(Natural News) Plastic has a much bigger role in gardens than one might realize. From disposable seed packets to plastic pots, the presence of plastic in small home gardens is more ubiquitous than it seems at first glance. Its impact can be just as big, too. Health and gardening expert Susannah Shmurak notes that hundreds of […]

(Natural News) Thyme and calamint are two herbs from the mint (Labiatae) family used in both food and natural medicine. A culinary staple even to this day, thyme is widely used as a seasoning and as medicine for whooping cough, sore throat, arthritis, stomach issues and skin disorders, among others. Thyme also yields a sweet-smelling essential oil […]

(Natural News) It’s best to grow root crops in early spring, but did you know that fall is also a suitable growing season? In fact, gardeners who didn’t have access to modern food preservation methods often planted crops during fall so they had enough to fill their root cellars once it was time to harvest. […]

(Natural News) Ironweed is considered an eyesore in carefully manicured gardens, but people who know their medicinal plants treasure it as a natural remedy for digestive problems and menstrual pains. Learning how to identify and grow this useful plant ensures that you have access to a medicinal herb right in your backyard. (h/t to SurvivalSullivan.com) Medicinal uses […]

(Natural News) In this study, researchers from Algeria evaluated the phytotoxicity of essential oils extracted from two Labiatae (mint) species, namely, Thymus fontanesii and Satureja calamintha. Their findings were published in the Journal of Essential Oil Research. T. fontanesii (Algerian thyme) and S. calamintha (lesser calamint) essential oils were tested against some of the most harmful weeds in Algeria. These included Sinapis […]

(Natural News) For a homesteader, a garden does more than add beauty to your property. When SHTF, your garden can provide fresh produce so you can keep your family healthy and well-fed. But maintaining a garden means you also need to know natural and effective ways to protect your plants from garden pests. (h/t to BeansBulletsBandagesAndYou.com) Why […]

(Natural News) The fungus Colletotrichum coccodes is known for causing anthracnose, a group of infectious diseases that can damage a variety of plants, particularly shade trees. One example of a tree susceptible to C. coccodes infection is the Japanese persimmon (Diospyros kaki). An outbreak of anthracnose can spread quickly through a grove of persimmon trees. To combat diseases spread by […]

(Natural News) If you want to grow crops throughout the year – without worrying about the frost killing them, there are numerous ways to broaden your growing season by weeks, months or even indefinitely, regardless of how chilly it gets. (h/t to PreparednessMama.com) 1. Choose the right plants Pick plants that will yield produce in […]

(Natural News) Goldenrod gets a bad rap due to its debatable classification as an invasive weed. Although considered a flowering plant, people across North America think of goldenrod as a weed since it tends to grow in clumps alongside other weeds like dandelions and thistles. Goldenrod: Health benefits, medicinal uses and possible side effects Goldenrod […]

(Natural News) Home gardening is a beneficial hobby, but if you want to protect your plants naturally, you need to learn some gardening hacks. For instance, if your garden is infested with squash beetles, you can use self-rising flour to get rid of the pesky bugs. (h/t to BeansBulletsBandagesAndYou.com) What are squash beetles? Squash beetles, also […]