Blog - Page 2 of 12 - Grow Your Heirlooms

Growing Maqui Berries

We’ve all heard about the health benefits of blueberries, acai berries,, strawberries and other fruits. But few people have heard about the Maqui Berry. In fact, I hadn’t heard of it until recently.

I was given a few seeds from a friend through our local gardening club. I planted them, not expecting much. However they are now about 3 inches tall and ready to repot. I plan to keep them in the greenhouse as they are hardy down to zone 8.

The health benefits of the Maqui Bery are just now starting to be discovered.

Yard Sale Finds For Gardeners

Don’t forget when you’re visiting yard sales or garage sales, keep your eyes open for anything that can be used in the garden.

Planting And Growing Strawberries

I figured it was time to transplant my strawberries. I also explain the different types and why I grow them.

Strawberries, Jalapeno and Ginger Update

After many requests, I decided to do an update on my garden.

Growing Ashitaba (ANGELICA KEISKEI) Longevity Herb

I received a few seeds labeled “ASHITABA” from a viewer . That was it. No other info. So I set out trying to find more information.
Apparently this herb is native to China and can grow up to 6 feet high.
The one thing that intrigued me most about it, was the fact that it contained vitamin B12, which is rare for any plant to have.

This herb, also known as tomorrow’s leaf , is hardy to 20 degrees F and is usually grown in zones 7-9.
The name “tomorrow’s leaf” comes from the fact that you can pick a leaf today, and get a new one the next.

I am really excited to grow this plant. Hopefully, I will grow it to full maturity and be able to save the seeds to share with my viewers.

(From Horizon Herbs Website):
The herb is considered effective in treating eczema and psoriasis, also disorders of the gastrointestinal system, hepatitis, cancer, anemia, chronic fatigue, etc. In-vivo tests of chalcones have shown strong antibiotic activity against staphylococcus.

Harbor Freight 45 Watt Solar Panel Kit Review

This is my first impressions of the Harbor Freight 45 watt Solar Kit. I needed a simple, yet inexpensive kit to test the waters. This system is very basic and should be a fun project.

Here is the kit

Instapark 10 watt Portable Solar Charger

I have found another great solar charger. I’ve been using this one for about a year now and I’m thoroughly impressed with it. This charger is my go-to now when I need instant portable solar energy

Growing Blueberries in Planter Boxes

I made these 2’x2’x2′ planter boxes out of redwood. The total cost for each was about $15. They are easy to build and classy. To build the boxes go here. To see how I grow my blueberries in them, watch the video below.

New Blueberry Plants Have Arrived

So I went and did it. I ordered 4 more blueberry varieties. As if the 5 I have already weren’t enough. In this video I will explain what varieties I ordered and where I purchased them.
I guess it’s time for me to start planting now.

Billions of Seeds Everywhere

The seed catalogs are starting to come in. I just love looking through them. But the last few years have got me thinking “what a racket these guys have going”. They know we’re going to order way more than we need. But I have a better solution. In this video I explain why you should not have to spend lots of money on seeds when there are literally billion, and trillions all around us.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxdXBwk5TdM