It is finally spring again here in Texas, but the weather hasn't realized it yet!  Here on the Texas Gulf Coast we don't have to worry about it freezing or anything, but this weather is crazy!  But that hasn't stopped me from getting my garden growing.  

This year we have built raised garden beds.  This has proven to be an awesome setup!  I have it organized and perfect and it's so much easier to manage weeds.  In fact, I've barely had to pull anything!

I have gotten many kinds of plants started and will be adding more as the days go by.  I decided to branch out a little on my blog.  I had some readers ask me to start posting recipes to make with these great herbs and other things that I'm growing.  So I will be doing that as well!  I hope to post lots of tried and true recipes and others that I might not have had a chance to try yet but looks interesting. 

The following is a list that will be updated as needed of all the plants, herbs, flowers and trees that I am currently growing or planted.

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The important thing to remember with Truffles is it has never been proven to be able to be grown without a tree.  For this you will need to innoculate a tree such as oak, holm oak or hazelnut. If you are starting with a sapling, innoculate the roots and then plant the sapling. To get the best results, make sure the area where you want to plant is completely free of all other fungi.  It is preferable if the tree gets sun and rain.  If you are located in an area that gets a lot of rainfall in late summer/early fall then this is ideal. Truffles grow best in soil that is between 7.5-8.0 pH and is free-draining.  If you don't have much rainfall during the summer months, then you can install an irrigation system. Clear the land where you want to plant it and if you are planting more than one tree, then make sure they are 10-12 feet apart. Once planted, cover with a tree guard so that it protects the roots and developing truffles from animals.  The protector should stay on for 3-4 years.  This will also...

Job's Tears grow wild in Africa & Asia but are commonly grown here in the United States for many uses including arts and crafts.  They are used as beads and have a natural hole running through the seed that you can then run a string through to make whatever jewelry you would like.

Job's Tears are super easy to grow but does take a long time to germinate.

You should soak the seeds overnight in water, or do like me and soak them in GA3 instead.

You will want to plant the seeds at a 1/4" depth and keep in a pretty cool environment (59-69 degrees F).

These can take up to 4 weeks to germinate.  

Be sure and keep them evenly moist but don't overwater either.

When you are ready to transplant, plant them 6 inches apart in full sun and in well drained soil.

Ziziphus Jujuba, commonly known as the Jujube is a small, round, red fruit originating in China.  It has been around in Chinese medicine for thousands of years and is becoming more popular in western cultures.  It has calming properties and is a great source of antioxidants. Jujube has been used to treat insomnia and anxiety.  The chemical and is extracted from jujube is called jujuboside A and has been used as a natural sleep aid for years and has also been used as an alternative to a prescription for anxiety. Jujube can boost immunity to diseases because of the antioxidants that it contains.  It helps the body defend free radicals.  Jujube contains a very large amount of these antioxidants so it is very good at improving overall health and even has a strengthening effect.   They also contain other vitamins and minerals such as: Vitamin C Vitamin A Vitamin B2 Manganese Iron Phosphorus Calcium Gallic...

My husband and I have started back to college this week.  We are exhausted and I really want to go to bed.  So I wanted to just post real quick and let you know that if you are looking to buy some mushroom liquid cultures to grow your own mushrooms that I have talked about on this site, go over to http://www.ebay.com and look for our auctions.  Our Ebay ID is GrowMushroomsAtHome.  We are running a sale at the moment, Buy 2, Get 1 Free.  No limit, so if you buy 6 cultures, you will get 3 free, buy 8, you get 4 free and so on!

The beans of Jojoba has been used to increase good cholesterol levels and to help aid in weight loss by curbing hunger. Jojoba is most commonly used for skin issues or in cosmetics.  It has antimicrobial properties which is why it is so commonly used in cosmetics since makeup can be kept for several months without the need to replace. Jojoba oil is not actually oil, it is an ester.  Our bodies contain this same ester, which makes Jojoba a very good natural moisturizer and protector for the skin. Jojoba can prevent your skin from becoming too oily which reduces acne and can treat acne. The oil from Jojoba contains Vitamin E B complex vitamins Silicon Chromium Copper Zinc Iodine It is thought to be the iodine content where it gets its anti-bacterial and anti fungal effects. It doesn't just stop at acne, Jojoba has been used to treat canker sores in the mouth, cold sores, athlete's foot and warts. Jojoba oil can help rough and dry skin.  It also treats the skin problem eczema.  It can help with wrinkles and fine lines, and stretch marks.  It has been said to help lighten scars....

