Jekka's guide to organic gardening & maintaining soil health

By Jessica Rogers March 18, 2023 23 mins read 160 Views

Elevating the everyday is our mission. At Belovedsaffron.com, we think the world deserves more than conventional cuisines — and more than take-out from chains. Our goal is to celebrate cultural flavours through spices, herbs and organic food from sustainable farming.

Saffron is our love affair; a culinary crescendo that evokes a warmth of its own. But cooking is so much more than a single ingredient — it’s also about respect. It’s about respecting people from different cultures who dedicate their lives to creating something extraordinary with every dish they serve; family meals or five-star restaurants alike.

And that’s why we’re inviting everyone to join us – to share their recipes, explore new flavors and be part of something special. We know everyone has something delicious to offer!

For now, love yourself and enjoy this one ...

Your own little piece of the world is your garden, allotment, or balcony. Organic gardening is vital in maintaining the health of soil and plants and ensuring that we replenish our earth instead of degrading it.

Jekka's herbs have been grown organically and sustainably for the past 35+ year. Jekka started organic practices because she had two young children and didn't want them to ingest harmful chemicals. We have remarkable biodiversity at the farm in South Gloucestershire because we adhere to organic principles. This is testament to the policies we have implemented.

Organic gardening is defined by the Royal Horticultural Society as "a cultivation system that makes minimal use of chemical and manufactured substances." It promotes a more holistic approach to gardening that emphasizes interdependence of all life forms.

Recent years have seen more attention paid to organic gardening and the practices it involves. These include more research on the damage that humans have done to the land by using harsh chemicals and other unsustainable practices. Many people are now more aware of the importance and moving towards organic practices. This knowledge also affects people's health and well-being, as well as their awareness about the importance of eating locally.

Organic gardening was started to reduce the use of chemicals. However, organic gardening is much more than that. It is vital that our soils are well-fed and have a diverse and healthy base to allow our plants to thrive. The soil should be full of life, including worms, bacteria and other microscopic organisms. Organic methods teach you to feed the soil, not the plant. This will ensure that the best vegetables, fruits and flowers are produced. Jekka’s uses a peat-free compost, which we made according to Jekka’s recipe. It includes loam, grit and wood fibre. Although it is not certified organic, our compost is vegan. It provides the solid and varied base that our plants need to grow.

Jekka's Top 3 Tips for Organic Gardeners

1. Take care of your soil

We must provide nutrients to soil, just as humans do. Organic matter is often found in the form manure, mushroom compost, and leaf mulch. Organic matter should be added to the soil in the winter and early spring to allow it to have time to be broken down by organisms. This will help to establish a strong soil base before planting.

You can improve and maintain your soil structure by planting perennials throughout the year, planting hedgerows and ley strips, and encouraging wildlife like earthworms. They act as ecosystem engineers and aerate soil as they burrow.

You can also maintain soil health by using no-dig or reduced till regimes. This will help prevent the loss and destruction of organic matter.

It's a good idea for small-scale growers to feed their plants throughout the growing season, even if they are in containers. We use Maxicrop liquid saltwater, which is an organic feed that contains algae. It will help your plants grow from seeds to mature plants. Jekka has a recipe that will help you make your own Comfrey feed.

Jekka's recipe to make Comfrey feed

Comfrey is a deep-rooted plant that extracts large amounts of nutrients from the soil below its surface. This makes it inaccessible to other plants. These nutrients are kept in the leaves. You can harvest the leaves and let them decay to make nutrient-rich food for your garden. It is especially rich in potassium making it an ideal feed for promoting flowers and fruits in a variety of plants including tomatoes.

Equipment:

Comfrey leaves are a well-established plant
Large bucket or tub trug, ideally with lid
Stone to help weigh the leaves down
Recycled bottles such as milk bottles
Watering is essential

Steps:

Take the leaves of an established Comfrey plant and harvest them. If necessary, wear gloves.
Take out flowers and hard stems
Chop the leaves and place them in a container that is water tight.
Use a brick to weigh the leaves.
Slowly, the Comfrey leaves will be broken down and release a brownish liquid. It is important to keep the lid on your container!
Take out any liquid and place it in a glass bottle. Add fresh leaves to the container.
Use the liquid to dilute.

