Here is my plan for planting this year. The numbers refer to the week of the month, not the day of the month. I will amend the file as I go based on what happens, or if I change my mind.
Gourd, 1/15/11 - I planted some gourd seeds in a big planter in my grow room. They gro ridiculously well and with 2 feet of snow on the ground, it is nice to see a boisterous green plant going crazy.
Cumin, 1/15/11 - Spindly things are coming up. It's distressing to see leggy wisps coming up.
Dill, 1/15/11 - Spindly things are coming up. It's distressing to see leggy wisps coming up.
Cardamom Seed, 1/20/11. I just put this in some soil, half planting mix and half clay soil. Not sure it will grow but it is worth a shot.
Onion Jan 4 (later also)
Lambs Ears Feb 2
Leek Feb 2
Bells of Ireland feb 3
Savory, Summer and Winter, Feb 3
Sage Feb 3 (later also)
Star of the veld feb 3
Lupine feb 3
Globe amaranth feb 3
Cabbage feb 3
Coleus feb 4 (later also)
Echinacea feb 4
Eggplant feb 4
Kale feb 4
Poppy march 1
Paprika march 1
Fennel march 1
Marjoram march 1
Lavender march 1
Tulsi march 2
Hyssop march 2
Catnip March 2
Lovage march 2
Tomato march 2
Jalapeno march 2
Snapdragon march 3
Foxglove/digitalis march 3 (later also)
Carrot march 4 direct
Glycyrrhiza glabra/licorice march 4
Spinach march 4 direct
Radish march 4
Cumin march 4
Huckleberry march 4
Kohlrabi April 1
Tansy April 1
Burdock April 1
Sunflower downy april 1 direct (later also)
Lettuce april 1 direct
Pyrethrum april 1 direct (later also)
Nigella april 2
Cosmos april 2
Beet april 2 direct
Hollyhock april 3 direct
Chard april 3 direct
Onion april 3 direct
Oregano april 4 direct
Sunflower downy may 1 direct
Coleus may 1 direct
Foxglove/digitalis may 1
Dwarf Nasturtium May 1 Direct
Bok Choi May 1 Direct
Moonflower may 1 direct
Basil may 1 direct
Cilantro may 1 direct
Bean climbing may 1 direct
Kelway may 1 direct
Calendula may 1 direct
Pyrethrum may 1 direct
Sage may 1 direct
May 2 and later direct:
Ipomoea, white cypress vine
Okra
Zinnia
Borage
Watermelon
Squash
chomomile
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Warre Bees
So in 2009 I combined my holistic way of looking at the world with a Langstroth beehive design and guess what I got? Dead bees. I got the whole rig including a nuc of bees from a local guy who is 110 years old and has been beeing for a long time. Even written a book. He recommends all the "normal" stuff including lots of drugs and sugar for the bees. I ignored the drugs and sugar, and my bees starved to death by October. It was a bad year for nectar but still...
So last winter I did some more research and came upon the Warre system. The hive boxes and smaller and I decided to try again using top bars with frames in the top box, and top bars only in the second and third boxes. No foundation whatsoever. It makes sense to let the bees decide exactly how big to make their comb. I have resigned myself to destroying comb to get the honey, and harvesting the wax as well.
I received the bees in early April, installed them in the two hives four feet apart, two feet off the ground. Everything is made of cedar. The bottom of the boxes is a screen, open to the ground and to airflow, and it allows for the junk to fall out instead of collecting there. I can also look up in the hive to see the activity.
Activity was brisk all summer. I did feed them sugar in the Spring to ease their transition and help them to build some comb, and I fed them again in the early Fall when the nectar was running dry. Activity fell off and as far as I can tell, they are still alive in there now in January. I provided no insulation and remember the bottom is open except for a screen.
I will let you know how it turns out.
So last winter I did some more research and came upon the Warre system. The hive boxes and smaller and I decided to try again using top bars with frames in the top box, and top bars only in the second and third boxes. No foundation whatsoever. It makes sense to let the bees decide exactly how big to make their comb. I have resigned myself to destroying comb to get the honey, and harvesting the wax as well.
I received the bees in early April, installed them in the two hives four feet apart, two feet off the ground. Everything is made of cedar. The bottom of the boxes is a screen, open to the ground and to airflow, and it allows for the junk to fall out instead of collecting there. I can also look up in the hive to see the activity.
