Vegans believe in the inherent worth of all life and consequently don’t believe in the killing or enslaving of animals for human wants.

Spirituality is a broad term that encapsulates a myriad of different beliefs through time. What unites all spiritual ideals is that we are more than mere matter.

Spirituality can be contrasted with materialism, which has been the prevalent baseline belief of Western civilization for hundreds of years; much to the detriment of the planet and the well-being of its inhabitants. 

Whilst it is nearly impossible to quantify, there’s no doubt that a large number of vegans self-identify as spiritual. That being said, there are many reasons to adopt a vegan lifestyle, and those who choose to do so for health reasons may not necessarily be spiritually inclined.

Read on to learn a bit more about the connection between spirituality and veganism. 

Ahimsa, Non-Violence

Yoga, Spirituality and Veganism

Yoga has become increasingly popular in the Western world over the previous decades.

Whilst the term Yoga in the average modern Western mind may conjure up ideas of contortion or exercise, this is far from its history. The term Yoga can be translated in numerous ways but some of the most common are union or yoke. The practitioner of yoga, the yogi, aims to unite himself with his true Self/ the infinite.

The first step in the classical 8-limbs of Yoga (aṣṭāṅga)  formulation of Yoga is ahimsa, (non-violence.)

The Link Between Spirituality and Veganism

Veganism is intricately linked to the spiritual practices of many adherents who appreciate the interconnectedness of life and wish to minimize the harm they do on this planet.

Many Hindus refrain from eating animals due to their belief in reincarnation and karma, as well as the idea that sattvic (pure) foods (such as fruit, nuts, whole grains and vegetables) can lead to a steady state of mind, spiritual clarity and mental and emotional balance.

Buddhism also takes the notion of ahimsa as being of great import, being present in the Five Presets (Pañcasīla).Whilst not all Buddhists are vegan or vegetarian, they believe that all living beings have buddha nature, so causing harm to them may hamper spiritual progress. 

Jainism maintains the strictest interpretation of ahimsa. The Jain diet excludes root vegetables because of the harm harvesting these does to the billions of life forms present within the soil. Whilst the traditional Jain diet incudes dairy, some modern adherents follow a vegan life style due to the the harm done to dairy cattle in modern times. Previously milk from cows was only taken after baby calves had had their fill.

Is Non-Spiritual Veganism A Thing?

Whilst many practicing vegans link their lifestyle and dietary choices to their spiritual ideals  there are, no doubt, some who follow a plant-based lifestyle purely for physical health. They might not self identify as being spiritually inclined but may be unconsciously moved by such ideals and considerations. 

Whilst the parallels between veganism and spirituality are obvious, there are indeed many spiritually advanced beings who don’t view veganism as an integral part of their spiritual journey.

Vibration and Energy?

FINAL THOUGHTS

Not all spiritually inclined individuals are vegan and not all vegans are spiritually inclined.

The crossover comes from the desire to lead a more compassionate, mindful life, based on mutual respect for all forms of life, big or small. Many spiritual traditions through the ages have taught about non-violence and kindness, making veganism an easy-to-follow pathway to these ideals. The notion that food can carry energetic properties leads people to think that plant-based foods are more conducive to higher states of consciousness and spiritual insight than animal-based foods.

Spirituality is a highly specific endeavor, and can vary greatly from person to person. Some spiritually advanced individuals may not view veganism as part of their path. Either way, veganism can be a potent expression for those aiming to live a life of compassion, environmental harmony and peaceful coexistence. 

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Food Forests, also known as forest gardening, is a style of gardening that seeks to replicate the multi-layered systems that happen naturally in forests.

This involves growing many different species in a small area, in a dense polyculture whilst utilizing space intelligently in a synergistic way.

Plants grow better in community than on their own and can provide support for each other. Conventional farming is incredibly labor-intensive, requires a myriad of expensive external outputs, and is increasingly unhealthy, both for the planet and the consumer.

Food forest or forest gardening harnesses the regenerative power of nature to grow mutually beneficial thriving ecosystems. By working with nature, we can achieve higher yields of a greater variety of crops over a longer period of time, increasing both the resilience and diversity of our diets and ecosystems.

Read on if you’re interested in learning the basics of planning a food forest!

Observe and Interact

Accept Feedback

Some of the best advice we can take when growing a food forest is by accepting the feedback that the system itself is giving us.

