Although I have quite a big space to plant at the farm, it seems like the space gets eaten up so fast so I do have to be selective in order to produce sustainable quantities for my purposes. I select them based on the following:
- High value multi-purpose which translates to they can be used for various reasons and have therapeutic benefits
- Suitability to the land as depending on the plant, the soil has to be suitable
- Ease of propagating so that I can continue to have new seedlings
- Ease of maintenance and care as with many plants and my hectic schedule, I need to ensure that I can care for them properly.
It is hard to narrow down choices as they are all fantastic plants but I have managed to narrow them down and grouped them into what I grow a lot of and what falls in my herbal collection. I enjoy being able to harvest them for my use and know that it is clean - free from chemical pesticides and herbicides - and that it is available when I want them.
The staples that I consider every garden should have is and is my 5 basics :
Lemongrass
It has a high value due to their therapeutic values as well as can be used is in many ways. It can be used in making drinks as well as in cooking. They are easy to care although they are "voracious eaters" so ensuing plantings will have to be moved to a different area. They can be planted in almost any soil type except for heavy clay. Propagating them is by using the whole stalk. They can be planted in pots or in the ground so if you have a small space, just plant them in pots. and requires minimal fertilisation. Although you can harvest them on as needed basis, it is best to replant them every 6 months to maintain the quality in either a different soil or area.
Turmeric
The benefits of turmeric are well known and is also one of the condiments often used in cooking.
The whole plant has uses, from the leaves to the rhizome and the flower. They require minimal care and if planted in good soil, doesn't need fertilisation or minimal fertilisation. It can be planted in pots or in the ground. Propagation is via the rhizome. It can be harvested on an as-needed-basis so it works well in creating a long-term edible garden.
Sand ginger (Cekur or Kencur)
Similar to turmeric, the whole plant can be used. The leaves and rhizomes have therapeutic values and used as condiments in cooking. They can be planted in containers or in the ground and does best in rich, organic soil with some sand content. Propagation is via the rhizome. You can harvest the leaves on as-needed-basis but to harvest the rhizome, it is best to harvest the whole plant.
Ginger - Bentong (Halia Bentong)
This is one of my favourites with its therapeutic values and multi-uses. It can be turned into a drink, used as a condiment, made into a pickle and used in combination with other herbs to create an organic pest control. It also produces a flower, similar in shape to the turmeric, but in red color. It does best in soil with a good content of sand and doesn't tolerate water-logged soil. Propagation is via its rhizome. I choose this over the regular ginger due to its therapeutic values and beautiful flower. You can harvest them on a as-needed-basis but it is best to replant after 1 year to continue to have quality ginger.
Small Galangal (Lengkuas kecil)
Amongst the various herbs, I consider this plant to produce the prettiest flower. It has therapeutic values which makes it a plus when used in cooking. It does best planted in the ground although it can also be planted in pots. It loves a rich, organic soil. Propagation is via its rhizome. I choose this over the regular galangal due to its more "potent" flavour and beautiful flower. I tend to replant these every 2 years to maintain continuity and quality.
These basic 5 can add beauty to your garden and you can arrange them in such a way that it becomes a floral arrangement in your landscape. If you have limited space, all you need is five pots and a few more pots a few months later for continuity of supply. :)
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