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Name: *Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) Description: *a perennial in subtropic regions, but an annual everywhere else *this plant is gaining popularity because it is at least 300 times sweeter than sugar, but has zero(!) calories and does not promote tooth decay Parts Used: *aerial parts, fresh or dried Position: *full sun to partial shade *do not…
Name: *Bergamot aka Bee Balm aka Monarda (Monarda didyma) *also known as Oswego Tea Description: *perennial *best in zones 4-9 *a good substitute for oregano in cooking *a beautiful flower *many varieties, but M. didyma is my favorite Parts Used: *aerial parts (leaves only for medicinal purposes), fresh or dried Position: *sun to part shade…
Name: *Basil (Ocimum basilicum) Description: *annual *popular culinary herb *a good fly and mosquito repellent *my favorite thing to eat!! :) Parts Used: *Leaves, preferably fresh Position: *full sun *well-drained soil Propagation: *propagate by seed: do not plant seed directly into soil until the ground is warm. For an early start, plant in seed trays/flats…
Learn how to grow skullcap. American Skullcap is a beautiful medicinal herb that you can grow at home. Even if you aren’t interested in natural remedies, if you have a moist habitat in your garden, skullcap is a pretty addition to your landscape. With lush green leaves and dainty little flowers, it’s a pleasure to…
Name: *Vervain (Verbena officinalis) Description: *perennial *best in zones 5-9 *grows up to 4 feet tall *famous for helping with stress Parts Used: *flowering aerial parts, fresh or dried Position: *grow plants 1 foot apart because they slowly fill in space *full sun to light shade *well-drained soil Propagation: *propagate from seed: use cold stratification…
How to Grow and Use Yarrow Let’s talk about how to grow and use yarrow. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a tough, hardy perennial as well as a potent medicinal herb. Some people consider this an invasive, roadside weed. However, I have always loved Yarrow, even before I knew its’ medicinal value, and I have always…
Name: *Lovage (Levisticum officinale) Description: *hardy perennial plant, can grow up to 6 feet tall *best in zones 5-8 *closely related to both angelica and celery *dies down in the winter but comes back in early spring Parts Used: *leaves and stems, seeds, roots, both fresh or dried Position: *rich, moist well-drained soil *full sun…
Name: *Sweet Marjoram (Origanum marjorana) Description: *perennial *best in zones 5-9 *from the Oregano family, I prefer the taste of Marjoram to Oregano, so I am posting information on this plant instead. Oregano grows in similar conditions as Marjoram, so you can use this information for your Oregano plant as well. Parts Used: *leaves and…
Name: *Lemon Verbena (Aloysia triphylla) Description: *a perennial shrub/bush *best in zones 8-11 *popular for tea makers for its’ lemon flavor Parts Used: *leaves and flowers, both fresh or dried Position: *full sun to partial shade (the colder your climate/zone, the more sun you should give it) *well-draining soil: prefers a rich soil, but it…
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) Lemon Balm is a fantastic herb to plant in your garden this year. I’m going to try my hardest to persuade you to use Lemon Balm in your household and I also want to persuade you to grow your own Lemon Balm too. Medicinal Uses of Lemon Balm **Lemon Balm is…