We might think we know the best thing to do, whether it’s when or where to plant something, but the system may be showing us otherwise. By observing and accepting this feedback, we can save ourselves countless hours of work, as well as potential headaches and backaches! 

Life is a dynamic process that wants to express itself to its full potential, and by allowing this process to unfold, and by stepping out of the way to an extent, we can harness nature's regenerative power to work for us.

Design From Patterns to Details

Use the Edge and Value The Marginal

The spaces between two different ecosystems are where the majority of biodiversity lies in natural systems.

By recognizing this liminal space in our gardens/food forests, we can capitalize on their natural propensity to harbor abundant life and create a harvest for ourselves in these ecologically important areas which are often overlooked. 

By appreciating every little niche that exists that is continuously being created as our forest grows, we can be constantly growing a larger array of species as time goes by. The more we fill in these new ecological niches, the more food we’ll be able to grow which will allow us to extend our harvest further into the year and enjoy greater abundance.

Fishing, whether pole fishing or ocean trawling, disrupts the delicate ecosystem of the ocean by removing both predators and prey, destroying the equilibrium. Over-demand for certain species can lead to population collapses, such as with bluefin tuna, Atlantic cod and sardines. As human populations continue to rise, unless the desire to eat fish decreases, the strain put on fisheries could reach a point of no going back as soon as 2050. 

Commercial fishing operations end up catching many species aside from their intended one, including sharks, dolphins, sea turtles and birds, many of which end up dying as a result.

Less demand for seafood driven by an increase in people adopting a vegan lifestyle can reduce the destruction caused by fishing and its unintended by-catch, allowing the ocean ecosystem to continue to exist with as little disruption as possible.

Plastic and Fishing

12.7 million tons of plastic are unceremoniously dumped into the oceans each year. Reducing the use of single-use plastic such as plastic bottles, straws, coffee cups and food wrappers can help. However, researchers believe that 75 - 86% of plastic in the Pacific Garbage Patch comes from fisheries in what are known as ghost nets, which are discarded fishing equipment.

So limiting the eating of fish will not only reduce the amount of fish being removed from the ocean and the subsequent upsetting of the ecosystem but will also reduce the amount of plastic entering the waters from fishing unused and discarded equipment. 

Fishing And Coral Reefs

Animal Agriculture and Ocean Health

Modern animal agriculture includes the use of large amounts of chemical fertilisers, pesticides and a plethora of other ecosystem-disrupting chemicals, many of which make their way to coral reefs and potentially cause bleaching. Animal manure also finds its way into the oceans, where it deprives the area of oxygen, creating dead zones where no life can survive.

As discussed in previous articles, animal agriculture is responsible for an alarming amount of planet-warming gases. When plants are eaten by humans instead of fed to animals, we can reduce the amount of agricultural land needed and the ecological damage caused. 

Fish farming accounts for a large amount of fish consumed globally and causes an overabundance of nutrients in areas that can choke other life forms nearby. Choosing a vegan diet can help mitigate ocean-bound pollution caused by land and sea-based animal farming.

Microplastics and Personal Hygiene

Many people fail to realise, that every unnatural chemical soap, detergent, toothpaste and the like ends up in the waterways. Many even contain microplastics, many of which are far too small to be filtered out before being released into the oceans, where they can wreak havoc on the ecosystem for generations to come. The same can be said for clothes and textiles made from synthetic fibres. 

Veganism at its heart has a concern for the welfare of all sentient beings, and as such tends to favour ecologically sustainable practices. Whilst not all items that are labelled as vegan are ecological or sustainable, the broader ethics and philosophy favours greater awareness of the effects of the choices we make. 

FINAL THOUGHTS

Embracing a vegan lifestyle not only dictates what you ingest but has ramifications for the health of the world that we inhabit. Eating fewer animals, including fish can help reduce environmental pollution, such as agricultural run-off that kills whole ecosystems and also limits plastic pollution in the oceans. Vegan diets also are responsible for much less greenhouse gases which are known to destroy coral reefs which are fountains of biodiversity. 

Veganism and ecological awareness go hand in hand, and adopting the shift in consciousness required for a plant-based lifestyle can help reduce ecological damage to our oceans. 

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Anyone interested in growing a garden will have to learn different ways to increase soil fertility. The fertility of the soil is what allows plants to grow strong and healthy and fight off attacks from insects and diseases. Plants can only be attacked when they exist in suboptimal conditions.

