What to plant???

[Jannevarez]

This is the first year I will be growing plants for medicine. I have no idea where to begin or what to plant! I’m pretty sure gum weed isn’t something I should try to grow on purpose along side my tomatoes …. or is it??? :/ What do you recommend for a seedling herbalist who is still pretty clueless? Best herbs to grow and save for winter illnesses… Easy to grow plants for a gardener who only pretends to know what she is doing…. must have medicinal herbs… etc. And where do I buy seeds and plants? Is it too late…. should I have been thinking of this month’s ago?……. I dream of having a beautiful herb garden filled with medicinal plants!!! But I don’t know quite how to achieve it…. Plus the dirt here in West Jordan is like cement, hard clay! What should I add to it for happy plants? I’ve mixed in peat moss and manure in the past… anything else? So many questions! I need a personal instructor here by my side! Doc and Steven Why do you guys have to live so far away!?? 🙂

Jan

[IdahoHerbalist]

The FIRST thing you need to do is walk around your yard and see what is already growing. I am SURE you have many things already. Patrick and I, along with our wives, took a walk around a property that we are considering purchasing the other night. It is about 4 acres. We very easily found 8-10 plants growing there. I am sure we missed a few.

How long has it been since toxic sprays, herbicide or pesticide, has been applied to your yard, your neighbor’s yard? This is VERY important to determine before you proceed.

[Jannevarez]

Well we aren’t big on weed control. I never liked using poisonous sprays. My husband used to use round up sparingly here and there but that was a few years ago. Since then he has used some natural concoction he found online. (Vinegar, Epsom salt, blue dawn dishsoap…. I think) But he only uses it in the front by the street and sidewalks. No where near the garden in the back. (He’s been in trouble too many times to go near my plants!) I grow a garden every year. Last year I had the most beautiful weeds growing alongside my veggies! I’ve been in the young women’s presidency for 3 years so amidst girls camps, reunions, youth conference and camping trips I didn’t have time for gardening so last year the upkeep went to my 8 year old twins Sam and Sadie…. :/ They grew the best weed garden in town! I sure wish I knew what those lovely weeds were last year! I’ll bet they were something really good that I could have used! Anyway now I’m a primary teacher leaving my summer wide open to garden and “wild craft”! YAY!! So excited!!

The only neighbor I have that uses weed killer is behind me. Our property slopes slightly downwards towards theirs. So run off wouldn’t be an issue. But I don’t know how all the adverse affects work. For the most part I have always LOVE plants! I love to see green everywhere! So I let EVERYTHING grow whether I know what it is or not. I figure I can pull it out later if I need to. I walk around my yard ALL THE TIME wondering what everything is. I need a guided tour of my yard! I try to look things up online but its really hard since there are a bazillion plants to muddle through!!!

Jan

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

When you come to the herb walks you’ll get acquainted with lots of new friends. 🙂

Doc

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

[IdahoHerbalist]

Here are some immediate ones you can look for: dandelion, mallow, shepherd’s purse, plantain. There are lots of possibilities depending on your location.

Oh, if you don’t have dandelion we found a place that was selling seed for 60 bucks a pound a few years ago! :confused: We can make a deal for you though: $30 bucks a pound.

[Jannevarez]

Haha hahaha!!! Thank you You’re too kind! 😉

I recognize the mallow and dandelion in my yard and I know the purslane will be back as usual but thanks to your photo I was able to identify some shepherds purse as well! I’ve never seen plantain in my yard I think its too hot and dry but I do know what it looks like. I was able to gather some last fall.

I have calendula sprouting up from some seeds I gathered in the fall. They look very happy! Although I haven’t seen them since we went from 70° to 6 inches of snow within a few hours! Poor tulips looked so shocked…. hopefully the calendula sprouts survived! I also planted more seeds but haven’t seen any sign of life yet. Chamomile, lavender, echinacea, and lobelia. I probably should have started them inside first instead of sticking them straight into the ground. Right? :/

Is it OK to plant medicinal plants in with my vegetables? My space is limited so I want to squeeze as much I can in my garden. But I don’t know what to plant. What medicinal herbs would grow well in a vegetable garden?

Jan

[Jannevarez]

Do you know what this plant is?

Jan

[IdahoHerbalist]

Yes, planting with your veggies is a GREAT idea. Remember, most of these plants are considered weeds!!!!!! :woot:

The plant above is BURDOCK! It is a biennial. If it was there last year it will be going tomseed this year.

Most of the seed you put out should be fine with thensudden snow. Calendula should be able to handle it too.

[Author]

Posts