Jojoba is similar to a tree or a large shrub as opposed to a regular plant.  It can grow to be over 12 feet tall and can leave for decades.

Jojoba should be planted about 6 foot away from each other.  Once the soil temperature maintains 70 degrees or above, it is safe to plant your seeds directly outside.

Sow seeds 1-1/2 inches in the ground and cover.  Water consistenly but don't over water.  Overwatering can delay seed germination or permanently damage the seed.  Jojoba does best when it doesn't get a lot of water.

Jojoba prefers soil with a pH of 6 or more, add lime to achieve this level.

Seeds can take up to 3 weeks to germinate.  It does tolerate pesticides if you tend to have a pest problem, like I do.  I had a problem with aphids and hornworms.

Arnica is a terrific remedy for swelling and pain.  The flowers of this plant are used topically for bruises, sprains, muscle and joint problems as well as insect bites. People have used Arnica as a mouthwash as well for swollen gums and mouth ulcers.  However, if you are going to use this orally like that, it is best if you grow your own as the commercial stuff has been found to have harmful impurities in it. It has been used as a tea, but if you use the tea, use a small dosage so as not to have negative side effects.  But used as a tea, it can help with: Baldness Impotence Incontinence Cramps Bruises General Soreness Forgetfulness Travel Sickness Sleeping Problems Gout Rheumatism Emotional Problems Arnica contains a toxin called helenalin which can be poisonous if used in large amounts, hence why I said above to use small amounts.  Symptoms of overdose are: Gastroenteritis Internal...

Arnica Montana has a daisy like flower and a rhizome.  Both are dried and used to make poultices, tinctures, and powders to use for skin ailments.  Arnica is hardiness to zones 5-8. You will want to start your seeds in early spring.  Place the seeds in a loam, peat moss, and sand mixture.  Sow the seeds just below the surface.  Keep the seeds in a temperature around 55 degrees if possible and mist them to keep moist.  Make sure you place them in bright indirect sunlight. Transplant the seedlings outdoors around May, or after the danger of frost and the seedlings have germinated.  Make sure you plant in well drained soil and while Arnica likes direct sunlight, if you live in warmer climates, it is best to put them in bright indirect sunlight so as not to make it too hot.  I, personally, live in zone 9 and have mine planted below the overhang of a honeysuckle vine growing on our back fence.  It does get a few hours of direct sunlight but...

Have you ever wondered why people seem to live longer in Asia?  It's because for thousands of years, the Shiitake mushroom has been used medicinally. Shiitake mushrooms are terrific for immunity support.  However, it has been proven that they are good at protecting against cardiovascular disease including atherosclerosis. They are a great source of iron as well!  In fact, ferrous gluconate is commonly used in as a low-dose iron supplement and it has been found that dried shiitake mushrooms are just as good if not better than the ferrous gluconate. Shiitake mushrooms are also high in vitamins but low in calories. 5oz of Shiitake mushrooms contain: Vitamin B3 - 27.5% daily value Vitamin B5 - 21.3% daily value Vitamin B6 - 21% daily value Manganese - 16.5% daily value Phosphorus - 15.8% daily value Fiber - 14.1% daily value Potassium - 12.3% daily value Selenium - 11.5% daily value Copper...

French Black Perigord Truffles are some of the most sought after mushrooms in the world.  However, they are very expensive (upwards to $3,000 a pound).  They have even been referred to as "the diamond of the kitchen". These mushrooms can help reduce the risk of heart disease, especially in men.  However, since they are so rare and expensive, it isn't normally used. The main reason for these mushrooms is the flavor.  The flavor of these mushrooms is like no other and is wanted all over the world.  You can find Truffle Oil and Truffle Vodka, however, most truffle oils do not actually contain truffles and truffles weren't even used in making the oil.  They have synthesized the flavor of the truffles and made it that way.  So if you are really wanting to true thing, it is best to purchase the mushroom itself. However, if you are like me and almost everyone else I know, then you might...

***The first and foremost thing here, if you want some quick and easy with these cultures, just innoculate all over your yard with the syringe of your liquid culture.  Nothing special needed, just go around your yard and put out some culture everywhere.  This is the fastest and easiest way.  However, if you are wanting a little more involved and/or sterile way of doing it, then follow the following instructions.***





The thing to keep in mind for growing ALL mushrooms is it is an experiment every single time.  There will be some substrates that won't work as well for one variety but then is the best substrate for another variety.  You really just need to play around with the substrate if you aren't getting the results you were expecting for each mushroom variety.