Our job as gardeners and plant guardians is to provide plants with the optimal conditions for their growth. In return, they’ll reward us with a bountiful harvest of fruit, vegetables, or flowers depending on what we’ve planted!

Read on to learn how to enrich your garden soil and grow thriving plants and nutritional-dense food!

Compost

Grow Biomass

Biomass simply refers to organic matter.

Laying down organic matter in garden beds allows organic materials to break down and compost in place, meaning less effort on your part.

The downside of this is that it usually takes longer to break down than composting. Certain plants can be grown expressively to feed to other plants as green manure. This will depend on your climate but could involve grasses, native ‘weeds,’ or any fast-growing species in your area.

Nitrogen-rich plants including nitrogen fixers are also a good option, as they can be pruned and fed to your target crop. Their nitrogen-rich leaves will feed your other plants, and when pruned, they release more nitrogen from their roots which become bio-available for other plants in the area.

Biochar

Biochar is organic matter that’s undergone a process called pyrolysis (basically being charred with little oxygen) and gets turned into charcoal. Biochar is different to charcoal in that it typically has a larger surface area and is more porous.

A typical piece of biochar has the surface area of a football field!

After made, the biochar is  ‘charged’ where it is filled with beneficial microbial life which is then slowly released into the soil. Biochar is also known as terra preta, Portuguese for black earth and is considered a soil amendment rather than a fertilizer. 

Biochar increases the soil's ability to hold onto nutrients in a form that is easily accessible to plant roots. Not only that, but is known to help mitigate damages caused by droughts and floods and rid the soil of pollutants and heavy metals. 

Veganism has surged in popularity over the past decade, with approximately 1.1% of the world's population abstaining from consuming or using animal products for ethical, environmental or health concerns. Vegan diets generally use less water, produce fewer greenhouse gases, and on the whole tend to foster more compassionate, informed choices that can help elevate the general consciousness towards a more holistic mode of living.

A vegan diet is often hailed as being of huge benefit to the environment. Whilst this is generally true, there are a few caveats to take into account.

Read on for a more nuanced understanding of some of the pros and cons of veganism on the environment.

The Negative Impact Of Non-Vegan Food Production

Land Use

Animal farming uses large amounts of both land and water. Land is needed to graze animals, and if the land used was formerly ecologically diverse, and has been cleared, the biodiversity loss will be significant. Similarly, how the land is managed is significant, with the majority of industrialised agriculture having a devastatingly negative environmental impact.

Vegan thinking fosters environmental concern and respect for all forms of life regardless of size. A radical shift towards a vegan diet could free up large swathes of land formerly used for animal agriculture, and allow for regenerative agriculture and reforestation efforts to supplant destructive and cruel industrial agriculture.

On the other hand, there are some farmers employing regenerative agricultural models with animals helping to bring back fertility into formerly over-grazed areas. Grazing animals, if properly managed, can help bring back fertility into the landscape.

Water Use

Why Veganism Alone Isn’t Enough

Whilst studies have repeatedly shown that vegan diets can have a lower environmental impact than omnivorous diets, it also depends on the type of plant-based food consumed, how and where it’s grown, packaged and where it’s consumed. 

As previously mentioned, veganism is about increasing the consciousness of mankind so we can make more compassionate choices. So it’s natural that how the food we eat is grown can have an important impact on the environmental effects of our food choices.

Importance of How And Where Your Food Is Grown

Whilst numerous studies have shown that meat-heavy diets have a greater environmental impact than plant-based ones, it also depends on the type of vegan diet and how the food is grown. It’s worth noting that a heavy reliance on crops grown in monocultures or imported from other corners of the globe can have a significantly negative impact. 

Monocultures often rely on heavy amounts of synthetic fertilisers which wreak havoc on soil health and people’s health. It can also destroy biodiversity and soil health, as fields are often left fallow when not in use, leading to the loss of topsoil which increases desertification. 

Those following vegan diets in colder climates may find that the food they consume is grown in far-off places, meaning large amounts of C02 are released during transportation. Focusing on locally grown and seasonal produce can eliminate this problem. However, vegans living in areas with long cold winters and shorter growing seasons may struggle to fulfill their needs with locally grown foods. 

