Within the reach of your back steps, you can likely find medicinal herbs that stop bleeding, heal wounds, treat coughs and more.
There's a theory that the tastiest things need the best defenses. If you've ever stepped on or brushed by a bull thistle, you've experienced their robust defense system. What on earth are they hiding behind
A Serious Note of Caution: you don’t need to be an expert on all wild plants to start foraging your food and medicine; you only need to be an expert on the plant you are going to use or consume…
One of the most pleasurable jobs in any garden is choosing which plants to grow. It can be great fun to seek out new options and explore all the different possibilities for your garden. Hyssop
Wood Sorrel (Oxalis sp.) is a delicious edible wild weed with a bright, lemony flavor. It grows all over the world, and it's easy to identify. Wood sorrel is one of the most uniquely flavored
This listing is for Crown Cuttings which include some root and at least 1 growing leaf bud. They will establish a plant much easier and quicker than root cuttings. Mulch – can be cut several times per year to about 2 inches above ground and used as a green or “chop and drop” mulch. Avoid harvest in the first season. Liquid Fertilizer - steeping chopped Comfrey leaves in water for several weeks produces a thick, dark liquid that can be diluted with water and fed to plants. Deep Roots Mineral Accumulator – high in potassium, but also phosphorus, calcium, Copper, Iron, and Magnesium Ground Cover – lower growing species can tolerate some foot traffic, plant 2-3 feet apart. Attracts hummingbirds and especially bees- nectar and pollen plant Lacewings prefer to lay eggs on Comfrey Spiders prefer to overwinter on Comfrey Parasitoid Wasps and Spiders prefer to spend time and hunt on and around Comfrey. Comfrey has long been recognized by both organic gardeners and herbalists for its great usefulness and versatility; of particular interest is the "Bocking 14" cultivar of Russian Comfrey. This strain was developed during the 1950s by Lawrence D Hills, the founder of the Henry Doubleday Research Association (the organic gardening organisation itself named after the Quaker pioneer who first introduced Russian Comfrey into Britain in the nineteenth century) following trials at Bocking, near Braintree, the original home of the organization. The comfrey bed should be well prepared by weeding thoroughly, and dressing with manure if available. Offsets should be planted 0.6–1 m (2 ft 0 in–3 ft 3 in) apart with the growing points just below the surface, while root segments should be buried about 5 cm (2.0 in) deep. Keep the bed well watered until the young plants are established. Comfrey should not be harvested in its first season as it needs to become established. Any flowering stems should be removed as these will weaken the plant in its first year. Comfrey is a fast-growing plant, producing huge amounts of leaf during the growing season, and hence is very nitrogen hungry. Although it is a tenacious grower, it will benefit from the addition of animal manure applied as a mulch, and can also be mulched with other nitrogen rich materials such as lawn clippings, and is one of the few plants that will tolerate the application of fresh urine diluted 50:50 with water, although this should not be regularly added as it may increase salt levels in the soil and have adverse effects on soil life such as worms. Mature comfrey plants can be harvested up to four or five times a year. They are ready for cutting when about 60 cm (24 in) high, and, depending on seasonal conditions, this is usually in mid-Spring. Comfrey will rapidly regrow, and will be ready for further cutting about 5 weeks later. It is said that the best time to cut comfrey is shortly before flowering, for this is when it is at its most potent in terms of the nutrients that it offers. Comfrey can continue growing into mid-autumn, but it is not advisable to continue taking cuttings after early autumn in order to allow the plants to build up winter reserves. After the growing season, leaving comfrey beds fallow may deliver higher yields in future harvests, as the plant builds up energy reserves in its roots. Comfrey should be harvested by using either shears, a sickle, or a scythe to cut the plant about 2 inches above the ground, taking care handling it because the leaves and stems are covered in hairs that can irritate the skin. It is advisable to wear gloves when handling comfrey. Despite being sterile, Bocking 14 Russian Comfrey will steadily increase in size. It is therefore advisable to split it up every few years. It is however difficult to remove comfrey once established as it is very deep rooting, and any fragments left in the soil will regrow. Rotovation can be successful, but may take several seasons. The best way to eradicate comfrey is to very carefully dig it out, removing as much of the root as possible. This is best done