Grow

Fall officially arrived on September 22, although most people were probably still enjoying a garden harvest and beautiful flowers. Many of us don't think about fall until the temperatures start to ease off and the leaves change color. Both of these are signs that winter is on its way.

However, it is often too late to take care of important fall garden tasks if we wait for cold weather to be upon us. By this time, winter is right around the corner, and we may miss our window of opportunity to dabble in our garden before frost and snow.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN, Everyone! I know this series covers medicinal plants and all healing things provided by Mother Nature but this week’s article will be a little more on the creepy side.

There are millions of plants across the planet but today I bring to you 5 Creepy Plants Possessing Healing Properties. Some of these plants are beautiful and it’s the seed pod that looks scary, or maybe it’s a scary story behind the plant itself.

In the south of India the temples are colored and decorated with stories from ancient Indian texts and scriptures. The spires reach up to the sky in a cartoonish display, making the western mind feel like it's in make-believe land. And it's true, that the rules of life are different in India. The collective consciousness of the country holds very different views and contrasting beliefs to what the west holds as “truth.” Therefore, reality is literally different as well.

Aloe vera is one of nature’s miracles. It is the first thing you grab when you’ve spent a little too much time in the sun. You thank it for soothing your skin, but do you know what else this succulent plant can do? Aloe vera has been called “plant of immortality” and rightfully so. Aloe vera contains essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that can do wonders for the body both internally and externally. Beyond treating sunburns, aloe vera can provide relief and boost your health in ways you never expected.

Mushrooms are a delicious superfood fungi used to serve many purposes. They contain a low amount of calories and are often packed with protein, nutrients, and fiber. Growing your own can be better, safer, and cheaper. So, why not try and grow your own organic edible mushrooms? They are actually a lot easier to grow than you think. Follow these 8 steps and learn how to grow your own organic edible mushrooms.

Things you will need:

On the lookout for a natural health booster? Try neem and its secrets from the ancient world of Ayurveda…

Think of neem and most will think of the natural, harmless EPA-registered pesticide that doesn’t harm the flora or fauna. But neem or Azadirachta indica is a far more useful plant than just a crop sprayer. Native to southern Asia, neem has its roots deep into the ancient medical science of India, the Ayurveda. So where all could neem be used, and how, and where do you get it?

Monarch butterflies are truly one of nature's most marvelous creatures. They are the only insect that makes a 3,000 mile journey south for the winter. Unable to survive in frigid temperatures, they seek more favorable conditions. When they do, their winter resting place is a sight to behold.

A blooming garden is a thing of joy. Unless you didn’t know about these common toxic plants in your backyard!

Planting a vegetable garden that remains free of aphids and bothersome bugs may seem difficult, but not with an age-old trick: companion planting. By planting certain vegetables with their companion plants, herbs or flowers, some form of cultural benefit is created. Planting cucumbers underneath sunflowers, for example, helps both plants; the cucumbers take up the otherwise unused space underneath the sunflowers, while the sunflowers provide shade for the cucumbers.

Cover cropping is a mainstream, sustainable practice that is good for the earth and good for your garden. Essentially, cover crops are planted in a certain area as place holders for another type of plant to be grown in the very same spot. There are many positive functions of cover cropping that are worth exploring. If you would like to learn a little more about this method and why it’s so great, read on for six reasons to cover crop your garden.

Reason 1:  Soil Erosion Prevention