Chamomile is a versatile herb that has been used for centuries in herbal medicine and as a home remedy. Herbal medicine uses two types of chamomile: Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) and German chamomile (Matricaria recutita), and although these varieties are slightly different, they can be mostly used for the same purposes. The easiest way to […]
Home Remedies for Pinkeye
Pinkeye, also know as pink eye or conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the membranes (conjunctiva) covering the whites of the eyes and the membranes on the inner part of the eyelids. It can be viral (typically linked to Adenoviruses), bacterial or allergy related. As the name suggests, the inflammation causes the eye to take on […]
The Secrets to Growing Marjoram in Any Zone
Note: Today’s guest post comes from Chris from Joybilee Farm. She lives on 140 acres in Southern BC, Canada. Chris Dalziel is a veteran homeschool Mom with 3 graduates, a published writer, with 30 years of homesteading under her nails. Living in a log house, in the mountains and surrounded by pines, and pasture, Chris […]
Plant Profile: Lavender Herb Growing Guide
Here’s an in-depth profile of a favorite herb plant: lavender. Learn why this herb is prized in the garden and how to select and care for this popular edible perennial. With a famous scent, and a delightful, cottage-garden look in the landscape, perennial lavender plants will earn a place in any herb gardener’s heart. Cultivation […]
Growing Roman Chamomile
Roman chamomile has many of the same uses as the more popular German Chamomile. The visual differences are in size, growth rate, and growing style. Roman Chamomile is of the low growing, creeper variety. Much like mint, it will take over the space it is in and the surrounding area. The plants I have are […]
How to Grow Garlic (and Why)
Note: This is a guest post from the wonderful Tessa at Homestead Lady. She’s got some great tips here on fueling your garlic habit by growing your own – but her blog and Facebook page are chock full of plenty of other tips, tricks, and homestead ventures. Tell her we sent you! Raise your hand […]
Growing Basil in Your Garden
Basil is one of the most-used herbs in my garden. It is a nice companion plant for tomatoes, a wonderful addition to tomato sauces or salads and a must-have for amazing pesto. Basil is an easy-to-grow annual that does in the garden as well as in containers- or even indoors on the windowsill as a […]
Growing Calendula in Your Herb Garden
Calendula, also known as Pot Marigold or English Marigold, is known for its bright orange or yellow colored flowers, as well as the spicy, peppery flavor of the flower petals, which makes it a fantastic addition to any dish needing a pop of color and tang. It is often referred to as “poor man’s saffron” […]
Growing Comfrey: A Natural Mulch Plant
If you were to create a list of the most important plants for a healthy garden, innocuous-looking comfrey would be high on that list. It might look like a leafy giant that pops up everywhere, but comfrey is an important herb, both for your health and the health of your garden. The plant has long, […]
How To Grow Italian Parsley
As Chris describes in her article The Benefits of Growing Parsley in Your Kitchen Garden, there are three basic types of parsley: curly, Italian parsley (also known as flat leaf), and Hamburg. Her article will provide you with a good introduction to the three types of parsley and some of the basics. But in this […]
Lemon Love: Grow and Enjoy Lemon Balm in Your Garden
What’s that plant pouring out of a container on your deck, attracting beneficial insects to its profusion of tiny blooms? It’s lemon balm, or if you’d like to sound fancy, Melissa officinalis. This fresh-tasting member of the mint family is easy to grow, and its delicious lemon-flavored leaves are perfect in teas or as […]
Cilantro: The Great Two-For-One Herb
Cilantro is like soccer: 30 years ago, it held almost no interest for Americans. However, as cuisines from Mexico and points south, as well as from Asia, became commonplace, cilantro found a place in American spice racks. Happily, it also found its place in our gardens, and it’s one of the easiest plants to grow! […]