The following growing information is for all mushrooms with the exception of Truffle mushroom varieties and Cordyceps.  Those two varieties of mushrooms grow very differently than the other types of mushrooms. The best thing to grow mushrooms on is rye berries.  This works for all varieties (except the ones mentioned above).  If you can find rye berries at a whole foods store or elsewhere, that is great.  However, we have found that it is hard to come by....

Malva sylvestris mauritanica

Malva is a perennial and grows wild in full sun, open places like pastures.

Plant Malva in full sun with rich soil.  It likes a soil pH of 5.5 to 7.5.  It prefers well drained soil but can tolerate wet spots.

You will want to stake the plants up, not only for looks but because it can develop a fungus from staying in contact with the soil.

Once it has bloomed, you will want to cut it down all the way to the ground.  This will stimulate the growth to come back.  

Never plant Mallow near hollyhocks because they are susceptible to rust fungus disease.  Try not to water the foliage to help avoid this fungus as well.  Make sure it has great air circulation and exposure to the sun to dry it off if you get it wet.

Remove fallen leaves and other debris when it falls and do not over fertilize.  Only once in early summer is needed.

Mauitianian Malva has many thereapeutic properties.  You can use it both internally and externally. The leaves of this Malva plant have a mild pain killing property.  It can also be used to form a sort of "bandaid" for wounds, bites and bruises.  Normally a poultice is made from the leaves and flowers.   You can also infuse the leaves and roots and make a gel type liquid.  This can be used as a shampoo for dry and damaged hair, or as a sort ofl otion for dry hands or sunburned skin.  You can also boil the leaves and use them as an eye mask. Internally, Malva can be used for dry coughs and chest colds.  The leaves, roots and flowers contain the expectorant properties.   The leaves can also be used as a mild laxative tea. To make a tea out of the leaves, boil about 3 tsp. of the dried leaves in about 6-8oz of water, steep for 10 minutes, strain and drink.  This will work as the laxative,...

Wanted to post real quick to let anyone that reads this know that we have several varieties of mushroom cultures for sale on Ebay at the moment.  We will be listing more, but this is a start.  So if you are interested in growing your own medicinal and edible mushrooms, just click on the links below!



ABM Mushroom Cordyceps Militaris King Oyster/King Trumpet White Oyster Mushrooms White Button Mushrooms...

Reishi is strictly a medicinal mushroom.  While it is edible (meaning non toxic) it doesn't taste very good.  I have eaten these myself and they are very bitter and not tasty at all!  However, they are TREMENDOUS for your health!!! These mushrooms are great for your immune system, it really reinforces it.  When used in combination with chemotherapy and radiation on cancer patients, patients have reported feeling less of the side effects of the chemo and radiation, such as: Nausea Vomiting Headaches Fever Infection Weight Loss Hair Loss It can also prevent cancer and prevent the spreading of the cancer cells.  Studies on breast cancer patients have used reishi mushrooms combined with green tea and this has proven to retard the growth of these cancer cells! But oh no, it doesn't stop there!  It also can help lower your cholesterol because it makes the liver suppress the cholesterol production....

Well, this week I still don't have anything in the greenhouse.  It has been hot and humid and everything is outside!  yay!  While watering the garden this morning I discovered that one of my Jojoba plants has germinated, and then this evening I realize that all 3 have germinated!  So that is exciting!

I finally got our Persimmon tree in the ground and planted a mango seed.  But not much has changed this week as far as what is going on in the garden.  

But, I do want to show off some pictures of the Devil's Claw plant that I posted about here.

This is a picture of what one of the plants looked like on August 13, 2012





Here is the picture of them on August 15, 2012



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Lion's Mane mushrooms are some of the most impressive mushrooms I have ever known about.  These mushrooms, when taken regularly, normally experience a change in  memory in just ONE WEEK!  Regular intake of these mushrooms drastically boots your immune system and brain functions.  It can also help with joint pain and inflammation. Lion's Mane has been found to ward off dementia and has been used in the treatment of Alzheimer's.  Many, many years ago, in Chinese medicine, only Emperors were allowed to eat these mushrooms.   So far, the Lion's Mane mushroom has proven to be effective in the treatment of Dementia Alzheimer's Joint Pain Arthritis Digestive Tract Issues Esophageal Cancer Stomach Cancer The reason that these mushrooms can do all of these things is because of the compounds in the mushroom such as Beta Glucan Polysaccharides Complex Sugars Fatty Acids Polypeptides These things...