Activity was brisk all summer. I did feed them sugar in the Spring to ease their transition and help them to build some comb, and I fed them again in the early Fall when the nectar was running dry. Activity fell off and as far as I can tell, they are still alive in there now in January. I provided no insulation and remember the bottom is open except for a screen.
I will let you know how it turns out.
Papaver
AKA: Poppy
Fedco says to direct seed right after the frost free date, in full sun. Other sources say to direct seed at spinach time, as soon as the soil can be worked, in soil that drains well. Mix the tiny seed with sand in order to disperse it more evenly. Cover with a thin layer of soil or leave uncovered on top – seeds need light to germinate. Poppies do not like to be transplanted. Put them in a bed where they won’t have to be moved, and the seeds can sow children for the following years.
Fedco says to direct seed right after the frost free date, in full sun. Other sources say to direct seed at spinach time, as soon as the soil can be worked, in soil that drains well. Mix the tiny seed with sand in order to disperse it more evenly. Cover with a thin layer of soil or leave uncovered on top – seeds need light to germinate. Poppies do not like to be transplanted. Put them in a bed where they won’t have to be moved, and the seeds can sow children for the following years.
Meconopsis Cambrica
AKA: Poppy, Himalyan Blue Poppy
Seed Savers: Chill seed for 3 weeks. Sow in winter in a good free-draining seed compost, covering the seed with a light sprinkling of compost. Place outdoors in a coldframe or sheltered area. Keep moist. Light frost is beneficial. Seeds should germinate in a bout 21 days. Leave for 5 weeks and then bring into a warmer area (60-70F). Once the seedlings have two real leaves, transplant them into 3” pots. Keep shaded. Once the plants are acclimatized transplant them outdoors into moist loam in a sheltered semi-shaded area. Here is my plan: Put the seed outside March 1 until March 21. Then sow in a pot or two, and put that outdoors in a sheltered place. In May, transplant to a sheltered and semi-shaded place, North or East side of a building, with good moisture and drainage.
Seed Savers: Chill seed for 3 weeks. Sow in winter in a good free-draining seed compost, covering the seed with a light sprinkling of compost. Place outdoors in a coldframe or sheltered area. Keep moist. Light frost is beneficial. Seeds should germinate in a bout 21 days. Leave for 5 weeks and then bring into a warmer area (60-70F). Once the seedlings have two real leaves, transplant them into 3” pots. Keep shaded. Once the plants are acclimatized transplant them outdoors into moist loam in a sheltered semi-shaded area. Here is my plan: Put the seed outside March 1 until March 21. Then sow in a pot or two, and put that outdoors in a sheltered place. In May, transplant to a sheltered and semi-shaded place, North or East side of a building, with good moisture and drainage.
Lavandula Angustifolia
AKA: Lavenders, Hidcote Blue Lavender
Planting: Seed Savers says to sow seeds indoors just beneath surface of soil. Success is greatly improved if seeds are placed with soil into a plastic bag and refrigerated for 4-6 weeks. Once removed from the cooler, place in an area that is between 55-65F. Plant out after danger of frost has passed in late spring. Prefers average well drained soil. Here is my plan: January 15, sow in pots and place outside of the sun. Cover with a bit of snow if available, to keep soil from drying out. March 1, bring indoors. May 1 put outside to harden off, then transplant soon after.
Links: Wiki
Sources:
The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses (RHS)
Planting: Seed Savers says to sow seeds indoors just beneath surface of soil. Success is greatly improved if seeds are placed with soil into a plastic bag and refrigerated for 4-6 weeks. Once removed from the cooler, place in an area that is between 55-65F. Plant out after danger of frost has passed in late spring. Prefers average well drained soil. Here is my plan: January 15, sow in pots and place outside of the sun. Cover with a bit of snow if available, to keep soil from drying out. March 1, bring indoors. May 1 put outside to harden off, then transplant soon after.
Links: Wiki
Sources:
The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses (RHS)
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Pulmonaria Officinalis
AKA: Lungwort, P. Saccharata “Sissinghurst White”
Planting: Moist soil including clay in sun or shade, fully hardy perennial, 10”-12”.
Propagation Zone 6/7:
Links: Wiki
Sources:
The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses (RHS)
Planting: Moist soil including clay in sun or shade, fully hardy perennial, 10”-12”.
