Green investing typically brings to mind backing practices that support sustainable pro-environment practices. What better investment than the green in your garden? Specifically with herbs! Besides having many benefits for people and animals, herbs can be easily grown in all kinds of spaces, even containers. Furthermore, their fragrance, flavor, and fun can only be considered sustainable, definitely pro-environment, and even joyful. Here are some of the benefits of investing in herbs, along with specific ideas for herbs to focus your investing energy on. Culinary We think of herbs as delightful additions to whatever we cook and eat. Fresh or dried herbs bring out tastes from tangy/ spicy to sweet/tart. A…
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Herbs Are Native, Too
Most of the herbs we grow or harvest are native somewhere. Many of them have Mediterranean backgrounds, but many more began in the woods and prairies nearer to home and were here before Europeans arrived. Some native plants are still foraged in their natural settings for personal use. Others have been domesticated, which we plant in our herb beds. Indigenous peoples were well acquainted with these native plants and used them for cooking, healing, and general well-being. Let’s dive into some native plants! Yarrow – Achillea millefolium This native plant is not only found in the woods, where it may come in handy when camping or hiking but is often found…
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Regenerative Agriculture
for the Herb [and Home] Garden More and more farmers are switching to Regenerative Agriculture principles. One main reason for the switch is to take better care of topsoil, so less carbon is released into the atmosphere. The methods used increase soil water holding capacity, stop erosion, protect the purity of groundwater, and create conditions for more disease and pest-resilient crops. These worthwhile approaches to taking care of the planet can be incorporated on farms large or small, as well as home gardens. Maybe you are already using some of these practices but didn’t realize what an innovator you are. We do, and we’ve found that most of the methods…
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Make a Change
An untidy garden can benefit birds and insects It’s that time of year when plants are turning brown as they complete their time with us after providing tasty food, medicine, and beauty throughout the summer months. Final harvests are being completed and thoughts turn to all the garden and yard clean-up we need to do, including herb beds. Often, we are eager to put the pruners and rake to work while we can still get out without getting completely soaked by the rain here in the Pacific Northwest. After all, preparing tidy herb beds and garden spaces for spring is what we’re supposed to do in the fall, right? Last…
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Herbal Plant Companions
Herbs are typically hardy and resilient. In these times of unpredictable weather, herbs provide beauty, flavor, medicine and food for people and pets. One additional benefit of herbs is serving as good companions for your flower and veggie gardens. When certain herbs are planted near or among other plants, they help those plants be resilient, too. Companion planting with herbs attracts beneficial insects or draw unwanted pests away from more vulnerable plants. Here are a few examples of our favorite companion herbs. Calendula This cheery, sunny, fragrant flower (also known as pot marigold) pairs well with eggplant and tomatoes. It attracts a wide variety of pollinators, including striped bees and…
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Herbs for the Urban Homestead
As pioneers moved to Washington and Oregon during the 19th century, they homesteaded the land and started a lifestyle that persists even today. There are many stories of pioneer women carrying seeds or a start of their favorite plant carefully wrapped inside a potato. The potato nourished the cutting on the long trip west. There weren’t grocery stores so they grew and processed their own food. They had to be self-sufficient just to survive. 21st century homesteading is still about self-sufficiency — wherever you live. It’s about using less energy, eating wholesome local food, involving your family in the life of the community, and making wise choices that will improve…
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Herbs for Pets
For many of us, pets are important members of our families - they sure are in our homes! Herbs can be useful for our very best furry (and even feathered!) friends, big or small.
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Herbal Preparedness for Fall, Winter and Beyond!
A variety of methods for preserving herbs can be undertaken during the fall months. Gather those last few sprigs of green from the garden beds before the first frost and get started!
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Herbs for a Change
Add dry herbs at the beginning and fresh herbs near the finish. Your taste buds will soon prefer the new flavors and your heart will be thankful.
