Building a Saw Horse - Preparing to build the Paul Sellers Workbench

Medical Plants Worth Growing

A few plants I found that are a good for medical needs:

• Aloe Vera (treat burns and skin problems)
• Barberry (antibiotic, fever reducer, laxative)
• Blackberry leaves (mucus reduction, fever reducer, sore throat, diarrhea remedy)
• Calendula/Pot Marigold (antibiotic, disinfects and accelerates wound healing, fever reduction)
• Cayenne Pepper (blood pressure regulation, ulcers, mucus reduction, controls bleeding)
• Chamomile (anti-inflammatory, blood thinner, anti-spasmodic, relieves digestive ailments, stress reduction, sleep aid)
• Comfrey (accelerates bone and tissue growth, reduces inflammation, expectorant)
• Dandelion (reduces stomach upset, liver tonic, diuretic)
• Echinacea—cone flowers (antibiotic, immune-stimulant, anti-viral, reduces inflammation, pain killer, treats septicemia and gangrene)
• Feverfew – (anti-inflammatory, used to treat arthritis and migraines, control dizziness, nausea and vomiting)
• Garlic (antibiotic, immune stimulant, regulates blood pressure)
• Lemon Balm (anti-viral, anti-histamine, treats cold sores, sleep aid, relaxant, soothes stomach discomfort)
• Mallow (anti-inflammatory, treats bronchitis, healing agent for wounds and gangrene)
• Mint—peppermint or spearmint (sooths stomach discomfort, stimulant, antispasmodic)
• Mullein (expectorant, used to treat respiratory infections)
• Oregon Grape (antibiotic, fever reducer)
• Plantain (anti-inflammatory, healing agent for wounds, draws out toxins/venoms, diuretic)
• Valerian (relaxant, sleep aid)
• Yarrow (controls bleeding topically and internally, antimicrobial, pain reliever, fever reduction)

Nutrient Dense Food Chart

I found these charts on http://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2014/13_0390.htm

Consequences of HEMP or High Altitude EMP

In my search for self reliance I've come across what is called the HEMP. This is when a nuclear weapon is detonated high above the earth probably 200 miles. I was able to find these below listed scenarios from The Association of Civil Defense. You know, that old government program from the cold war. Well, as it turns out you can't find Civil Defense offices anymore. Even though their knowledge is still important, relevant, good and necessary.

While thinking about how I can become more self-reliant and independent below you will find some basic scenarios and consequences for not being prepared.

Consequences of a HEMP Possible Effects.

• No potable drinking water
• Thirst, Disease, Death
• Possible Solutions: Water filter, water storage, iodine tablets, water purification, boil water
• No food 
• Hunger, Illness, Death
• Possible Solutions: Collect seeds, practice growing food, gardening, chickens, food storage (2 year supply needed because it can take 2 years for the ground to be good to plant after nuclear fallout), 
• No Power to cook or refrigerate food
• Hunger, disease
• Possible Solutions: backup generator (temporary fix), solar power, steam engine, 
• No sanitation system 
• Filth, Disease 
• Possible Solutions: waste bucket, build an outhouse, burn garbage, sanitation wipes, boil things, wash hands, homemade soap, homemade detergents, 
• No furnace or air conditioning 
• Discomfort, death 
• Possible Solutions: wood burning stove, insulate your home, relocate to better climate, geothermal heater, greenhouse
• No lights 
• Fear, Danger 
• Possible Solutions: matches, flash lights, batteries, candles, led lights with minimal power usage
• No Communication System 
• Frustration, anxiety, danger 
• Possible Solutions: radio, hand radio, 
• No transportation 
• Isolation 
• Possible Solutions: bike, bike trailer, old car or truck, 
• No emergency medical system
• Illness, Disease, Death
• Possible Solutions: community driven medical, medical supplies, medical books, first aid kits, 
• No Police
• Crime, Danger, Injury 
• Possible Solutions: arm your self, isolate your self, 

Seed Companies Not Selling any Monsanto Seeds

Below is a list of seed companies who do not sell Monsanto Seeds as far as I can tell.