Propagation Zone 6/7:
Links: Wiki
Sources:
The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses (RHS)
Aesculus Glabra
AKA: Horsechestnut
Planting: Rich moist soil in sun, fully hardy perennial tree, 30’
Propagation Zone 6/7:
Medicinal/Culinary: Also known as the “Ohio Buckeye” the horse chestnut is mentioned by Rumi, thought by many people in the eastern and southern United States to be a sure preventive of rheumatism, arthritis, or headache. Used for swelling and pain due to varicose veins and chronic circulation problems. It has also been used for reducing the swelling of hemorrhoids or veins (phlebitis). Indians would leach out the high tannins, and then eat it as a good source of protein. The Indians would do this by slow-roasting the nuts (which would have rendered the saponins harmless) and then cutting them into thin slices, putting them into a cloth bag and rinsing them in a stream for 2 - 5 days. In China, seeds are dried, powdered, and eaten as a gruel. Saponins in the seed are used as a soap substitute. The saponins can be easily obtained by chopping the seed into small pieces and infusing them in hot water. This water can then be used for washing the body, clothes etc. Its main drawback is a lingering odor of horse chestnuts.
Third Eye Vision:
Seeded: Transplant Fall 2008 in A2
Links: Wiki
Planting: Rich moist soil in sun, fully hardy perennial tree, 30’
Propagation Zone 6/7:
Medicinal/Culinary: Also known as the “Ohio Buckeye” the horse chestnut is mentioned by Rumi, thought by many people in the eastern and southern United States to be a sure preventive of rheumatism, arthritis, or headache. Used for swelling and pain due to varicose veins and chronic circulation problems. It has also been used for reducing the swelling of hemorrhoids or veins (phlebitis). Indians would leach out the high tannins, and then eat it as a good source of protein. The Indians would do this by slow-roasting the nuts (which would have rendered the saponins harmless) and then cutting them into thin slices, putting them into a cloth bag and rinsing them in a stream for 2 - 5 days. In China, seeds are dried, powdered, and eaten as a gruel. Saponins in the seed are used as a soap substitute. The saponins can be easily obtained by chopping the seed into small pieces and infusing them in hot water. This water can then be used for washing the body, clothes etc. Its main drawback is a lingering odor of horse chestnuts.
Third Eye Vision:
Seeded: Transplant Fall 2008 in A2
Links: Wiki
Glechoma Hederacea
AKA: Ground Ivy, Alchoof
Planting: Moist well drained soil in sun or shade, invasive, fully hardy evergreen perennial, 6”.
Propagation Zone 6/7:
Harvest: Flowering plants are dried for infusions and liquid extracts, whole plant is used.
Culinary: Fresh or dried leaves are used to make herb tea. Young leaves can be added to soups.
Medicinal: A bitter, aromatic, astringent herb. It has a tonic effect on the bronchial, digestive, and urinary systems, and is diuretic and expectorant. Used internally for catarrh, sinusitis, ear infections, bronchitis, gastritis, and cystitis. Used externally for inflammations of throut and mouth, and hemorrhoids.
Third Eye Vision:
Seeded: Spring 2009 in F6
Links: Wiki
Sources:
The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses (RHS)
Planting: Moist well drained soil in sun or shade, invasive, fully hardy evergreen perennial, 6”.
Propagation Zone 6/7:
Harvest: Flowering plants are dried for infusions and liquid extracts, whole plant is used.
Culinary: Fresh or dried leaves are used to make herb tea. Young leaves can be added to soups.
Medicinal: A bitter, aromatic, astringent herb. It has a tonic effect on the bronchial, digestive, and urinary systems, and is diuretic and expectorant. Used internally for catarrh, sinusitis, ear infections, bronchitis, gastritis, and cystitis. Used externally for inflammations of throut and mouth, and hemorrhoids.
Third Eye Vision:
Seeded: Spring 2009 in F6
Links: Wiki
Sources:
The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses (RHS)
Vitis Riparia
AKA: Grape
Planting: Deep, moist humus rich soil in sun, fully hardy, deciduous vining perennial.
Propagation Zone 6/7: Seed/Perennial
Harvest: Leaves and stems are collected in early summer and used fresh.
Culinary: Blanched fresh leaves, or leaves preserved in brine, are used to parcel fillings, such as minced meat, fish, and rice. Fruits are eaten raw, juiced or jellied. Grape seeds are used to coat cheeses, and are pressed for oil.