in hot, dry summer weather, wherein the dry conditions will help to kill off any remaining root stumps. Comfrey is generally trouble free once established, although weaker or stressed plants can suffer from comfrey rust or mildew. Both are fungal diseases, although they rarely seriously reduce plant growth and thus do not generally require control. However infected plants should not be used for propagation purposes. Comfrey is a particularly valuable source of fertility to the organic gardener. It is very deep rooted and acts as a dynamic accumulator,[6] mining a host of nutrients from the soil. These are then made available through its fast-growing leaves (up to 1.8–2.3 kilograms (4.0–5.1 lb) per plant per cut) which, lacking fibres, quickly break down to a thick black liquid. There is also no risk of nitrogen robbery when comfrey is dug into the soil as the C:N ratio of the leaves is lower than that of well-rotted compost. Comfrey is an excellent source of potassium, an essential plant nutrient needed for flower, seed and fruit production. Its leaves contain 2–3 times more potassium than farmyard manure, mined from deep in the subsoil, tapping into reserves that would not normally be available to plants. There are various ways in which comfrey can be used as a fertilizer. These include: Comfrey as a compost activator – include comfrey in the compost heap to add nitrogen and help to heat the heap. Comfrey should not be added in quantity as it will quickly break down into a dark sludgy liquid that needs to be balanced with more fibrous, carbon-rich material. Comfrey liquid fertilizer – can be produced by either rotting leaves down in rainwater for 4–5 weeks to produce a ready-to-use "comfrey tea", or by stacking dry leaves under a weight in a container with a hole in the base. When the leaves decompose a thick black comfrey concentrate is collected. This must be diluted at 15:1 before use. Comfrey as a mulch or side dressing – a two-inch layer of comfrey leaves placed around a crop will slowly break down and release plant nutrients; it is especially useful for crops that need extra potassium, such as fruit bearers but also reported to do well for potatoes. Comfrey can be slightly wilted before application optionally but either way, avoid using flowering stems as these can root. Comfrey as a companion plant for trees and other perennials – soil tests confirm that soil nutrients increase in the presence of comfrey even when it is not used as mulch, side dressing, or liquid fertilizer, but just allowed to grow. Comfrey potting mixture – originally devised to utilize peat, now environmental awareness has led to a leaf mold-based alternative being adopted instead; two-year-old, well decayed leaf mold should be used, this will absorb the nutrient-rich liquid released by the decaying comfrey. In a black plastic sack alternate 7–10 cm (2.8–3.9 in) layers of leaf mold and chopped comfrey leaves. Add a little dolomitic limestone to slightly raise pH. Leave for between 2–5 months depending on the season, checking that it does not dry out or become too wet. The mixture is ready when the comfrey leaves have rotted and are no longer visible. Use as a general potting compost, although it is too strong for seedlings.
Curly Dock ( Rumex crispus L.) Leaves with curled edges and course texture. They Grow 2 to 4 feet tall. The taproot is sout with a pale yellow interior. Small green flowers bloom in summer. Dark brown winged seeds distributed by wind or water, can remain viable in the ground for 50 years!! Time of Year Flower from June to Oct, the seeds ripen from July to Oct. Location: All of North America Click Here for map If it does not grow in your area do a search to see what kind does Nutrient Content Vitamins A and C, Iron, high in beta-carotene, Zinc, Potassium and the seeds are rich in Calcium and fiber Uses Leaves, seeds and roots Edibles You can eat the leaves raw or cooked best to use young shoots less bitter Great in salads Cook as a standalone veggy (add garlic or mustard garlic for a better taste) The stems can be cooked to, great to add to soups (but they are best peeled first) Seeds can be ground into flour and used for breads You can roast the seeds and they make a great coffee substitute Medical Can be used as a gentle laxative Grind up the plant and use on your skin to clean. Or you can dry and use the powder on wounds, rashes, sores and ulcers It can be turned into a tonic or tea to help with blood issues and it even helps with lung issues because it helps with poor circulation It is a fantastic tea for colds Astringent leaves can be used topically to reduce swelling from irritations Other Uses Yellow, dark green to brown and dark grey dyes can be obtained from the roots And to your compost heap in order to speed up bacterial activity
Violet leaves have great medicinal properties. The best way to preserve them for easy use is to make a wild violet leaf infused oil!
