Our final frost date is finally here. Let's get them plants in the ground! Beni Houshi Mizuna has purple stems (Think anthocyanins.) and dark greens. Although it's technically a mustard, it maintains a delicate flavor even when mature. We grow this striking variety because unlike spinach and lettuces it holds up well to both extreme heat and cold.***Note: Cucumbers and squash have delicate roots and require a bit of extra care when transplanting. Read these tips if you're new to gardening.   https://www.garden.eco/cucumber-seedlings 

If you're growing a tea garden, children's garden, or an aromatherapy garden this year, consider adding a cultivated variety of chamomile to your plant inventory. This cheerful, unassuming little flower comes in both an annual and perennial version (German chamomile is an annual. Roman chamomile is perennial.) In our climate, even the annual will overwinter with just a little protection. It's drought and sun tolerant, cold hardy and it freely reseeds. It even deters mosquitoes.   Not convinced yet? Consider what it can do for your kitchen garden:Chamomile deters pests among

(Photo courtesy of Appleseed Media.)Dry, cracked skin not only hurts, it harbors germs, too. Nowadays, there's more reason than ever to care for the body's largest, most protective organ, and DIY salves and lotions can play a big role.The best part about this rich, thick lotion is that it can easily be whipped up at home using basic ingredients. You can get fancy and add other things, but with these simple techniques and fairly minimal cleanup time, this recipe will give you a shelf-stable product that packed with antiseptic and

Photo courtesy of Appleseed Media. Many herbs are mildly drying--not necessarily desirable when your hands are already like sandpaper from washing. Luckily, March is a perfect time to start gathering mallow and violet. The leaves of both plants are demulcent (moistening when ingested). They're common and abundant but mostly overlooked--considered weeds even by the uninitiated.  And violet is traditionally called upon during times of emotional upheaval to provide comfort, so it feels like a mighty fine ally to seek out just now.To enjoy the soothing properties and nutritional boost of mallow

 Still have elderberries on hand? Here's a delicious, healthy alternative to the standard syrup preparation. (Black currants, blueberries, blackberries, native currants, Oregon grapes and serviceberries can be substituted.) We double the batch and stock the freezer for anytime snacks.  Ingredients:  1 3/4 cups plus 1 teaspoon whole wheat flour1 teaspoon baking powder1/2 teaspoon baking soda1/2 teaspoon salt1/4 tsp almond extract1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon  1/2 tsp ground ginger  1/4 tsp ground cloves1/4 tsp ground cardamom1/4 tsp ground sumac (all spices can be adjusted to taste/omitted)1/3 cup cooking oil or melted coconut