02/01/2024

Fagopyrum esculentum


 Application:

normalises metabolism

promotes respiration

strengthens blood vessel walls


Uses: leaves flowers


Buckwheat offers numerous health benefits due to its rich nutrient profile and unique plant compounds.

 Some of the key health benefits of buckwheat include:


1. **Blood sugar control**: Buckwheat is rich in flavonoids, such as rutin and quercetin, which help regulate blood sugar levels[1][4]. It has a low to medium glycemic index, which means it has a moderate effect on blood sugar levels and may even lower them[5].


2. **Heart health**: Buckwheat is a good source of heart-healthy nutrients, including magnesium and fiber[5]. It also contains plant compounds like rutin and quercetin, which have protective antioxidant properties[5]. Studies suggest that consuming buckwheat can help lower cholesterol, regulate blood pressure, prevent blood clot formation, and improve blood lipid profiles[2].


3. **Digestion**: Buckwheat is rich in fiber, which promotes regular bowel movements and reduces the potential for digestive symptoms[3]. It also supports the intestines in digesting food efficiently and helps food move through the digestive system[3].


4. **Weight management**: Buckwheat is a good source of protein and energy, which can help increase satiety and promote a feeling of fullness[3]. This can be beneficial for preventing weight gain or promoting weight loss.


5. **Antioxidant content**: Buckwheat is rich in various antioxidant plant compounds, such as rutin, quercetin, vitexin, and D-chiro-inositol[4]. These antioxidants help protect the body from oxidative stress and contribute to overall health.


In summary, buckwheat is a versatile and nutritious food that offers numerous health benefits, including improved blood sugar control, heart health, digestion, weight management, and antioxidant support.


Citations:

[1] https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-buckwheat

[2] https://www.hollandandbarrett.com/the-health-hub/food-drink/nutrition/health-benefits-of-buckwheat/

[3] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325042

[4] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/buckwheat

[5] https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/health-benefits-buckwheat

Ammi visnaga

 

Applications in folk medicine:

treats angina pectoris

prevents spasms

treats bronchial asthma


Uses:fruit



Bruksområder i folkemedisinen:

behandler angina pectoris

forebygger spasmer

behandler bronkial astma


Bruksområder:frukt


Ammi visnaga, also known as Visnaga daucoides, is a species of flowering plant in the carrot family. It is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa and is commonly known by many names, such as toothpick-plant, toothpickweed, bisnaga, khella, or sometimes bishop's weed[1]. The plant is known for its delicate white and green domed flowers and green, angelica-like architectural seed pods[2]. 


Some key features of Ammi visnaga include:


- Family: Apiaceae[3]

- Cultivation: It can grow in well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade and may require staking[3].

- Propagation: The plant is suitable for cutting and is often used in florist shops and gardens[4].

- Phytochemistry and Medicinal Properties: Ammi visnaga has been studied for its phytochemical properties and potential medicinal uses, such as preventing cell Phytomedicine and inhibiting oxalate nephrolithiasis[1].


Ammi visnaga is often used in cut flower gardens and is known for its tall and willowy growth habit, with a more pronounced dome of flowers than its sister species, Ammi majus[4]. The plant is also popular for its bee-attracting properties and can be sown as part of a wildflower meadow or pollinator garden[5].


Citations:

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visnaga_daucoides

[2] https://www.sarahraven.com/products/ammi-visnaga

[3] https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/316241/visnaga-daucoides/details

[4] https://www.bishybarnabeescottagegarden.com/products/ammi-visnaga

[5] http://www.chilternseeds.co.uk/item_88j_ammi_visnaga_green_mist_seeds


01/01/2024

What are the best platforms for landscape planning and creating business plans?

 

There are various platforms for garden planning and business plan drafting accessible. Among the finest platforms are:

Gro Veg Garden Planner: An online garden planner that provides a range of plants and tools to assist you in planning the layout of your garden. You may add plants, customise your landscape, and save or print your designs.

Plan-A-Garden: A simple drag-and-drop builder that provides a 3D representation of your landscape. It comes with pre-made layouts, customisable choices, and a wizard to help you along the way.

SmartDraw: Online landscape design program with built-in templates, drag-and-drop symbols, and user-friendly tools. It has a large selection of garden design templates and allows you to share your ideas with others.

Hortisketch is a completely customisable online gardening software that lets you create vegetable gardens, orchards, and whole homes. It has a range of plant symbols, precise growth and spacing information, and a community where gardeners can share and interact with one another.

Gardensavvy Hortisketch : A garden planner with easy and comprehensive garden planning software for designing and implementing your garden wishes. It features a selection of design icons, exact spacing information, and a mobile device print or screen picture option.


