Elder can be grown from seed, simply plant the ripe berries one inch deep
in pots outdoors. When they have grown to a size that allows you to
manage, plant in semi shade. Elder can also be propagated from a cutting
or even a broken twig. Elder will tolerate most soils; if you have a
chalky site then Sambucus nigra is very good.
Don't eat the berries raw and be sure to only use elderberries that are
black (red elder is toxic). The elder grows more like a large shrub than a
tree and some suggest pruning it deeply in the fall so it doesn't become
unmanageable. The flowers bloom in late May and into June. Look for the
berries soon after so you can get to them before the birds and squirrels
do.
Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius)
Ginseng is just plain useful in helping you get through life. It is an adaptogen, a term for an herb that helps the body deal with stress. Ginseng restores flagging energy, promotes optimal health, and helps one
to feel more alert and capable. Like other adaptogens, ginseng helps
normalize body functions. It can reduce high blood pressure or elevate
low blood pressure or it can heighten sensitivity while lowering feelings
of anxiety. Ginseng has also been used as a male tonic.
Please, please, please don't harvest wild ginseng. Here in the
Appalachians we had (have) "Sang" hunters that had a special knack for
finding patches of ginseng. However, wild ginseng is endangered. Buy
cultivated dried ginseng from reputable sources such as Mountain Rose
Herbs or, better yet, help return ginseng to the forest by planting your
own! In fact, ginseng is a growing market and you might be able to start a
small home business.
If you decide to grow ginseng, keep it in a mostly shady area. You can
order seeds and rootlets from www.wildgrown.com or beg for berries from a
reputable grower. Plant the seeds and cover them with about one inch of
rotten leaves or mulch. Plant the seeds in the fall and they will sprout
up in the spring. If you plant seeds in small plastic trays or peat trays,
you can transplant them when they grow to a couple of inches high. When
planting in pots, use pots that are at least 8 inches deep and use only
plastic pots so they don't dry out as easily. You should be able to
harvest the roots in about three years or more. If you plant a little bit
each year, you will have a steady supply of ginseng.
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Licorice is an effective support for the endocrine system. Our endocrine
system is under constant assault – the adrenals have to produce too much
adrenaline, the ovaries or testes receive too much estrogen from our
environment, and the pancreas has to deal with too much sugar from the
American diet, just to name a few problems. Licorice can help the
endocrine system regain balance and this, in turn, can help your body
regain harmony.
Licorice can be tricky to grow. It prefers warmer areas, zones 7 - 10, but
some people grow it in colder areas by mulching it heavily in winter. It
is better to propagate it from a piece of root but seeds can be purchased
from Mountain Rose Herbs or www.djroger.com. It prefers full sun to
partial shade and dry-ish soil. The roots can be harvested in two to three
years.
Most of the plants I have shared with you are easy to grow and harvest. Not only are they beautiful in your garden but they can be added regularly
to your food and drinks. Enjoy your new garden knowing you have taken one
more step to self-sufficiency!