The Devil's Claw has been considered a "cure-all" in African medicine these days.  It has cured: Fevers Malaria Menstrual cramp Pains of childbirth Tuberculosis (among other infections and diseases) Hypertension Gout Liver problems Peptic Ulcers Stomach disorders Appetite stimulant Lower cholesterol Purify the blood Releif of pain for arthritis and rheumatism An ointment made from the root is used to treat and heal wounds, get rid of ulcers, boils and rashes.  It has also been used on insect bites. What is virtually unknown is the fact that most prescriptions for arthritis, rheumatism and fibromyalgia contains Devil's Claw.   Because of the compounds in this root that makes it an analgesic and anti-inflammatory, it is considered to help with  Alzheimer's Osteoporosis Cardiovascular Disease Diabetes Dementia Other neurodegenerative diseases Fibromyalgia

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Golden Oyster Mushrooms are high in glucan.  Glucan has been researched widely and found to stimulate the immune system against cancer.  However, it also is anti-angiogenic.  Which means it can preven the formation of blood vessels and starve cancer cells. Anti-angiogenic also mean that it can help you lose weight.  When the research was done on the anti-angiogenic properties of mushrooms and other things they found out that it helped prevent and treat cancer, but the side effect was the weight loss.  So I'm sold on it! These mushrooms also have an anti-tumor effect.  With the pheolic compounds in these mushrooms, makes it anti-radical. They also protect against cell mutations and hypertension.  It can aid in the treatment of diabetes as well because it can help glucose level control. The Golden Oyster mushroom has the potential to be a cure for Pulmonary Emphysema! These mushrooms can...

The Phoenix Oyster mushroom growns on pine trees and other evergreens.  You can easily grow it on outdoor logs such as alder, cottonwood, poplar, oak, maple, elm, and aspen.

This mushroom is high in protein, low in fat, high in iron.  It also has many other medicinal benefits such as:
Joint and muscle relaxation
Prevents high cholesterol
Treats cancer
Treats lumbago and other numbing in the limbs
Strengthens veins

When growing these mushrooms, it is common to have harvests that weigh MORE than the substrate that it was grown in.

White Enoki mushrooms have a long, thin stalk with a white cap.   These mushrooms help fight degenerative diseases such as Alzheimers' and dementia.  They also help detoxify the body and therefore it reduces the risk of other inflammatory, degenerative and heart diseases. They can also have significan anticancer and immune-enhancing effects.  This has had significant positive effects in the treatment of prostate cancer and lymphoma. The Enoki mushroom contains polysaccharides and flammulin which researchers say have significant anti-tumor/anti-cancer properties.  Enoki mushrooms are grown cultivated in Japan and in Nagano, Japan (the center of this agriculture), the people there have a very low rate of cancer. They also act as an anti-viral and anti-bacterial.   White Enoki mushrooms are naturally fat free, cholesterol free, sodium free and a great source of Vitamin B3. Each serving only has...

The Tiger Sawgill mushroom has been proven to be anticholesterolmic, meaning that it battles high cholesterol.

It is also rich in carbohydrates (the good kind), magnesium and copper.

This mushroom also contains a very high content of protein, low water content.

The Paddy Straw mushroom can help heal damage from auto-immune diseases.

These mushrooms can enhance the formation of body fluid are one of the best supplements for 
Hypertension
High Cholesterol
Diabetes

Because of the selenium content there is a reduced risk of bladder cancer.

Paddy Straw mushrooms can clear heat and increase energy.  They also contain
Protein
Fat
Iron
Zinc
Many amino acids
Large amounts of Vitamin C

This mushroom has a musty flavor and does great in stir fries, soups and stuffings.  Unlike some mushrooms, this mushroom will retain it's shape throughout the cooking.

The Shaggy Mane mushroom is also referred to as the "Lawyer's Wig" mushroom because of it's appearance similar to the old time wigs that they used to wear in court.  It is a saprotrophic mushroom, they are good decomposers.  These mushrooms will release enzymes that break down dead tissue that can be used as a food source. These mushrooms contain polysaccharides and triterpenes.  These two ingredients are tremendous cancer fighters. Polysaccharides help stabilize blood pressure and keep blood sugar even.  It also benefits: Asthma Inflammatory Conditions Anxiety Diabetes Hepatitis Cancer (especially leukemia) This mushroom also contains antitumor components. These mushrooms decompose themselves very fast, so harvesting should be done on the same day as consumption.  They will quickly turn into a black inky substance.  They have a sweet taste and are sure to please at the dinner table!...