Scientific Name(s): Salvia lyrata Abundance: plentiful What: leaves How: raw or cooked when young, tea after flowers form. Where: full sun to partial shade, borders and light woods When: winter, spring Nutritional Value: low Medicinal Summary: Leaves - laxative; cough suppressant; weak antibiotic (tisane) Root - wound healer (poultice, infused oil, salve) Leaf Arrangement: The leaves are arranged in a rosette at the base of the plant, with some leaves also present on the stem in an opposite-alternating arrangement. Leaf Shape: The leaves are ovate to lanceolate, often with a heart-shaped base. The basal leaves are typically larger, ranging from 3 to 6 inches in length and 1 to 3 inches in width, while the stem leaves are smaller. Leaf Venation: The leaves exhibit pinnate venation, with a prominent central vein and multiple side veins. Leaf Margin: The leaf margins are typically serrated or toothed, and can be somewhat wavy. Leaf Color: The leaves are primarily green, though they can have purple highlights or veining, especially in the basal rosette. Flower Structure: The flowers are arranged in whorls on a spike-like inflorescence, extending from the upper part of the stem. Each flower is tubular and measures about 0.5 to 1 inch in length. Flower Color: The flowers are typically blue to violet, though they can occasionally be white or pink. Fruit: The plant produces a small nutlet as its fruit. Seed: The seeds are small, brown, and enclosed within the nutlet. Stem: The stem is erect, square in cross-section (a characteristic of many members of the mint family), and can grow up to 1 to 2 feet tall. The single stalk produces two side branches as it matures. Hairs: The stem and leaves are covered in fine hairs, giving these plants a fuzzy texture. Height: Salvia lyrata typically reaches a height of 1 to 2 feet. When in flower, lyreleaf sage makes clusters of light-purple flowers along roadsides. Young plant (eat at this stage). Note the purple veins and leaf stems. Close-up of leaf. Note the hairs. Mature lyreleaf sage with flower stalk (less tasty at this stage). Lyreleaf Sage flower stalks produces two side branches. Close-up of lyreleaf sage flowers. Stem after dropping flowers. Texas distribution, attributed to U. S. Department of Agriculture. The marked counties are guidelines only. Plants may appear in other counties, especially if used in landscaping. North American distribution, attributed to U. S. Department of Agriculture. Lyreleaf sages quickly cover the ground wherever they show up giving rise to it's other common name, "Cancer Weed". As winter turns to spring these purplish plants send up flower stalks which split into three stems, each with multiple long, thin, small light violet/purple flowers. One quickly learns to spot beds of lyreleaf sage by the large beds of these flowers. Being in the mint family, the flower stem is square. Both the stem and leaves are hairy. The veins will be purple and under the right conditions the entire leaf may be purple. I thought the amount of purple was due to sunlight but now I'm thinking its more a factor of watering. Young lyreleaf sages have a weak, somewhat minty flavor when young. It is good in salads or in cooked dishes where a bit of mint flavor is wanted. After it flowers the dried plant can be used to make a weak mint tea. Like all mints, it has a square stem and can be very invasive. The youngest leaves are used raw in salads but as the plant matures I find the leaf texture is improved by cooking. Native Americans were the first to notice how this plant spreads across an area like a cancer and following their belief that "like cures like" they thought it could be used to treat cancer. Western science has not put much effort into determining if it does have any special anti-cancer properties but it is generally believed to not fight cancer. Buy my book! Outdoor Adventure Guides Foraging covers 70 of North America's tastiest and easy to find wild edibles shown with the same big pictures as here on the Foraging Texas website.
Weekly post of herbs & wild weeds preppers should know, Uses. Medical and edible uses uses for these plants. Survival, emergency, preparedness
Eating edible weeds is an easy way to increase your garden's productivity. While everyone loves to bring in the harvest, weeding is most people's least favorite part of gardening. What if weeding could be harvesting?
Within the reach of your back steps, you can likely find medicinal herbs that stop bleeding, heal wounds, treat coughs and more.
This garlic mustard pesto is a delicious way to use up a nutritious, though invasive, wild spring food.