You may use the following resources to create a business plan:

  1. FastPay Ltd : A tutorial on how to write a successful gardening business plan, including market study, financial summaries, and contingency plans.
  2. Gardening Business Plan Template: This template will assist you in developing a complete business plan for your gardening venture.
  3. LivePlan is well-known for its user-friendly design and financial forecasting skills.
  4. Smartsheet is the best tool for goal management.
  5. Bizplan: Excellent for newcomers
  6. Enloop is well-known for its automated business plan development.
  7. iPlanner.NET is a simple business planning application.

January Gardening Guide: Sustainable Winter Prep for Small Gardens

 

Winter is a time for relaxation and regeneration, not just for ourselves, but also for our gardens. As the new year begins, now is the ideal time to begin planning and preparing your garden for the following spring. This book will provide you practical and long-lasting advice for preparing your tiny garden in January.

Understanding Your Garden's Requirements

Every garden is different, and recognising its special requirements is critical to its success. Soil quality, sunshine exposure, and local climate are all elements that can greatly influence your garden's health.


Soil Condition

A thriving garden is built on healthy soil. Organic matter, such as compost or manure, can be added regularly to enhance soil structure, encourage good microbial activity, and offer important nutrients to your plants.


Exposure to the Sun

Understanding your garden's solar exposure will help you pick the proper plants. Some plants flourish in direct sunlight, while others grow in partial shade.


Local Weather

Which plants will grow in your garden will be determined by your local climate. Plant hardiness zones can help you choose the proper plants for your climate.


Eco-Friendly gardening Techniques

Sustainable gardening strategies not only benefit the environment, but they may also boost your garden's health and output.


Conservation of Water

Water-saving solutions such as drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting may greatly reduce the amount of water used in your garden.


Composting

Composting your kitchen and garden trash produces a rich, nutrient-dense compost that may considerably improve the fertility of your soil.


Plant Varieties

Planting a variety of plants in your yard helps attract beneficial insects and maintain a healthy ecology.


Spring Preparation

January is an excellent time to begin planning your spring garden. Garden bed cleaning, perennial plant trimming, and spring garden planning are all activities that may begin in January.


Clearing Out

Get rid of any dead plants or rubbish in your garden beds. This not only cleans up your garden but also helps to avoid disease spread.


Pruning

Many perennial plants benefit from pruning in January. Pruning improves the general health of the plant and promotes more vigorous growth in the spring.

Planning

Begin thinking about your spring garden. Consider what plants you want to cultivate, where you want to plant them, and when you want to start them.

To summarise, January is a time for preparation and planning for the next gardening season. You may establish a successful and ecologically friendly garden by knowing your garden's demands and following sustainable methods. 

Good luck with your planting!

Dianthus chinensis

 



Dianthus plants, commonly known as garden pinks, Sweet William, and carnations, can suffer from various pests and diseases. Some common pests that affect Dianthus plants include:

1. Aphids: These small, pear-shaped insects can cause damage by sucking the sap from leaves and injecting poison into plants. Aphids can be managed by introducing predators or parasites such as ladybirds and parasitic wasps of the Aphidiidae genus[1].

2. Spider mites: These tiny arachnids can infest the undersides of leaves, causing light yellowing and a generally unhealthy appearance. Regular monitoring and thoroughly washing plants with a hard hose spray can help prevent damage[1][5].

3. Thrips: These tiny insects suck the sap from leaves, leaving a white mottled appearance. They can also cause browning on petals and fruit, and flower drop[4].

4. Caterpillars: These pests can cause damage by eating leaves and flower buds, leaving holes in leaves and distorting foliage[4].

5. Slugs and snails: These pests can cause damage to leaves and flowers, and can be kept away by using a ring of sharp sand around the plant or surrounding the plant with wire[3].

To treat pest infestations, you can apply insecticidal soap or neem oil until all signs of an infestation are gone[2]. You can also use a jet of water to blast aphids off the plants[3]. Additionally, you can introduce predatory mites like Neoseiulus fallacis to control spider mite infestations[5]. Regular monitoring and timely interventions can help prevent damage to your Dianthus plants.

Citations:
[1] https://www.ehow.co.uk/info_8234471_dianthus-problems.html
[2] https://www.thespruce.com/perennial-dianthus-flower-1316045
[3] https://www.sarahraven.com/articles/how-to-plant-and-grow-dianthus
[4] https://www.yates.co.nz/plants/flowers-and-ornamentals/dianthus/common-problems-dianthus/
[5] https://portal.ct.gov/CAES/Plant-Pest-Handbook/pphC/Carnation-Pinks-Dianthus


Applications in folk medicine:

  • Strengthens the uterine musculature
  • stops bleeding


  • Uses:
  • flowering leaf