Medicinal: Stems yield drops of liquid that are used directly as an eyewash and diuretic. Used internally for varicose veins. A sour astringent cooling diuretic herb, that reduces inflammation, controls bleeding, improves circulation, and clears toxins.
Third Eye Vision:
Seeded: Spring 2009 in B6, transplant F8
Links: Wiki
Sources:
The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses (RHS)
Planting: Deep, moist humus rich soil in sun, fully hardy, deciduous vining perennial.
Propagation Zone 6/7: Seed/Perennial
Harvest: Leaves and stems are collected in early summer and used fresh.
Culinary: Blanched fresh leaves, or leaves preserved in brine, are used to parcel fillings, such as minced meat, fish, and rice. Fruits are eaten raw, juiced or jellied. Grape seeds are used to coat cheeses, and are pressed for oil.
Medicinal: Stems yield drops of liquid that are used directly as an eyewash and diuretic. Used internally for varicose veins. A sour astringent cooling diuretic herb, that reduces inflammation, controls bleeding, improves circulation, and clears toxins.
Third Eye Vision:
Seeded: Spring 2009 in B6, transplant F8
Links: Wiki
Sources:
The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses (RHS)
Echinacea
AKA: Echinacea, Coneflower (Tennessee), E. Purpurea, E. Angustifolia, E. Tennesseensis, E. Paradoxa (yellow)
Planting: Rich well drained soil in sun, fully hardy perennial, 24”.
Propagation Zone 6/7: Perennial
Harvest: Roots, and rhizomes are lifted in autumn and dried for use in decoctions. Leaves, flowers, and seed are used fresh or dried in infusions, decoctions, and herb tea.
Medicinal: Use when you feel a cold, virus, or fever coming on. Take 1 leaf, crumple and mix in with green tea. All parts of the plant have medicinal properties. A somewhat bitter herb that stimulates the immune system, promotes healing, and has anti-viral and anti-bacterial effects. Considered the most effective detoxicant in Western medicine for the circulatory, lymphatic, and respiratory systems.
Third eye vision:
Seeded: 2007-C1, 2008-C7, 2009; E. Tennesseensis in F8
Links: Wiki
Sources:
The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses (RHS)
Planting: Rich well drained soil in sun, fully hardy perennial, 24”.
Propagation Zone 6/7: Perennial
Harvest: Roots, and rhizomes are lifted in autumn and dried for use in decoctions. Leaves, flowers, and seed are used fresh or dried in infusions, decoctions, and herb tea.
Medicinal: Use when you feel a cold, virus, or fever coming on. Take 1 leaf, crumple and mix in with green tea. All parts of the plant have medicinal properties. A somewhat bitter herb that stimulates the immune system, promotes healing, and has anti-viral and anti-bacterial effects. Considered the most effective detoxicant in Western medicine for the circulatory, lymphatic, and respiratory systems.
Third eye vision:
Seeded: 2007-C1, 2008-C7, 2009; E. Tennesseensis in F8
Links: Wiki
Sources:
The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses (RHS)
Nepeta Cataria
AKA: Catnip
Planting: Moist well drained soil in sun, fully hardy perennial, 1’-3’. Plant in Mid-March, grows easily and germinates in 2-4 weeks. Plant out in May. Likes moist areas with sun, but will grow in partial shade. Grows and spreads fast like mint
Propagation Zone 6/7: Seed/Perennial
Harvest: Plants are cut when in bud and dried for use in infusions. Leaves are picked when needed for culinary purposes, and used fresh or dried.
Culinary: Leaves are infused for a mint-like tea, and also added to salads, sauces, an stews.
Medicinal: A bitter, astringent camphoraceous herb . It lowers fever, relaxes spasms, increases perspiration, and has sedative effects.
Third Eye Vision:
Links: Wiki
Sources:
The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses (RHS)
Planting: Moist well drained soil in sun, fully hardy perennial, 1’-3’. Plant in Mid-March, grows easily and germinates in 2-4 weeks. Plant out in May. Likes moist areas with sun, but will grow in partial shade. Grows and spreads fast like mint
Propagation Zone 6/7: Seed/Perennial
Harvest: Plants are cut when in bud and dried for use in infusions. Leaves are picked when needed for culinary purposes, and used fresh or dried.
Culinary: Leaves are infused for a mint-like tea, and also added to salads, sauces, an stews.
