Herb Garden Update #1

As some of you are aware, from following our previous posts, we are working to reclaim a section down by our shed that was over run with mostly bad weeds, including poison ivy. Several weeks ago we covered the area with cardboard boxes over the course of a week, trying to hopefully choke out most of the bad stuff, and promote some good break down of the ground in that area. The section gets a lot of over flow when it rains, and tends to stay on the damp side of things.

Well this weekend I began to plant the new medicinal herbs that I am hoping will take over the area. My plan is pretty simple and we will see if it works as I envision. I’m a cutting holes, and rows out of the cardboard, laying down seed, then covering with some top soil we had ordered and had left over. My hope is that will allow the new plants a place to grow and take root, while the remaining cardboard will keep the rest of the bad weeds at bay.

First round of planting is done, and I went with the following seed:

Echinacea: This popular herb is known for its immune-boosting properties. It may help shorten the duration of colds and flu by stimulating the body’s natural defenses.

Marshmallow Root: Soothing and demulcent, marshmallow root is traditionally used to ease coughs, sore throats, and inflammation. Its mucilage content may also coat and protect irritated tissues in the digestive tract.

High Mallow: Similar to marshmallow root, high mallow leaves and flowers possess anti-inflammatory and demulcent properties. They may be helpful for soothing coughs, skin irritation, and digestive discomfort.

Bee Balm: Also known as bergamot, bee balm is an herb with potential antiseptic and pain-relieving properties. It may be used topically to soothe minor cuts and scrapes, and internally to ease discomfort associated with headaches and muscle aches.

Goldenrod: Traditionally, goldenrod tea has been used as a diuretic to promote healthy urinary function and reduce swelling. Some believe it may also offer relief from coughs and the discomfort of allergies. Keep an eye out on our Grow, Gather, Heal series of books, I am working on one all about Goldenrod!

Joe Pye Weed: This flowering herb has a long history of use in Native American medicine. Traditionally, it’s been used as a pain reliever for headaches and muscle aches, and as a remedy for coughs and colds.

We also started several herbs indoors over the winter, so those will be going in next once we are closer to mothers day, and are sure there will be no more chance of frost. For those plants, I have Horehound, Calendula, and Hyssop.