Food Waste

Food waste is a problem facing the sustainability of our food production regardless of dietary choices, with about one-third of food produced being wasted. This involves a huge amount of resources such as land, water, labour and energy being used in vain, which in turn causes an increase in greenhouse gases, and waste being dumped into landfills, plastic packaging as well as waterways being polluted. 

Whilst all food production can lead to food waste, vegan diets, if not carefully managed, can contribute a lot due to the perishability of fresh produce. To counter this, proper food management practices at home such as meal planning can help, as well as either home or community composting initiatives. Managing food waste is equally as important for both vegan and non-vegan diets and needs to be taken into consideration if we are serious about creating a more sustainable food system.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Sustainable farming practices are vital for the health of the environment, whether you follow a vegan diet or not. Whilst vegan diets are generally considered better for the environment, making sure the food you consume is grown with responsible and ethical environmental practices is vital, regardless of your dietary choices as industrialised farming practices have little regard for the health of the planet or that of consumers. 

Focusing on decentralised and localised seasonal farmers and producers can ensure your food choices have the least negative environmental impact possible regardless.

Ethical vegans oppose the exploitation of animals for human use, with their lives being viewed as being inherently valuable regardless of their utility for humans. Animals are conscious beings who feel pain and suffer, and consequently should not be abused, tortured or killed for our enjoyment or pleasure. 

Ethical veganism can also be rooted in environmental concerns. The foundations of ethical veganism are in making choices rooted in compassion, and respect for all life and the processes of life. 

Veganism is not merely some fad diet, or some obnoxious ideal touted by overprivileged youths, as some ill-informed commentators may have you believe, but is deeply rooted in ancient ideals of understanding and respect.

Read on to better understand the principles of ethical veganism.

Compassion and Non-Violence

Environmental Responsibility

Ethical veganism is also firmly rooted in a holistic understanding of our place on this planet and accepts that our individual survival depends on the survival of the whole. The pervasive, often unconscious, worldview that pervades the modern world is one firmly rooted in the reductionist materialist paradigm, which sees the world as a series of unconnected phenomena, each of which can freely be used for any end.

Ethical veganism aims to recalibrate mankind back into its place as a connected part of the cycle of life that bears a responsibility to respect the planet and the life forces that sustain it. Animals are not viewed merely as a resource to be exploited but as having an inherent value in themselves.

Beyond Dietary Choices

Ethical vegans not only refuse to eat animal-derived products but also refuse their use for clothing, cosmetics, and household items. Leather, fur, wool, silk are avoided as are personal care items that include animal-derived products or are tested on animals. Forms of entertainment that utilise animals are avoided, such as rodeo, bullfighting, animal racing/ fights, etc. 

Ethical veganism serves to highlight animal rights and environmental justice. Ethical veganism recognizes the harm done to the environment through modern agricultural practices, in terms of the degradation of entire landscapes and its corresponding biodiversity through desertification, loss of top soil, water source pollution, and the emission of greenhouse gases. 

Ethical veganism is not rigidly dogmatic and aims to guide individuals towards more compassionate choices and limit the damage we cause to our environment through the fulfilment of our needs and desires. The idea is to grow in awareness and work towards making choices rooted in compassion for all living beings, to the best of your abilities and capabilities in the present moment.   

Ethical vegans may also feel compelled, out of compassion, to share the potential health benefits of a vegan diet to those suffering from issues such as high blood pressure, heart disease, colon issues and certain types of cancers that can be treated with a plant-based diet. 

Clearing Misconceptions

Herbs have been the primary source of medicine for thousands of years.  Long before the petrochemical pharmaceuticals began their reprogramming of the public psyche, people knew which herbs treated which common ailments, and how to grow and prepare them.

By growing your herbs at home, you can easily treat yourself and your family for common ailments and discomforts. Whether you live in the tropics, subtropics, or the temperate world, have large acreage or just a kitchen window, there are numerous types of medicinal herbs you can grow at home to boost your health.

Read on to learn more!

Learn Your Climate

Chamomile

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is one of my favorite medicinal herbs and is perfect for a cup of tea in the nighttime to improve digestion and induce relaxation.

There are two main types of chamomile, Roman (Chamaemelum nobile) and German (Matricaria chamomilla) both have nearly identical benefits and growing requirements.

Roman chamomile, also known as Russian or English chamomile forms a dense ground cover and is a perennial, whereas German Chamomile grows upright and is an annual plant.