2. Move with the seasons

It is crucial to plan where and what you will plant your plants so that there are no pests or diseases. You can place shade-loving plants in darker areas or water the plants that need more frequent care in areas that get the most moisture.

You can ensure that your plants have the best possible health and minimize the impact on the environment. For more ideas, check out Jekka’s top 10 herbs for sun-shade, semi-shade and dry conditions.

Organic gardening is about maintaining your garden throughout the year. This allows you to keep an eye out for potential problems and hopefully even catch them. It allows you to spot and treat any potential pests or diseases that may occur during the winter months. You may also be able to plant more plants, as you will have a better idea of what will and won't grow during winter. Perennials, as we've already mentioned, are great resources for wildlife in times when there isn't much else on the ground.

You can find advice on how to grow and maintain herbs throughout the seasons in Jekka's 'Jekka’s Seasonal Tips' blog series. This includes tips for what to do with your herb garden in spring, summer, autumn, winter, and late spring. These are the foundation of Jekka’s guide to growing herbs.

3. Avoid pesticides and harsh chemicals

They are extremely effective in eliminating pests and diseases but they can also destroy all other life forms. This is a complete depletion of biodiversity. You may also need to use chemicals to attract pests to your property. Once you have used the chemicals, the pest will keep coming back.

Pesticides can also be leaked into ground water, eventually into water sources, making them potentially hazardous to human health. Organic means that you should avoid pesticides, unless they are certified organic. There are many organic products available now, which is a great thing.

Jekka's favorite products are SB invigorator, and Maxicrop seaweed. Jekka's secret recipe consists of 2ml maxi crops, 2 ml SB invigorator, and 5 gms potassium Bicarb (or baking soda). This is then applied to infected plants or herbs as a spray. You can find more products for gardeners in our range, as well as the bundle that we offer via mail order.

Along with planting a variety of species, companion planting can also be a good way to attract pollinators.

Planning for a diverse, vigorous garden with good soil health and plant health is a great way to become a sustainable organic gardener.

Organic gardening is complex. We have only touched on a few topics, but we urge everyone to take the time to understand organic principles. They can also benefit bees, birds and other wildlife who help create our beautiful gardens, large and small.

Jekka's HerbFest is a great place to start your journey. This weekend is dedicated to all things herb.

Frequently Asked Questions

What herbs should you take daily?

Depending on your health and wellness needs, many herbs can be taken daily to help improve your overall health.

Popular herbs for daily consumption include ashwagandha, turmeric, ginger, holy basil, chamomile, lavender, peppermint, and cayenne pepper. Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that can help the body resist stress and anxiety. Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, while ginger has been shown to aid digestion and boost immunity. Holy basil may help with managing blood sugar levels, as well as providing a calming effect. Chamomile can promote relaxation, while lavender is used in aromatherapy for its calming properties. Peppermint can help aid digestion and reduce nausea, while cayenne pepper has antibacterial properties that may boost your immunity.

As always, you must consult your doctor before taking herbs daily to ensure they are safe for you and do not interact with any other medications or herbs you may be taking.

There is no shortage of information on what foods we should eat and how much exercise we should do. But when it comes to what supplements we should take, there is a dearth of knowledge.

This is because most of us aren’t sure which ones work or which are junk. So we go online and look up whatever we can find.

But often, these articles are written by companies trying to promote their products. Which means they're usually biased toward their product.

So instead of finding unbiased advice, we end up reading marketing hype.

This makes sense since marketers make more money selling stuff than doctors.

The medical industry isn’t even allowed to advertise directly to consumers anymore. The best way to learn about natural remedies is to read independent reviews.

This is where you'll find real users sharing their experiences with each supplement. These sites give you an honest opinion of whether or not a particular herb helps.

