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Dehydrating

Our home freeze dryer finally arrived a couple of weeks ago but we’ve been so busy working on the greenhouse (no, it’s not done yet!) that we haven’t had time to get it set up. In the meantime we’ve been harvesting a ton of tomatoes, cayenne and, of course, herbs. Last weekend Kim, Linde and …

Borage, A Relative of Comfrey

We’ve talked a bit about borage before, but it’s a beautiful and delicious plant, and deserves a revisit! It’s not only a great companion plant, but it’s a useful one to herbalists. Borago officinalis is a cooling and moistening relative of comfrey. This is important information to remember. We actually don’t have that many moistening …

Harvesting Garlic

Note: If you didn’t read Cultivating Garlic, go back and read that post first! Garlic is something we use everyday. Unlike many, I LOVE the taste AND smell of garlic. Once you’ve planted your garlic patch, all you need is a little patience and be ready to harvest when the time is right. In the …

Cultivating Garlic

One of the reasons I love garlic is its accessible almost worldwide. Garlic is a powerful herbal ally, as well as an easy-to-find addition to your diet and lifestyle. Of course, you’ll likely have garlic breath, but just think of all the wonderful cleansing properties that are enveloping your respiratory system! Besides, the cure for …

Cultivating Marshmallow

Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) is a perennial, herbaceous plant in the Malvaceae family related to hollyhock, cotton and hibiscus. It grows well in most locations down to zone 3, which means almost anyone can grow it! It does have preferences, however, and will grow better if certain conditions are observed.  It likes to be watered well …

Cultivating Mullein

Let’s talk about cultivating mullein, aka Verbascum thapsus. These guys are going to start popping up soon here in North Idaho (once the snow decides to leave). All during the growing year in most countries in the world you will find mullein along roadsides, railroad tracks, open fields and construction sites. I have several mullein …