Amishland Seeds
Annapolis Valley
Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds
Burpee Seeds
Heritage Seed Company (Nova Scotia, Canada)
Diane’s Flower Seeds
Ed Hume Seeds
Fedco
Garden City Seeds
Heirlooms Evermore SeedsHeirloom Seeds
Heirloom Organics
Horizon Herbs
Irish-Eyes
J.W.Jungs
Johnny’s Seeds
Landreth Seeds
Lake Valley Seeds
Livingston Seeds
Local Harvest
Mountain Rose Herbs
Organica Seed
Park Seeds
Pinetree
Sand Hill Preservation Center
Seeds of Change (Owned by Mars Inc.) But GMO Free.
Southern Exposure
Sustainable Seed Co
Territorial Seeds
Tiny Seeds
Uprising Seeds
Virtual Farm Seed Co
Wildseed Farms

Seed Companies Owned by Monsanto or Sells Monsanto's Seeds

Seed Companies who are either owned by Monsanto or sell Monsanto products.

Audubon Workshop
Breck’s Bulbs
Cook’s Garden
Dege Garden Center
Earl May Seed
E & R Seed Co
Ferry Morse
Flower of the Month Club
Gardens Alive
Germania Seed Co
Garden Trends
HPS
Jung Seed Genetics
Lindenberg Seeds
McClure and Zimmerman Quality Bulb Brokers
Mountain Valley Seed
Nichol’s
Osborne
Park Bulbs
Park’s Countryside Garden
R.H. Shumway
Roots and Rhizomes
Rupp
Seeds for the World
Seymour’s Selected Seeds
Snow
Spring Hill Nurseries
Stokes
T&T Seeds
Tomato Growers Supply
Totally Tomato
Vermont Bean Seed Co.
Wayside Gardens
Willhite Seed Co.
American Seeds
Asgrow
Campbell
DeKalb
De Ruiter
Diener Seeds
Fielder’s Choice
Fontanelle
Gold Country Seed
Hawkeye
Heartland
Heritage Seeds
Holdens
Hubner Seed
icorn
Kruger Seeds
Lewis Hybrids
Peotec
Poloni
Rea Hybrids
Seminis
Specialty
Stewart
Stone Seed
Trelay
Western Seeds

Mineral Deficienies in Plants

Nitrogen - When a plant is nitrogen deficient the plant will have a unhealthy yellowing look about it. The lower leaves with curl, wilt and die. Nitrogen deficiency will product limited fruit.

Phosphorus - When a plant is phosphorus deficient it will appear thin and stringy. the trunk will be thin and stretched.

Potassium - A lack of potassium in plants have many signs. One sign is the brown spotting under the leaves. Another is spotting on the bottom of fruit.

Calcium - Calcium is critical in root development. If roots don't develop it is because a lack of calcium. You should add calcium before every planting. Gypsum is good for areas with limited rain fall as rainfall will dilute the calcium already in the earth.

Boron -

Sulfur -

Zinc - A lack of zinc will cause leaves to be tiny, much tinier than normal leaves.

Iron -

Chlorine -

Manganese -

Magnesium -

Copper -

Molybdenum - 

How many Pounds in a Bushel

U.S. Commercial Bushel Sizes

Grains Data from the University of Missouri's Agricultural Publication G4020, by William J. Murphy, Department of Agronomy. Commodity Weight per bushel (lb) Alfalfa 60 Barley 48 Clover, Alsike 60 Clover, Crimson 60 Clover, Ladino 60 Clover, White 60 Clover, Red 60 Clover Sweet 60 Corn, shelled 56 Corn, ear 70 Cotton 32 Cowpeas 60 Flax 60 Grass, Brome (smooth) 14 Grass, Blue 14 Grass, Fescue (tall) 14 Grass, Orchard 14 Grass, Redtop 14 Grass, Timothy 45 Lespedeza 40-50 Millet 50 Oats 32 Rapeseed 60 Rye 56 Sorghum, forage 50 Sorghum, grain 56 Soybeans 60 Sudan grass 28 Sunflower (oil type) 24-32 Trefoil, Birdsfoot 60 Vetch 60 Wheat 60