Roman chamomile has a sweet, fruity and warm herby scent. Whereas German chamomile has more of strong, sweet herbaceous and hey-like aroma.

Chamomile contains slightly more of the essential oil chamazulene.

Chamomile is easy to grow as well as beautiful!

The flowers are used medicinally and look similar to daisies and have a pleasant scent that is loved by pollinators.

Chamomile grows best in cool semi-shaded positions, with well-drained soil. The flowers can be harvested as soon as they open. It’s known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-septic and calming properties. Chamomile easily grows in USDA zones 4-9.

Thyme

There are many different varieties of this popular medicinal herb you can grow, the most common being Thymus vulgaris.

Thyme is a sun and heat-loving herb that thrives in somewhat dry conditions and is a herbaceous perennial which can be harvested throughout the year in warmer areas. Thyme will happily grow in poor, rocky or sandy soil.

Thyme’s medicinal profile includes its ability to alleviate cough, reduce inflammation, boost immunity, lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, aid digestion and calm digestive issues, amongst more.

Many different types of thyme will grow in zones 4-10.

Lemongrass

Growers in warmer tropical/subtropical areas can grow lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) which thrives in hot, sunny, wet areas, although also adapts to dier and shadier conditions.

Lemongrass has a wonderful citrusy aroma, which is known to repel mosquitos and other pests. Lemongrass is known to help alleviate digestive complaints, has antibacterial properties and is helpful in lowering stress levels. 

Lemongrass will grow best in zones 9-10.

Tulsi (Holy Basil)

Tulsi is a sacred plant in India and can be grown in harsh, dry conditions. Tulsi is known for its immune-boosting properties, respiratory benefits and its ability to reduce stress levels. 

Tulsi can be grown and harvested year-round in frost-free areas, zones 10-11, where it acts like a perennial, living up to 4 years. In colder climates, tulsi can be grown as an annual plant, or can be planted in containers and be brought indoors in the colder months.  

Lemon Verbena

Lemon Verbena is another of my favorite herbs that makes a delicious medicinal tea.

As the name implies, the plant has a lovely lemon aroma. Lemon Verbena is known to be rich in anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative compounds, making it useful in reducing inflammation in the body as well as oxidative stress. It’s known to help with digestive issues such as gas, and bronchitis, as well as with diarrhea and constipation and also in reducing stress.

Lemon Verbena will grow in sunny areas but prefers some afternoon shade/dappled light in hotter areas. It’s a perennial in warmer climes, but will go dormant in colder areas and grows in USDA zones 8-11.

Peppermint

Peppermint (Mentha × Piperita) grows best in moist shaded areas and is suited for cool areas in the mountains, although it’ll also adapt to warmer locations. Peppermint has long been used for its ability to regulate stomach issues such as indigestion, gas,  bloating, and constipation as well as for its benefits for the respiratory tract.

Peppermint is a hardy plant that quickly spreads in a moist area with rich soil.

Comfrey

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) also known as knit-back is a powerhouse of a plant with many uses, both for your health and for your garden. Comfrey is used on the skin to treat wounds and reduce inflammation caused by broken bones or sprains. 

The roots and leaves of comfrey produce allantoin, which helps new skin cells develop, making it a useful first aid plant to have in your garden.

Comfrey grows in moist areas in Europe and some parts of Asia. It has many functions, such as its ability to mine minerals from the subsoil, thanks to its long tap root and is used as biomass, mulch or to make liquid fertilizers. 

FINAL THOUGHTS

Growing your own medicinal herbs is a powerful thing to do. Not only does it help give you and your family autonomy, but helps you keep your health and wellness in your own hands and not in those of big pharmaceutical companies. 

Whilst this list is only the tip of the iceberg, I hope it has inspired you to consider growing some medicinal herbs in your home, wherever in the world you are and however much space you have at your disposal.

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There’s nothing worse than planning and planting a garden full of hopes and dreams, only to have it overrun by various pests and plagues. Fortunately, by following nature's lead, there are many ways that we can avoid outbreaks of crop-ruining infestations. Looking at natural systems, we can see that plants exist in polycultures and don’t require anyone to go around spraying toxic chemicals or manually removing unwanted bugs by hand.

By following some basic principles, we can make sure we collaborate with nature as opposed to working against her. Read on to find out about some easy ways you can help take care of pests naturally and achieve the thriving, beautiful, ecologically diverse garden you’ve always dreamed of.

