And have it be low maintenance!
Gardening is such a relaxing and fun activity, and the whole family can join in. The best thing about gardening is that you get to reap the food benefits at the end!
If you’re interested in having a medicinal garden that is low-maintenance, there are certain things you should keep in mind to make it succeed. This includes when to plant, what plants to choose and where to put them. So be prepared to do a little research for your area.
Also, with all the chaos going on in today’s world, now is the perfect time to grow your own and not have to rely on others. Especially with the prediction of shortages looming over our heads.
Medicinal gardens provide many benefits. Not only do they look beautiful, but they can also be used to create natural remedies and food.
And don’t worry about space. Even if all you have is a balcony or small patio, you can utilize pots to grow your herbs in.
Don’t take on too much at the beginning. If you are new to gardening, maybe start with 1-4 plants and see how you do, and how the plants do. The last thing you want to do id overwork yourself and get frustrated and quit.
If you’re interested in starting your own medicinal garden, keep on reading for everything you need to know.
“The kiss of the sun for pardon,
The song of the birds for mirth
One is nearer God’s Heart in a garden
Than anywhere else on Earth.”
When you should start planting
Many people enjoy planting medicinal herbs and other medicinal plants. The benefits of these plants have been known for centuries, and they continue to be used by many cultures around the world.
While the exact time to start planting will vary depending on the plant and the climate, there are a few general guidelines that can be followed. For most medicinal plants, it is best to start planting in early spring. This gives the plant time to become established before the hot summer months. However, some plants, such as lavender, do better if they are planted in late summer or early fall.
Think about how you want to start out. Do you want to try growing your herbs from seed or buy seedlings? Some herbs are very hard to start with seeds, so research before buying.
Many herbs are perennials, meaning they will come up every year, so once you get them started, you won’t have to replant them. One less thing to do next year!
What plants are best for your medicinal garden
When it comes to medicinal plants, there are a variety of different options to choose from.
Some popular choices include herbs such as basil, rosemary, and mint. These herbs can be used to add flavor to food or brew tea. Other medicinal plants include echinacea, which is used to boost the immune system, and ginkgo biloba, which is often taken as a supplement to improve cognitive function.
Determine what and how you plan to use the herbs. Do you want to just use them in cooking? Than look into planting culinary herbs, such as thyme and sage. If you plan on using them for strictly medicinal purposes, what medicinal issues? If you have skin issues, you may want to plant calendula, which is wonderful for healing wounds, rashes, burns, and dry skin.
No matter what medicinal plants you choose to grow, it is important to research how to care for them properly. Make sure you know how much sun, water and space they will need, as well as any other special requirements.
With a little bit of care, your medicinal garden will grow and produce healthy plants.
Where to plant your medicinal garden
Excited about the idea of growing your own medicinal plants and herbs, but not sure where to start? If you’re looking for a spot that is low maintenance and will allow your plants to thrive, here are a few ideas to get you started.
One option is to create a medicinal garden in containers. This can be an easy way to get started, and it gives you the flexibility to move your plants around if necessary. Make sure to choose containers that are large enough for the roots of your plants, and place them in an area that gets plenty of sunlight. You’ll also want to be sure to water your plants regularly, as they can dry out quickly in containers.
Another option is to plant your medicinal garden directly in the ground. If you choose this option, make sure to pick an area of your yard that gets plenty of sunlight and has well-draining soil. To prepare the soil, mix in some compost or other organic matter to help the plants thrive. Once you’ve chosen a spot and prepared the soil, you can start planting your medicinal garden.
How to make sure the plants thrive in their new environment
When it comes to medicinal plants and herbs, there are a few things you can do to ensure they thrive in their environment.
First, make sure they have plenty of sunlight. Most medicinal plants and herbs need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Secondly, water them regularly. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering, but don’t let the plants get too dehydrated. Third, make sure they’re in a location with good air circulation. Avoid placing them in overly humid or damp areas, as this can lead to fungal growth. Finally, don’t forget to fertilize your plants every few weeks. This will help them to continue growing strong and healthy.