Medicinal: A bitter, astringent camphoraceous herb . It lowers fever, relaxes spasms, increases perspiration, and has sedative effects.
Third Eye Vision:
Links: Wiki
Sources:
The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses (RHS)
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Iris Germanica
AKA: Iris (“Immortality”, “Pagan Dance”, I. Sibirica “Silver Edge”)
Planting: Well drained soil in sun, stout fully hardy perennial, 2’4’.
Harvest: rhizomes are lifted in late summer and early autumn, and dried for use in decoctions, extracts, and powders.
Culinary:
Medicinal: A soothing aromatic herb that has diuretic and expectorant effects. It is both purgative and anti-diarrhoeal. Used internally for coughs, catarrh, and diarrhoea. Used externally for deep wounds.
Third Eye Vision:
Seeded: Here for many years, around outside fireplace; Fall 2008 cultivar bulbs planted in NW field.
Links: Wiki
Sources:
The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses (RHS)
Planting: Well drained soil in sun, stout fully hardy perennial, 2’4’.
Harvest: rhizomes are lifted in late summer and early autumn, and dried for use in decoctions, extracts, and powders.
Culinary:
Medicinal: A soothing aromatic herb that has diuretic and expectorant effects. It is both purgative and anti-diarrhoeal. Used internally for coughs, catarrh, and diarrhoea. Used externally for deep wounds.
Third Eye Vision:
Seeded: Here for many years, around outside fireplace; Fall 2008 cultivar bulbs planted in NW field.
Links: Wiki
Sources:
The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses (RHS)
Ipomoea
AKA: Morning Glory
Planting: Well drained rich soil in sun, half hardy climbing vine, 10’. Annual vine that reseeds easily.
Harvest: Roots are lifted in autumn and dried for use in powders, extraction, and tinctures.
Culinary:
Medicinal: A resinous, acrid, purgative herb with an unpleasant taste. Used internally for constipation, colic, and intestinal parasites.
Third Eye Vision:
Seeded: 2006 West side of barn; 2009 in A4
Links: Wiki
Sources:
The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses (RHS)
Planting: Well drained rich soil in sun, half hardy climbing vine, 10’. Annual vine that reseeds easily.
Harvest: Roots are lifted in autumn and dried for use in powders, extraction, and tinctures.
Culinary:
Medicinal: A resinous, acrid, purgative herb with an unpleasant taste. Used internally for constipation, colic, and intestinal parasites.
Third Eye Vision:
Seeded: 2006 West side of barn; 2009 in A4
Links: Wiki
Sources:
The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses (RHS)
Leonurus Sibericus
AKA: Chinese Motherwort, Honeyweed
Planting: Well drained moist soil in sun or partial shade, fully hardy perennial, 4’.
Harvest: Plants are cut when flowering, but before the seeds are set, and dried for infusions, extracts, and tinctures, decoctions, pills, powder, and poultices. Seeds are collected when ripe in autumn by drying the whole plant, and threshing and sifting it to remove seeds.
Culinary: Young foliage is eaten as a vegetable. Roots are cooked with meat.
Medicinal: A bitter diuretic herb that stimulates the circulation and uterus, lowers blood pressure, regulates menstruation, and clears toxins. It is also effective against bacterial and fungal infections. Seeds are slightly sweet and have similar actions but are less effective medicinally. Used internally for eye problems related to the liver meridian (seeds); painful and excessive menstruation, and more.
Third Eye Vision:
Seeded: 2008 in A3; 2009 in A3
Links: Wiki
Sources:
The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses (RHS)
Planting: Well drained moist soil in sun or partial shade, fully hardy perennial, 4’.
Harvest: Plants are cut when flowering, but before the seeds are set, and dried for infusions, extracts, and tinctures, decoctions, pills, powder, and poultices. Seeds are collected when ripe in autumn by drying the whole plant, and threshing and sifting it to remove seeds.
Culinary: Young foliage is eaten as a vegetable. Roots are cooked with meat.
Medicinal: A bitter diuretic herb that stimulates the circulation and uterus, lowers blood pressure, regulates menstruation, and clears toxins. It is also effective against bacterial and fungal infections. Seeds are slightly sweet and have similar actions but are less effective medicinally. Used internally for eye problems related to the liver meridian (seeds); painful and excessive menstruation, and more.