Grow Soil

Compost

There are innumerable ways to make compost. Compost is simply decayed or decaying organic matter that is used to build and regenerate soil. Compost adds nutrients to your garden and also helps in retaining water. When plants can keep themselves healthy, it becomes very difficult for them to suffer attacks from disease or pests, as they have built strength and resilience from their surroundings.

Different types of compost made from different materials and different methods will provide a different array of microbes for the soil. By using different composts made from different methods, you can ensure that your soil has the widest range of life in it, making it strong, healthy and capable of growing resilient and bountiful plants. 

Generally speaking, good compost needs a balance of green and browns, (carbon and nitrogen,) Annuals tend to prefer a bacterial-dominant compost which will have been made with a greater amount of greens, whereas trees require a fungal-based compost, which is made from more carbon-based compost. However, the wider the spectrum of microbes you can feed your plants, the better off they’ll be!

Companion Planting And Intercropping

The three sisters are responsible for the proliferation of life in the land known nowadays as the Americas. 

The Three Sisters are corn, beans and squash. Corn grows upright, providing a stake for the beans to grow up. The beans, in turn, being a legume, fix atmospheric nitrogen into the soil, making it available for the corn and the squash. 

The squash acts as a ground cover, retaining moisture for the other two. When eaten together, the three sisters provide a complete diet. Strong-smelling perennial herbs or aromatic plants such as thyme, chives, lavender etc. are also useful in repelling pests.

Plant Densely in Mixed Beds

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and turmeric (Curcuma longa) have long been utilised for their health benefits, especially in Asia. They can be used in food preparation, as teas, or as supplements. Some of the benefits include aiding digestion, reducing inflammation, reducing inflammation, pain relief, for joint and heart health. Both are known for being powerful anti-inflammatories, and for their ability to reduce oxidative stress.

Aside from their impressive array of health benefits, ginger and turmeric are beautiful plants that can be easily grown, even if you live outside their preferred growing range. Ginger and turmeric can be grown in garden beds as annuals, in pots or containers or even inside if they can receive enough sun.

Read on to learn some of the ways you can cultivate these powerful plants yourself!

What Are Ginger And Turmeric?

Growing Conditions

The richer the soil the better, but turmeric has some tolerance for poor soil. In fact, I put some homemade compost on some new garden beds I was starting that had very poor soil and turmeric sprouted from the compost! It's the large green lead with the red line in the middle. it sprouted right through a patch of lemon thyme!

How To Plant Ginger and Turmeric

First, select organic roots as non-organic ones may be sprayed with chemicals that stop them from sprouting. Make sure each rhizome has ‘eyes,’ which are the knobbly points where the shoots will emerge from. Bigger pieces can be broken into smaller ones and separated. They can be planted in late winter or early spring when temperatures are warming up. Indoors or in a greenhouse with stable conditions they can be planted year round.

For container growth, make sure you have a big container, ideally 12 inches deep, with good drainage to prevent rot. The rhizomes should be planted about 1-2 inches deep, with the eyes facing upwards.

Growing Ginger And Turmeric in Temperate Climates

If you live outside of the tropics or subtropics in a cool temperate zone, ginger and turmeric can be grown in pots or containers and protected before the frosts arrive. You can place them inside a greenhouse if you have one. If you don’t have a greenhouse you can bring them inside during the colder weather and place them close to a bright window where they’ll receive adequate sunlight. 

Naturally ginger and turmeric are both understory plants in their native ranges. However, the further you are from the equator the more light they may need. Similarly, in hot desert climates, they’ll appreciate even more shade. Take feedback from your plants themselves to see how happy they are, they will let you know!

Harvest Time!

Ginger will be ready in 8-10 months. Telltale signs that your ginger is ready to harvest will be the yellowing and dying back of the leaves. Turmeric will typically take 10-12 months and will show similar signs when ready. When it’s time to harvest,  carefully dig up the roots with a garden fork or spade. If you leave a portion in the ground or container, it’ll continue growing and give you a harvest next time around!

FINAL THOUGHTS

Ginger and turmeric are powerful medicinal herbs with numerous benefits for both your health, kitchen and garden. Whilst growing these plants will certainly be easier in topical or subtropical environments, gardens in cooler temperate areas can still grow them with a little extra effort and be rewarded with healthy, organic, homegrown food/medicine too!

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