Don’t get upset if a herb or two die on you. Depending on the time of year, you can always plant it again. I love a quote by the Farmstead Lady: “Well, that’s why God invented next year”! Don’t give up on the first try.
If you stay on top of it, you can help your medicinal plants and herbs stay healthy and thrive.
Ideas for adding more variety to your medicinal garden, like flowers or herbs
While many medicinal plants are herbs, there are also medicinal flowers and trees.
If you’re looking to add more medicinal plants to your garden, there are a few things to consider. First, what do you want to use the medicinal plants for? There are many different types of medicinal plants, each with their own unique properties. Do some research to find out which plants would be best suited for your needs. Second, consider which plants would be low maintenance. Some medicinal plants can be quite finicky, so it’s important to choose ones that will be easy to care for. Finally, think about how you can add variety to your garden. Maybe you could add some herbs or flowers that can also be used medicinally.
If you’re interested in adding more variety to your medicinal garden, consider some of the following low-maintenance options.
One easy-to-grow medicinal plant is lavender. Lavender has a long history of use as a medicinal herb, and it can be used fresh or dried. Lavender is most commonly used to ease anxiety and promote relaxation, but it can also be helpful for headaches, insomnia, and stomach upset.
Chamomile is another easy-to-grow medicinal plant. Chamomile tea is well-known for its ability to soothe nerves and promote sleep. Chamomile can also be used as a topical treatment for skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
Rosemary is a versatile medicinal herb that can be used in cooking or taken as a supplement. Rosemary is thought to improve memory and concentration, and it has also been traditionally used to treat stomach upset and headaches.
Mint is a refreshing medicinal plant that can be used in teas, salads, or as a garnish. Mint is known for its ability to soothe an upset stomach, but it can also be helpful for respiratory problems and headaches. One thing to keep in mind with any member of the mint family, is that they will take over ground space. If this is an issue, consider planting mint in a pot.
Spiraea Herbs has a wonderful video showing some perennial herbs that you can add to your garden.
These are just a few of the many medicinal plants and herbs that you can grow in your garden. By adding a few of these low-maintenance options, you can create a medicinal garden that is both beautiful and functional.
Tips on harvesting and storing
When it comes to medicinal plants, it’s important to know when to harvest them and how to store them properly. Otherwise, they may lose their potency or go bad before you have a chance to use them. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your medicinal plants:
- Medicinal plants can be harvested at any time of year. However, they are often most potent when harvested in the spring or summer.
- Harvest in the morning, after the dew has evaporated but before the sun gets too hot. This is when the plants will be at their freshest and most potent.
- Use sharp shears or a knife to avoid crushing the plant material.
- For herbs, hang them upside down in a dark, cool place until they’re completely dry. Then store them in an airtight container.
- For medicinal plants with woody stems, cut them into small pieces and store them in a cool, dark place.
- For flowers, press them between the pages of a heavy book. Once they’re dry, store them in an airtight container.
- Some medicinal plants, such as lavender and chamomile, can be used fresh or dried. Others, such as echinacea and ginseng, are most potent when taken as supplements.
- You can also make tinctures, oils, or salves from your medicinal plants. These will last for several years if stored in a cool, dark place.
With these tips, you can ensure that your medicinal plants are fresh and potent when you need them.
You are now ready to plant your own medicinal herb garden!
I hope this has inspired you to either start or add medicinal herbs to your garden.
There are many different types of medicinal plants, each with their own unique properties. Do some research to find out which plants would be best suited for your needs.
Second, consider which plants would be low maintenance and survive in your neck of the woods. Some medicinal plants can be quite finicky, so it’s important to choose ones that will be easy to care for. A plant that is easy to grow in California, may need a lot of attention in Minnesota.
Finally, take some time to learn about harvesting and storing medicinal plants. By following these tips, you can create a medicinal garden that is both beautiful and functional.
What medicinal herb are you going to plant?
Garden Lover
Here is a fun video to help get you in the mood!