Fruits and Vegetables Data from the Georgia Farm Bureau (including earlier versions no longer online). The Bureau states, "These weights are based on federal standards and can be used as general guidelines when purchasing these commodities in bushel quantities."  Commodity Weight per bushel    Commodity Weight per bushel Apples 40 lbs. Mustard Greens 18 lbs. Lima Beans (unshelled) 30 lbs. Onions 57 lbs. Green or Waxed Beans 30 lbs. Peaches 50 lbs. Snap Beans 30 lbs. Field Peas 25 lbs. Shelled Corn 56 lbs. Sweet Potatoes (green) 55 lbs. Corn (in ear) 35 lbs. Sweet Potatoes (dry) 50 lbs. Cowpeas 60 lbs. Spinach 20 lbs. Cucumbers 48 lbs. Tomatoes 53 lbs. Eggplant 33 lbs. Turnips (without tops) 54 lbs. Field Peas (in hull) 25 lbs. Turnip Greens (dry) 16 lbs. Muscadines 50 lbs. Turnip Greens (wet) 18 lbs. Okra 26 lbs. Squash 40 lbs

Data taken from https://www.unc.edu/~rowlett/units/scales/bushels.html

Utah County Fair - Canned Goods Competition Winners

Spinach Sprouting in Back to Eden Garden

Potato Sprouts in Back to Eden Garden

Radish Update in My Back To Eden Garden

Grow Potatoes! Dig Up Potatoes to see growth? Back to Eden Method

Sugar Snap Peas - Back to Eden Garden

Perennial Herbs - Utah

I've compiled a list of perennial herbs for my garden. These herbs are the herbs I wish to grow. My hardiness zone is 5. Your zone will differ so check out the USDA Hardiness Zone Map to find your zone. Feel free to spread the word about herbs. I think they help bees as much as people. Not to mention attracting good insects to your vegetable garden.

If you can't seem to grow herbs outside or your climate doesn't allow it, try planting inside using a pot. Just make sure you have a good sunny indoor area and you should be good to go. 


Perennial Herbs

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera (Aloe vera) Zones 10-11
Medicinal and cosmetic herb.
Great for treating burns including sunburns and other burns. I can only grow this herb in doors. The cold is very harmful to this herb.

Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis) Zones 8-10
Culinary, medicinal and pest repellent tree.
Use the leaves and twigs. Is known for helping the respiratory system and used in 100 A.D. as a liver stimulant. Bay is a tree rather than a shrub or plant. It can be challenging to establish, but once it begins to thrive, it makes a satisfying houseplant, patio plant or landscape tree. Won't grow outside in northern utah. Southern Utah should be fine.

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) Zones 3-9
Culinary, medicinal and landscape herb
Catnip helps with stomach disorder and can cure ulcers because it helps the body regulate stomach acid. It also helps with nervous system dissorders. Can help with shaking hands and limbs as well as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Catnip is a member of the mint family. It's a favorite companion plant in the vegetable garden because its strong smell repels many common garden pests. Current Forest Service research suggests catnip may be effective at repelling termites, too. Catnip makes a refreshing tea that's also a natural sedative.

Chamomile

Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) Zones 5-8
Culinary and medicinal herb
Can be used as Antiseptic, Antibiotic, Disinfectant, Bactericidal and Vermifuge. If applied to the hair, it will kill lice and mites. Dried chamomile flowers are a favorite in tea.  They have relaxing qualities and a slightly sweet apple (or possibly hay) aroma.

Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) Zones 3-9
Culinary herb
Chive vinegar is a spring favorite and very easy to make with a first harvest of chive flowers. Having chives growing near your kitchen makes it easy to use as a garnish.

Comfrey, Common (Symphytum officinale) Zones 3-8

Chives (pretty, aren't they)

Medicinal herb also known as knit bone.  

Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) Zones 3-10 
Medicinal herb most often used to increase immune system function. 
Produces purple daisy-like flowers in mid-summer.

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) Zones 5-9
Medicinal herb
Feverfew has shown promise in treating migraine headaches, and may also offer some relief from arthritis pain. The leaves can be added to salads or sandwiches or used in tea. Feverfew produces lacy leaves and attractive daisy-like flowers.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Zones 9-13
Culinary and medicinal herb
Ginger is an attractive garden plant that likes dappled light.  Its root is used in cooking and to treat stomach upsets. It's a key ingredient in teriyaki marinade. Although it isn't winter hardy, ginger does well indoors and makes an attractive houseplant.

Lavender, English (Lavandula angustifolia) Zones 5-8
Culinary, medicinal and aromatic herb
Lavender is one of the most beloved herbs grown today. English lavender makes an attractive landscape plant, and the flowers can be harvested and used in cooking, to make cosmetic preparations, and in crafts like lavender wand, lavender scented candles and herb wreaths.

French Lavender

Lavender, French (Lavandula stoechas) Zones 8-9
Culinary, medicinal, aromatic and landscape herb
French lavender is not winter hardy and smells like a mixture of lavender, rosemary and camphor.

Lavender, Grosso (Lavandula 'Grosso') zones 5-9
Culinary, cosmetic and aromatic herb
Considered one of the most, if not the most, aromatic lavender variety

Lavender, Spanish (Lavandula dentata) Zones 8-9
Culinary, aromatic and medicinal herb
This lavender isn't winter hardy, but it does thrive indoors.

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) Zones 5-9
Culinary, medicinal and aromatic herb
This member of the mint family has a light, lemony fragrance and is often added to tea blends. It promotes relaxation. It's also used in cooking, aromatic crafts and herbal remedies. It makes a nice addition to green salad and is an attractive garnish. If you like the aroma of furniture polish, you'll like lemon balm.

Lemon Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora) Zones 9-10
Culinary, medicinal and pest repellent tree
Lemon eucalyptus is a tree rather than a shrub or plant. The leaves have a lemony fragrance and can be used in household cleaning and pest repelling preparations. The leaves can also be used in potpourri.

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) Zones 11- 13
Culinary, medicinal and aromatic herb
Lemongrass makes a refreshing tea and is often used as an ingredient in cooking.

Marjoram (Origanum vulgare) Zones 4-8
Culinary and medicinal herb
Marjoram is sometimes used to treat minor ailments like cough and sore throat. It's also used in regional Italian and Greek cuisine. Marjoram is related to oregano.

Mint (multiple) Zones 4 -9
Culinary, aromatic and medicinal herb
Mints are typically winter hardy and easy to grow. Some appealing varieties are: peppermint, spearmint, mojito mint, chocolate mint, applemint and orange mint. Check the zone range for other varieties before buying. For instance, Corsican mint requires a warmer zone range of between 7 and 9, and ginger mint requires a range of between 6 and 9.

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) Zones 5-12
Culinary and medicinal herb
Popular in Italian and Greek cooking. Italian oregano is widely considered the best cultivar for culinary applications. 

Rosemary Starts

Parsley (Petroselinum - ) Zones 6-9
Culinary herb
Available in curly (or double curly) and flat-leaf (Italian) varieties. Curly parsley is typically used as a garnish, while flat leaf parsley is preferred as an ingredient in cooking. Both are biennial (They leaf out the first season and come back the second season to flower, set seed and die.)

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) Zones 8-11
Culinary, medicinal and landscape herb
 Some new rosemary cultivars (Madalene Hill or Arp) may be hardy to zone 5.