Users will often share their experience with a supplement after taking it. This gives you a good idea of its effectiveness and any side effects.

You can also check out forums dedicated to herbalism. Here you can ask questions and receive answers based on personal experience.

Of course, there are plenty of other ways to learn about herbs.

There are books, websites, blogs, videos, podcasts, and classes. All of them provide valuable information about natural remedies.

Which herbs are healing herbs?

If you look for healing herbs, you won’t find them in the supermarket. There isn’t any place to buy them. There is no store selling them.

You haven’t been able to find healing herbs because they aren’t sold anywhere. They are grown right here in our backyard.

Healing herbs are plants that grow naturally in North America. Like many common household items, these herbs grow throughout the United States and Canada.

These herbs treat minor ailments such as colds, flu, sore throats, coughs, and headaches. Many of these herbs have been used for centuries to help heal wounds and promote overall health.

Of course, when we say “heal,” we mean more than simply treating an illness. We also refer to the ability of these herbs to restore balance and harmony within ourselves and the world around us.

For example, the chamomile herb helps relieve stress. This means that if you feel stressed out, you may benefit from taking chamomile tea. Chamomile tea has been shown to reduce anxiety and nervous tension.

In addition, chamomile tea has been proven effective in relieving insomnia.

Chamomile tea has many other benefits, including its ability to ease stomach aches and gas pains and even improve digestion.

Another popular healing herb is Echinacea. Echinacea is known for helping to fight infections and boosting the immune system.

Echinacea is commonly taken internally and externally to fight infection, prevent viral diseases, and boost immunity. It is safe to use during pregnancy and lactation.

Echinacea also helps reduce muscle pain and inflammation. You can take echinacea orally or topically (as an ointment).

This herb is available in both liquid and capsule form. Liquid echinacea is often mixed with honey and lemon juice. The mixture is then strained and consumed.

Capsules are usually made of freeze-dried plant material. They contain standardized amounts of active ingredients. To use capsules, swallow one or two a day.

The third type of herbal remedy is called tincture. Tinctures are alcoholic extracts of herbs. They are typically used to treat internal problems. Tinctures are generally diluted before being ingested.

Tinctures can be taken orally or applied topically. For oral consumption, dilute tinctures with water. Some people prefer to mix tinctures with food.

Tinctures are easy to prepare. Put about one tablespoon of dried herb into a bottle containing enough alcohol to cover the herb completely. Allow the mixture to sit for several weeks. Then strain and consume.

You may want to try some of these natural remedies to see which ones work best.

Is eating raw basil good for you?

I'm sure everyone knows that fresh herbs are great for cooking but did you know that you could eat them too? Raw, uncooked herbs are packed full of nutrients and vitamins that we normally have to cook.

They contain more antioxidants than any fruit or vegetable. And they also help our immune systems stay strong and healthy.

The best way to enjoy these delicious little green gems is to eat them raw from the garden. But there's nothing wrong with enjoying them cooked, either. They taste even better when sautéed in olive oil and served alongside pasta or rice.

There are lots of ways to incorporate raw herbs into recipes. Add them to salads, soups, sandwiches, wraps, omelets, stir-fries, and pesto.

Just make sure you wash them well first!

What is the difference between "regular" and smoked paprika powder?

Regular Paprika Powder (Piment d'Espelette) is an essential ingredient for our recipes. We use it for its intense flavor and color. It's also used as a spice and seasoning agent. Smoked Paprika Powder (Paprika Chorizo) adds a smoky taste and aroma to dishes. Both types of Paprika Powder come from Spain, where they grow the best peppers in the world.

Smoked Paprika Powder (Chorizo Paprika) is made from red peppers, which are dried slowly in special ovens. This gives them a rich flavor. They are then ground and mixed with salt, garlic, and spices.

Regular Paprika Powder (Espelette Paprika) is made by grinding green bell peppers without additives.

What spice is good for inflammation?

