Simple success with just one herb is a great inroad. Start by planting some seeds of at least one of these easy medicinals in a pot on the windowsill or in a prepared bed in the garden. Richo Cech Easy not Peasy Why is this introductory collection of herb seeds needed? A little bird told me that new growers…
We like to leave our best plants to produce seeds, seeds that may be harvested and set aside to plant at a later time, or seeds that fall spontaneously to the ground, germinate and grow in season. We follow the “Mother Plant” concept where, given that one is working with open-pollinated plants, a single plant can produce enough seedlings…
The higher you are on the pyramid, up there collecting your volunteers, the better the view! — Richo Cech The Wasabi (Wasabia japonica) patch was long overdue for a bit of upkeep and rejuvenation. Plants planted in midwinter were developing slowly beneath a cover of grasses and forbs. My extended fingers pushed in toward the crown of the plant,…
Know your seed. Examine the seed before planting. Large seeds, especially those from the Legume (Fabaceae) family, have impermeable seed-coats that may require scarification (nicking or rubbing) before planting. Smaller seeds in the Lamiacea (the mint family) also appreciate scarification to wake them up — rub on a #8 seed-screen or on medium grit sandpaper. Needle-like seeds in the Asteracea…
Cultivating a direct connection to the earth and all her goodness is the core value of gardening. One trades the sweat of the brow for sustenance at table, for remedies in the medicine cabinet. This is the birthright of humans, and can be accomplished simply, locally, inexpensively, and without advanced education. You plant a patch of pumpkins, and…
This is a synopsis of a talk given at AMMA’s Chicago ashram on Sep 30, 2017 to a crowd of 50 participants. The talk contains ruminations, advice, theory and and methodology for growing, harvesting, cleaning and storing seeds of medicinal plants. What is a seed? One can describe its parts: the seedcoat or testa that surrounds the fatty endosperm–the energy…
White Sage (Salvia apiana) seed harvest has begun, the giant plants lifting their aromatic fronds to the summer sun. I hurry to get a hit before the birds do the job for me! The plant is native to central and southern California, with a gene center probably in Eastern San Diego County. This is the smudge plant extraordinaire!…
The flowers of True Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) are generally very richly arrayed and colored dark purple. The leaves are lance-shaped and not so broad as those of Russian Comfrey. True Comfrey is really the nicest of the Comfrey clan in my opinion. From the luscious leaves to the thick, mucilage-laden roots I find nothing to compare. For years…
Wasabi is an evergreen perennial in the Mustard family, albeit one of the more sensitive and reclusive mustards on Earth. The plant is native to Japan and cultivated there extensively, often grown in pure cold water of stream or spring. We find that the plant can readily be grown in good compost, as well. If watered frequently…
What could be more convenient? Sow your seeds directly in the garden at just the right season and watch them come up and develop right where they belong! Here are a few tips to make your direct-seeding experience as successful and convenient as it should be. What is it? Direct-seeding is sowing in place. One cannot “direct-seed” in a pot,…