Rue (Ruta graveolens) zones 5-9
Culinary, medicinal and landscape herb
Rue is an attractive little plant that has ovulate leaves that look lacy and distinctive. Its bitter leaves add variety to salads. It's shown some effectiveness in treating headaches, but really shines in the landscape. Many garden pests dislike the aroma of rue and stay away. With garlic, it's an excellent companion plant for roses.

Sage (Salvia officinalis) Zones 5-9
Culinary and medicinal herb
Salvia officinalis is most often used in cooking.

Sage, Clary (Salvia sclarea) Zones 4-9
Medicinal and aromatic herb
Clary sage has been used for centuries in eyewash preparations. When added to potpourri, it helps make other fragrances last longer (fixative properties).

Sage, Pineapple (Salvia elegans) Zones 9-10
Culinary, medicinal, landscape and aromatic herb
Pineapple sage has a mild but distinctive pineapple aroma. A favorite of butterflies, bees and hummingbirds, it's an attractive shrub that can grow to 5 feet. Used in tea blends, jams and as an ingredient in cheese spread. Pineapple sage will overwinter indoors.

St John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) Zones 4-9
Medicinal herb
A natural antidepressant that's easy to grow, St. John's Wort can interfere with other medications, so check with your doctor before using it on yourself or others. 

Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) Zones 11-13
Culinary applications as a sugar substitute.
Not all stevia varieties are super sweet, so read the labels on seeds and plants.

Tarragon - French (Artemisia dracunculus) Zones 4 - 9 Tarragon likes rich soil that drains very well. It has an anise flavor and has been used to treat stress and indigestion.

English Thyme

Thyme (other - multiple) Zones 4-9
Culinary and medicinal herb
There are lots of thyme varieties to choose from, including: lemon thyme, nutmeg thyme, wooly thyme, caraway thyme and lime thyme.

Thyme, English (Thymus vulgaris) Zones 4-9
Culinary and medicinal herb
Also known as winter thyme.

Thyme, French (Thymus vulgaris) Zones 4-9
Culinary and medicinal herb
Somewhat less hardy than English thyme. Also known as summer thyme.

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) Zones 4-9
Medicinal herb
Valerian root is an effective sedative, and even the leaves have sedative (or relaxing) properties when used in tea.

Verbena, Lemon (Aloysia triphylla) Zones 8-10.
Culinary, aromatic and medicinal herb
Verbena is one of the key fragrance ingredients in many cleaning products.

Popular Annuals

Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Most often used as a culinary herb, although it has medicinal applications.

Borage (Borago officinalis)
Culinary and medicinal herb 
Used fresh in salads and in beverages. Sugared borage flowers are used in baking and as a garnish.

Calendula (Calendula officinalis) - Pot marigold.
Culinary, medicinal and cosmetic herb
Calendula is used in cooking, herbal medicine, cosmetic preparations, fabric dyes and crafts. It repels asparagus beetles and tomato hornwoms but tends to attract whiteflies, so companion plant it with garlic or French marigold.

Chamomile, German (Matricaria recutita)
Culinary and medicinal herb
There is also a perennial chamomile.

Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum)
Culinary herb
A culinary herb used in many regional cuisines. Its seeds are known as another popular herb  -- coriander. The cultivar 'longstanding' can tolerate warmer weather without bolting.

Dill

Dill (Anethum graveolens) 
Culinary herb 
Dill is used often as a seasoning for seafood, eggs and mild or soft cheeses.


This list isn't exhaustive, but I think I've included lots of popular herbs here.  



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Resource Sites

http://theherbgardener.blogspot.com/2013/02/perennial-herbs-hardiness-zones-and-more.html
http://essentialoils.com.my/chive-essential-oil.htm
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/camomile-essential-oil.html
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/health-benefits-of-catnip-essential-oil.html
http://www.experience-essential-oils.com/bay-laurel-essential-oil.html