Turmeric is one spice that can be beneficial for reducing inflammation. It contains the active ingredient curcumin, which has been studied extensively and shown to have anti-inflammatory effects on the body. Other spices like ginger, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, garlic, and cardamom may also reduce inflammation in the body. Adding these spices to your diet can help reduce inflammation and promote overall health.

Another spice that can be used to reduce inflammation is black pepper. The active ingredient in black pepper, piperine, has been studied and found to have anti-inflammatory properties. It may also help reduce pain associated with inflammation. Additionally, the spice contains antioxidants which are beneficial for overall health.

Adding black pepper to your diet may help reduce inflammation and promote overall health. Be sure to talk with your doctor before adding any spice to your diet, as some spices may interact with your medications or supplements. Eating various healthy foods, including spices with anti-inflammatory benefits, can help keep your body balanced and reduce the risk of chronic inflammation-related illnesses.

In summary, adding spices to your diet can be beneficial for reducing inflammation and promoting overall health. Spices like turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, garlic, cardamom, and black pepper have all been studied for their potential anti-inflammatory effects.

Is it okay to use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?

It is best to pick up fresh herbs whenever possible when using herbs.

Although dried herbs are convenient, they don’t provide the same benefits as fresh herbs.

Fresh herbs contain essential oils that give your food a unique flavor. These oils help preserve the nutrients within the herb.

Dried herbs lose all their flavor after drying, so they cannot replace fresh herbs.

You should only use dried herbs if you absolutely must. Otherwise, you should get your fresh herbs from the market.

What are the disadvantages of using herbs?

Herbs are a great way to keep your body healthy because they contain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, enzymes, amino acids, phytonutrients, polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenes, essential oils, carotenoids, sterols, and sterolins. Some even contain cannabinoids.

But there are also lots of side effects associated with herbal remedies. For example, taking too much herb could cause liver damage or even death. Herbal supplements may interact with prescription drugs, which means that they might affect how well the drug works.

Some herbs can interfere with blood clotting, while others may increase bleeding when taken with anticoagulants (blood thinners).

There are also safety concerns for pregnant women and children.

The bottom line is that herbs aren't safe for everyone. If you're considering trying them out, do your homework. Look up each product's side effects and warnings and read reviews online.

Statistics

The global herbs market is expected to reach more than $125 billion by the end of 2025.
The herbs market is highly competitive, with over 1,000 herb suppliers and over 15,000 herbs products available in the United States alone.

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How To

How to Use Herbs and Spices in Cooking?

Herbs and spices are a great way to add flavor without adding calories. If you've been cooking for years, you already know how easy it is to make even bland foods taste delicious. Try these tips to add more flair to your dishes.

Herbs and spices are essential ingredients in any kitchen. In addition to making food taste better, they also help keep food fresh longer. From enhancing the flavors of soups and sauces to infusing drinks with exotic tastes, herbs and spices go far beyond traditional cooking.

The most important thing to remember when using herbs and spices is to use them sparingly. Even though they may seem like powerful ingredients, they have a strong scent. So, sprinkle them on top instead of piling them onto a dish.

You'll find that the best herbs and spices come in small containers. This makes them easier to measure out, so there won't be any waste. Plus, you'll save money because you won't have to buy large amounts.

Another tip is to avoid placing herbs and spices directly on hot pans. Heat will quickly dry out the herbs and spices, leaving a bitter aftertaste. Instead, place them on paper towels to absorb excess moisture.

Use herbs and spices liberally in recipes where they naturally complement each other. For example, cinnamon pairs well with apples, while garlic complements tomatoes. Once you learn how to combine flavors, you'll be able to create your signature dishes.

Try experimenting with different herbs and spices to spice up meals. For instance, mix thyme, rosemary, oregano, and basil in a bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste. Then toss the mixture with pasta, chicken, or fish.

After the meal, store leftover herbs and spices in airtight jars. This will prevent them from drying out. Also, wrap unused herbs and spices tightly in plastic wrap. They should stay fresh for at least three months.

If you're looking for ways to improve your diet, consider trying new herbs and spices. You can experiment with different blends until you discover your favorite combination. The possibilities are endless!