Herbalist and Patrick,

Full sun? Yes

pH? Good question! I will have to check

How often can I check? every 3 days or so is definitely reasonable :), one guy there has a pvc watering system set up on timer – pretty cool – he travels so its pretty much on autopilot until harvest time!

Patrick – excellent suggestions! Thanks!

[IdahoHerbalist]

Patrick, do you think St John’s would take to a pot or would she need more sun for it?

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

IdahoHerbalist wrote: Patrick, do you think St John’s would take to a pot or would she need more sun for it?

I haven’t tried it but I think it might do well in a pot.

Patrick

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

[Author]

Posts