Third Eye Vision:
Seeded: 2008 in A3; 2009 in A3
Links: Wiki
Sources:
The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses (RHS)
Schisandra Sinensis
AKA: Schisandra
Planting: Rich, well drained moist soil in sun or partial shade, fully hardy climbing evergreen perennial, 25’. Both male and female plants must be grown for successful fruiting.
Harvest: Fruits are collected after the first frosts and sun dried for use in decoctions, powders, and tinctures.
Culinary:
Medicinal: A sweet and sour, astringent, warming herb that regulates secretion of body fluids, controls coughing, and moistens dry and irritated tissues. It acts as a tonic for the nervous system, and kidney and heart energies. Used internally for dry coughs, asthma, night sweats, urinary disorders, and much more.
Third Eye Vision:
Seeded: 2008 in A4; 2009 in A1
Links: Wiki
Sources:
The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses (RHS)
Planting: Rich, well drained moist soil in sun or partial shade, fully hardy climbing evergreen perennial, 25’. Both male and female plants must be grown for successful fruiting.
Harvest: Fruits are collected after the first frosts and sun dried for use in decoctions, powders, and tinctures.
Culinary:
Medicinal: A sweet and sour, astringent, warming herb that regulates secretion of body fluids, controls coughing, and moistens dry and irritated tissues. It acts as a tonic for the nervous system, and kidney and heart energies. Used internally for dry coughs, asthma, night sweats, urinary disorders, and much more.
Third Eye Vision:
Seeded: 2008 in A4; 2009 in A1
Links: Wiki
Sources:
The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses (RHS)
Monday, May 4, 2009
Artemisia Abrotanum
AKA: Southernwood, Lad’s Love, Old Man
Planting: Well drained soil in sun, fully hardy perennial, 1’.
Harvest: Leaves are picked before flowering.
Culinary:
Medicinal: A strongly aromatic, bitter herb that improves digestion and liver function, encourages menstrual flow and stimulates the uterus, lowers fever, relaxes spasms, and destroys intestinal worms. Leaves are used in sachets and powders to repel moths and fleas.
Third Eye Vision:
Seeded: Transplanted 2008, driveway near NE corner of house
Links: Wiki
Sources:
The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses (RHS)
Planting: Well drained soil in sun, fully hardy perennial, 1’.
Harvest: Leaves are picked before flowering.
Culinary:
Medicinal: A strongly aromatic, bitter herb that improves digestion and liver function, encourages menstrual flow and stimulates the uterus, lowers fever, relaxes spasms, and destroys intestinal worms. Leaves are used in sachets and powders to repel moths and fleas.
Third Eye Vision:
Seeded: Transplanted 2008, driveway near NE corner of house
Links: Wiki
Sources:
The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses (RHS)
Brassica Juncea
AKA: Magna Mustard, Osaka Purple Mustard, Bau Sin Mustard, Crispifolia (Mizuna).
Planting: Rich well drained soil in full sun, hardy self seeding annual, 3’-4’.
Harvest: Leaves and flowers are picked when young and used fresh.
Culinary: Young leaves are eaten raw, pickled or cooked as vegetable. Seeds are ground and used as mustard! Sprouted seeds are added to salads.
Medicinal: A warming stimulant herb with antibiotic effects.
Third Eye Vision:
Seeded: Spring 2009 in C8, garden, F2
Links: Wiki
Sources:
The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses (RHS)
Planting: Rich well drained soil in full sun, hardy self seeding annual, 3’-4’.
Harvest: Leaves and flowers are picked when young and used fresh.
Culinary: Young leaves are eaten raw, pickled or cooked as vegetable. Seeds are ground and used as mustard! Sprouted seeds are added to salads.
Medicinal: A warming stimulant herb with antibiotic effects.
Third Eye Vision:
Seeded: Spring 2009 in C8, garden, F2
Links: Wiki
Sources:
The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses (RHS)
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Chrysanthemum Coronarium
AKA: Edible Chrysanthemum, Garland chrysanthemum, Leucanthemum coronarium, Chrysanthemum Greens.
Planting: Rich well drained soil in sunny sheltered spot, half hardy reseeding annual, 3’-4’.
Propagation Zone 6/7: Seed/Self-sowing
Harvest: Leaves are picked as needed, flowers gathered when fully open.
Culinary: Leaves are used for tea, or made into fritters. Flowers are cooked or pickled, Petals are used to make tea or to flavour China tea. Flowers and petals are added to soup. Used fresh or dried.
