Emily Chan
Catnip
Sure, cats go wild for catnip, but this plant isn’t just for our feline friends. It’s safe for humans to consume and provides various health benefits.
Catnip is rich in B vitamins and has traditionally been used to treat indigestion, nervousness, and coughs and to relieve intestinal cramps and other bodily aches and pains.
Grow catnip in full sunlight in a pot or raised bed to prevent it from crowding out your other plants.
Echinacea
Echinacea has beautiful purple and red flowers that bloom in midsummer and stick around for many weeks. Pretty much the entire plant–roots, leaves, seeds, and flowers–can be utilized for medicinal purposes.
It is effective in boosting the body’s immune system and has been used for hundreds of years to treat cold and flu symptoms.
The echinacea is a hardy perennial plant that will pop back up in your garden every season. All it really needs to thrive is well-draining soil and the occasional watering. It can tolerate long, dry spells.
The roots and leaves are ready to harvest within the first year of planting, while the roots must wait until the third or fourth year.
Yarrow
Yarrow would be an excellent addition to your garden for several reasons. It keeps pests from damaging your crops while attracting the bugs that actually benefit your garden’s growth.
