Misty Meadows - Gardening

Herb of the Year

Calendula (Calendula officinale)

Pronounced Ka - len' - dyu - la

Calendula is a self-sowing annual, easily grown here in New Hampshire. The 2-4" flowers range in color from pale yellow to deep apricot orange, on plants from 18-30" tall. Calendula is easy to start from seed and readily found in nurseries. For starting at home, it is best to plant your seeds in a sterile seed starting mix during a waxing Libra, Cancer or Taurus moon. Seeds germinate in 3-4 days and will be ready for transplant when seedlings have 2 sets of "true" leaves. Move to garden after danger of frost, during a waxing Libra, Taurus or Cancer moon. Each plant should have one square foot of space in the garden.

Calendula is a favorite cut flower, but is also a staple in the herbal apothecary. Use calendula in issues of lymphatic stagnation and to keep skin clear and peachy!

Calendula is safe for internal use by most people. Preparations include tea, tincture, infused oil, salve, lotion, and bath blends.

Misty Meadows ~ Herb of the Month

May

Dwarf American Ginseng

Panax trifolius

Harvest flowering tops in May, then wait for roots until September. If you wait too long, the little plants will be gone, so timing is key! You can pull the whole plant in May, but you'll see that the roots have not yet formed the signature "ball", making the medicine a bit weaker. You'll have to wait for fall for those roots, and even then you might have to return immature plants to the soil for another year or two. So dig gently so as not to damage the roots!

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I began using Dwarf Ginseng in my herbal practice about 6 years ago. I find it a viable substitute for the endangered and very expensive American Ginseng. I find it has gentle but very effective adaptogenic qualities. Here are some other very interesting historic uses for Dwarf Ginseng:

Cherokee: Analgesic, Anti-rheumatic, Dermatological Aid, Gastrointestinal Aid, Kidney Aid, Liver Aid, Pediatric Aid, Pulmonary Aid, Stimulant, Tuberculosis Remedy, Venereal Aid

Iroquois: Analgesic, Hunting Medicine, Sports Medicine, Pulmonary Aid

Ojibwa, South: Hemostat

An "ingredient to relieve sharp pains in the breast."
Chewed plant used for headaches.
Infusion of plant taken for breast pains and chewed plant used for headaches.
Used for rheumatism.
Compound infusion given to children for "bold hives."
Root chewed for short breath and colic and infusion taken for colic.
Used for "nervous debility," "dyspepsia".
Root used for "dropsy" and gout.
Used for the liver.
Used for "diseases induced by mercury" and pox.
Decoction of roots rubbed into scratches made for apoplexy.
Cold, compound infusion of beaten roots given for fainting.
Infusion used for tuberculosis and "scrofulous sores."
Root used for stubborn venereal disease.
Compound used for chest pains.
Infusion of roots used as a wash for fishing equipment, a "fishing medicine."
Decoction of plant rubbed on the arms and legs of lacrosse players.
Poultice of chewed root applied to cuts as a coagulant.

Gardener - Up Before the Fairies Stir!

from Wendy Snow Fogg
Mid-Spring 2008

It's now mid-May and the gardening season is finally underway here in southern New Hampshire. I've been scrambling since the new moon on the 5th, getting my peas, beans, corn and other above-ground crops planted under the best lunar conditions for each. After the full moon on the 19th, I'll be putting in potatoes, beets, onions, garlic, and carrots.

The sweet little garden at my new house is coming along nicely, with a fun and efficient blending of herbs, flowers and veggies! I'll post some pictures as it becomes a little more colorful.

Garden Journal - Remember to keep records of your plants from seed to harvest. It will help you to determine which
                            suppliers have the most reliable seeds, which varieties grow best in your area and your soil, which
                            varieties give the best yield and which have the best flavor and storage quality.

Even though it's a chore to remember to journal, you'll save yourself from repeating mistakes, and remind
yourself of the successes you've had, and the experiences you've had with your garden.

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Astrological Gardening Tips for May 2008

For the best results for all your hard work, consider which part of the plant you will harvest, then follow these astrological guide times for planting:

Best Time To Plant for Flowers / Leaves / Berries:

May 5, 8, 9, (new moon), 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 (full moon)

Best Time for Planting Root Crops

May 1, 23, 28 (*except potatoes)

*Planting potatoes in a Pisces moon, will produce wildly misshapen potatoes!
Try it - You'll have some fun and learn a great truth!
Potatoes are best planted under a waning Scorpio or Capricorn moon.

Best Times To Prepare Soil ~ Till & Cultivate~ Weed

May 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,

Green blessings to all,

Wendy Fogg