Truly the “cat’s meow”, the best Catmint we’ve seen yet! Unlike most Nepetas that have a bit of a wild, unkempt look, this first class selection keeps its tidy, dense, rounded shape all season long. Its small, grey-green, aromatic leaves are topped with well-branched stems carrying spikes of sky blue flowers with purple calyxes from early summer into early fall. ‘Cat’s Meow’ has everything today’s gardeners are looking for: a low maintenance, drought tolerant, deer resistant, long blooming perennial that looks great all season. When Nepeta’s stems are broken, they release an aroma into the air that tends to attract cats, thus its common name, Catmint. Fragrant Foliage Continuous Bloom Heat Tolerant Drought Tolerant Attracts: Bees Butterflies Hummingbirds Duration: Perennial Height: 12 – 18 Inches Spread: 12 – 18 Inches Light Requirement: Sun Maintenance Category: Easy Bloom Time: Late Spring through Summer Hardiness Zones: 4a-9b Water Category: Average Grown and shipped in Proven Winners Quart Perennial Pots. About shipping cost: When one or two items are purchased, shipping quote is accurate. When three or more items are purchased, the Etsy shipping calculator over shoots. Sometimes by a lot! In this case, we refund the shipping overage right after shipment. In some cases, we will change the carrier from USPS to UPS if the rate will save you on shipping costs. This is most common with heavier shipments.
Learn more about this yummy leafy green that grows all around the Los Angeles area.
The cleavers plant is an early spring edible with useful medicinal properties, one of many wild herbs and herbal remedies you can find in your garden. Here's what to know about cleavers benefits and how
When you are planning your garden, consider adding flowers that serve a purpose of not only assisting in pollination, but can be also be used in dishes. This will help you make most of the limited garden space, not to mention adding fragrant and visually striking appeal to your dishes.
Goldenrod herb is a new project for us this year. It’s an herb that grows prolifically here, but we’re just now getting to know this gorgeous plant. And after reading about all that it does, I can’t believe it’s taken me so long to play with it. Full Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links....Read More »
A gorgeous, totally illustrated collection of recipes, cooking techniques, and pantry wisdom for scrumptious, healthful, and harmonious family meals from the extraordinary Pollan family—with a foreword from Michael Pollan.In The Pollan Family Table, Corky, Lori, Dana, and Tracy Pollan invite you into their warm, inspiring kitchens, sharing a lot more than 100 of their family’s very best recipes. For generations, the Pollans have employed fresh, nearby ingredients to cook healthful, irresistible meals. Michael Pollan, whose bestselling books have changed our culture and the way we believe about food, writes in his foreword about how the loved ones meals he ate increasing up shaped his worldview. This beautiful and sensible cookbook provides readers the tools they require to implement the Pollan food philosophy in their each day lives and to make great, nourishing, delectable meals that bring families back to the table. Standouts like Grand Marnier Citrus Roasted Chicken, Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Chips, and Important Lime Pie with Walnut Oatmeal Crust are effortless to make however sophisticated adequate to dazzle family and buddies. With hundreds of exquisite color photographs, The Pollan Family Table contains the Pollan’s top cooking tips and methods, time-tested shortcuts, tips for these just starting out and industry and pantry lists that make purchasing for and preparing dinner anxiety-cost-free. This immediate kitchen classic will aid readers generate outstanding meals and cultivate traditions that increase overall health, nicely-getting, and family happiness.
On SALE!! Visit our shop where we have over 100+ Organic Seed varieties (Heirloom, Non GMO, Open Pollinated). Mix and match your favorites! Be Healthy And Live Green We are fed by the food industry that pays no attention to our health. High-tech tomatoes. GMO’s. How could we have ever believed that it was a good idea to grow food with poisons? Grow organic, eat healthy and let food be your medicine. 100% Organic Seeds We offer the highest quality 100% organic seeds online at the best price. All our seeds are non GMO and are harvested using sustainable practices. Most folks don’t need hundreds of single crop seeds for their backyard gardens. We offer smaller batches so you can grow different fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices. A Garden Is A Revolution Together we can plant the seeds for a more sustainable future. Growing organically produces healthier fruits and vegetables while also improving a piece of the world. The earth will be healed by difference makers like you whose creativity, passion and courage will build a brighter future. Join the green revolution! Includes: - 15+ seeds of Italian Flat Leaf Parsley - Growing Instructions
I’ll admit: My enthusiasm for mushroom hunting wanes ever so slightly in the winter months. Of course, the anticipation to locate, identify, and harvest select members of the fungal communi…
This is the secret superfood that's been hiding in your garden all this time. Learn about rose hips benefits plus how to grow and use them.
