Growing a Medicinal Garden

How to Grow a Medicinal Garden 

Medicinal gardens have been a part of agrarian cultures since the beginning.  These gardens are not only a source of beauty and tranquility but also a treasure trove of healing plants that have been used for centuries to support health and well-being. 

Choosing Medicinal Plants: The first step in creating a medicinal garden is selecting the right plants. Consider the size of your garden, what you would like to cultivate, your climate and growing conditions.  

Selected Medicinal Seeds:

• Anise Hyssop: Prized for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, making it a popular choice for soothing digestive issues, relieving coughs and colds, and promoting overall well-being.
• Ashwagandha: Known as the "Indian ginseng," ashwagandha is prized for its ability to help the body adapt to stress, balance hormones, and anxiety.
• California Poppy :  this cheerful golden flower is recognized for its calming and sedative effects, making it a valuable ally in promoting relaxation, reducing anxiety, and improving sleep quality. 
• Echinacea: This immune-boosting herb is commonly used to prevent and treat colds, flu, and other respiratory infections.
• Chamomile: Chamomile tea is well-known for its calming effects and is often used to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
• Aloe Vera: This succulent plant has soothing, anti-inflammatory properties and can be used topically to treat minor burns, cuts, and skin irritations.
• Calendula: Calendula flowers have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties and can be used to soothe skin conditions such as eczema, rashes, and minor wounds.
• Thyme: With strong antimicrobial, antiseptic, and expectorant qualities, thyme is a valuable ally in supporting respiratory health.

Our Wise Earth Healing Bundle is an excellent curated collection of medicinal herbs by herbalist Stephanie Hein from Wise Earth Way.

Once you've selected your plants, it's time to design your medicinal garden. Consider factors such as sunlight, soil type, and space when planning your garden layout. Group plants with similar growing requirements together and create pathways for easy access and maintenance. I prefer to keep my annuals together and my perennials together.  It makes for easier garden maintenance.  Some perennials like echinacea may not flower the first year.  

Proper care is essential for a thriving medicinal garden. Remember to keep your seeds moist while they are germinating.  Make sure your plants receive adequate sunlight, water, and nutrients to support healthy growth. Mulch around plants to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and protect roots from temperature fluctuations. For more info on mulching, read our blog post on Saving Water and Preventing Weeds : The Power of Mulching.

Regularly prune and deadhead plants to encourage new growth and prevent disease.

Harvesting herbs at the right time is crucial for preserving their medicinal properties. Harvest herbs in the morning after the dew has dried but before the sun is too hot. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruners to snip stems and leaves, taking care not to damage the plant. Dry herbs thoroughly in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight before storing them in airtight containers for future use.

Experiment with different methods of using medicinal herbs, such as teas, tinctures, salves, and poultices, to discover what works best for you.  Growing your own medicine is a powerful way to connect with nature while supporting your health and well-being.