Medicinal: A bitter aromatic herb that lowers fevers, soothes inflammation, dilates the coronary artery (increasing blood flow to the heart) and inhibits the growth of pathogens. Used internally for hypertension, coronary artery disease, angina, feverish colds, and liver-related disorder.
Third Eye Vision:
Seeded: Spring 2009 in F8
Links: Wiki
Sources:
The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses (RHS)
Planting: Rich well drained soil in sunny sheltered spot, half hardy reseeding annual, 3’-4’.
Propagation Zone 6/7: Seed/Self-sowing
Harvest: Leaves are picked as needed, flowers gathered when fully open.
Culinary: Leaves are used for tea, or made into fritters. Flowers are cooked or pickled, Petals are used to make tea or to flavour China tea. Flowers and petals are added to soup. Used fresh or dried.
Medicinal: A bitter aromatic herb that lowers fevers, soothes inflammation, dilates the coronary artery (increasing blood flow to the heart) and inhibits the growth of pathogens. Used internally for hypertension, coronary artery disease, angina, feverish colds, and liver-related disorder.
Third Eye Vision:
Seeded: Spring 2009 in F8
Links: Wiki
Sources:
The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses (RHS)
Tilia Cordata
AKA: Small-Leafed Linden, Small-Leafed Lime
Planting: Moist well drained soil in sun or partial shade, fully hardy perennial tree, 50’.
Harvest: Flowers are picked in summer and dried for infusions. Lime flowers develop narcotic properties as they age and should only be collected when first opened.
Culinary: Dried flowers infused for tea.
Medicinal: An aromatic mucilaginous herb that is diuretic and expectorant, calms the nerves, lowers blood pressure, increases perspiration, and improves digestion. Used internally for hypertension, arteriosclerosis, cardiovascular and digestive complaints associated with anxiety, urinary infrections, feverish colds, flue.
Third Eye Vision:
Seeded: Transplant spring 2009 in A7
Links: Wiki
Sources:
The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses (RHS)
Planting: Moist well drained soil in sun or partial shade, fully hardy perennial tree, 50’.
Harvest: Flowers are picked in summer and dried for infusions. Lime flowers develop narcotic properties as they age and should only be collected when first opened.
Culinary: Dried flowers infused for tea.
Medicinal: An aromatic mucilaginous herb that is diuretic and expectorant, calms the nerves, lowers blood pressure, increases perspiration, and improves digestion. Used internally for hypertension, arteriosclerosis, cardiovascular and digestive complaints associated with anxiety, urinary infrections, feverish colds, flue.
Third Eye Vision:
Seeded: Transplant spring 2009 in A7
Links: Wiki
Sources:
The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses (RHS)
Cynara Cardunculus
AKA: Cardoon, Globe artichoke
Planting: Deep rich well drained soil in sun, fully hardy perennial, 4’.
Harvest: Leaves are cut just before flowering, and roots are harvested in winter, for use fresh or dried in extracts.
Culinary: Unopened flower heads are boiled and the fleshy bases are eaten hot, with sauce. Hearts are baked, fried or marinated. Baby artichokes are eaten whole. Young leafstalks, known as artichoke chard, are blanched and eaten as a vegetable (remove the spines first).
Medicinal: A bitter, slightly salty herb that detoxifies and regenerates liver tissues, stimulates the gall bladder, and reduces blood lipids, cholesterol, and blood sugar.
Third Eye Vision:
Seeded: Spring 2009 in B6
Links: Wiki
Sources:
The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses (RHS)
Planting: Deep rich well drained soil in sun, fully hardy perennial, 4’.
Harvest: Leaves are cut just before flowering, and roots are harvested in winter, for use fresh or dried in extracts.
Culinary: Unopened flower heads are boiled and the fleshy bases are eaten hot, with sauce. Hearts are baked, fried or marinated. Baby artichokes are eaten whole. Young leafstalks, known as artichoke chard, are blanched and eaten as a vegetable (remove the spines first).
Medicinal: A bitter, slightly salty herb that detoxifies and regenerates liver tissues, stimulates the gall bladder, and reduces blood lipids, cholesterol, and blood sugar.
Third Eye Vision:
Seeded: Spring 2009 in B6
Links: Wiki
Sources:
The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses (RHS)
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