Becoming More Self-Sustainable On The Golden D

Over the last two years I have literally sunk my teeth deeper into the gardening realm and am continuing to find my way on the homestead to becoming more sustainable. My reasons for this vary, and I'm sure many homesteaders, gardeners and even preppers will relate to at least one if not all of the reasons I list here.

• Keep control over chemicals in our food
• KNOW where my food comes from
• Save money
• Learn a new skill (from seed saving to harvesting, companion planting to preserving the harvest; even foraging)
• Becoming less reliant on others and grocery stores
• It's therapeutic
• Good exercise
• Come closer to nature
• Gain (and expand) knowledge of plants

I'm sure I missed a few, but these are the main ones that come to mind as I transplant new seedlings, redesign my gardening and greenhouses' capabilities and pick that first pepper off the vine every year.

One way I have continued my personal trek to sustainability is to start paying attention and planting more perennials on the homestead. These will come back every year and aside from maybe adding a few new seedlings every few years to keep them healthy and flourishing. These are ALL herbs, plants and flowers I will be using for years to come with so many medicinal benefits; and some beauty added to the garden.

<--- LEMON BALM- Perennial

I started growing this herb last year because I was just starting to learn about herbal teas and I absolutely LOVE lemon. So when I started this herb by seed I made sure to have a nice supply of lemon balm to last throughout the year.

Lemon is a natural diuretic and I was prescribed a diuretic by my specialist to help with my sodium intake and I am NOT a person who likes to take medication. So having an endless supply of lemon balm is perfect. I actually planted another area of lemon balm further down the herb garden this spring.

MULLEIN-Perennial ---->

I added this plant to the garden for two reasons;

• The leaves can be used as a replacement for tobacco for smoking; and cutting back and even quitting smoking. Mr Golden D does smoke and I am hoping by using dried mullein leaves in place of his tobacco (we roll his cigarettes) and eventually he will be off tobacco. Which of course will prolong his life and our time together. Mullein leaves are healthier than tobacco (no preservatives and chemicals- which are the things that tell our brains we need it... not the tobacco)
• The flower can be used as a diuretic also
  
  

<------ COMFREY- Perennial

You can use the leaves, make a salve/compound nd use on your skin for bruises, wounds and even for fractures. It can also benefit skin rashes and irritations; think mosquito and bug bites.

It also has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties that are always nice to have around the homestead.

SAGE- Perennial ----->

No only is this one of the holiday's favorite herbs to use with turkey and dressing/stuffing, but sage has other uses and benefits.

I use the dehydrated leaves to make my own BBQ dry rub for pork. It is SUPER delicious on a pork butt that's been smoked on the smoker or grill all day long. The earthiness of sage really comes through.

I also add some fresh sage to caramelized onions. The flavor depth the sage adds is one-of-a-kind.

And finally, I add it to my herbal teas once in awhile. Sage has antioxidant properties and can help ease inflammation.

Other Perennials I've Added This Year

• Big leaf sorrel
• Calendula (actually an annual but will re-seed itself)
• Lemon Grass
• Angelica (Bi-ennial)

Last Year's Perennial Additions

• Dill
• Mint
• Oregano
• Chamomile
• Lavender
• Chives
• Bee Balm
• Catnip