naturalpet
HERB GARDEN
by Greg Tilford
I
n the North, spring’s balmy weather is a perfect time to plant that dream herb garden we have been thinking of all winter. In the South, it’s a good time to move container gardens inside the lanai to protect them from the intense summer sun.
If experimenting with herbs for the first time or if garden space is limited, start with these four easy-to-grow herbs. All do well anywhere in North America and can do double duty by serving pets’ health needs, too. Many of the herbs we use to liven up our foods or supplement our bodies prove to be powerful medicines for our furry and feathered friends.
Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Commonly known as pot marigold, calendula’s bright yellow, orange or red-orange flowers are a familiar sight in gardens and landscape designs everywhere.
Hardiness: Zone 4 (cold-hardy to -30 degrees F).
Growing tips: Sow
seeds in early spring, or transplant after the danger of frost is past.
Regular watering will produce blooms through- out the year.
Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea, et al)
Nine species of this “must have” member of the sunflower family are native to North America, growing to three feet. Brilliant flowers range from pink to dark purple. Echinacea pur- purea is the easiest species to grow.
Hardiness: Zone 4. Mulch the plants deeply in the fall in areas where win- ters are severe.
Growing tips: Sow seeds in early spring (or fall in the South) by scat-
tering them atop the ground and covering with just a dusting of soil. Keep them damp throughout germination—or plant starts from a nursery. They need full sun.
Parts used: Harvest roots after the plant is at least three years old. The leaves, stems and flowers are useful, as well.
Most herbs should root in two to
four weeks.
Parts used: Harvest the flowers whenever they are in full bloom. Make into herbal preparations while fresh or air dry and store in sealed plastic bags.
24 Collier/Lee Counties swfl.naturalawakeningsmag.com
Uses: Echinacea is often used to boost the immune system to help ward off indicated bacterial or viral infections, notes a study in the journal Phytomedicine. It is most commonly used for upper respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold in humans or kennel cough and other forms of bronchitis in dogs and cats. It is best used at the first indication of impending illness. It can be used in various forms; strong teas or tinctures low in alcohol work especially well with animals.
Delicious Nutritious Choices for People and Pets
Uses: Use as a tea or tincture. Fights infection and speeds healing of minor cuts, insect bites, abrasions or post-surgi- cal incisions. When the dried flowers are boiled as a tea and cooled, it serves as a refreshing rinse for itchy skin.
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