Easy Leafy greens to grow in /start your Edible garden (2)

African garden egg plant(efo igbo)

   Called solanum macrocarpon, locally, traditionally the fruits are said to represent blessings and fruitfulness and are offered as a token of goodwill, during visits, marriages and other social events. There are so many varieties of african garden egg. The leaves of this one here are mostly eaten rather than the fruits because its not very fleshy, though i hear consuming  in large quantities of the leaf may be poisonous. Similarly, like the other leaves -though it has its own distinct properties, it has great antioxidant properties and is a great detoxifier, a great blood tonic to improve blood levels food for diabetics and regulate blood sugar levels and pressure. It aids digestion and is  a good laxative, it improves kidney health and function.
   It is also quite easy to grow and can grow in any soil and condition though you will get the best yield from a good soil and sufficient watering. It can take almost Three months or even less to get full fruits and nice big leaves for harvest. When it fruits, you can always spread the seed for it to keep growing again and the flowers are a beautiful lilac/purple colour. Unfortunately the plant doesnt keep producing leaves forever like the others but can last a while.

 


Jatropha Tree spinach(Efo iyana ipaja)

 

    Called Hospital too far, this is a unique plant that can grow as a tree up to 8 feet and is known for a wide variety of benefits such as treating insomnia, strengthening fingernails, improve memory and vision impairment, is a great blood builder against anaemia, is a super antioxidant, used to treat malaria, treat diabetes,.osteoporosis and many more. It is a very green leaf plant that i have noticed has a certain glow in the sun unlike other green plants.
     It is very easy and very quick to grow and are grown by cuttings which are a 100 percent guarantee.  It is very resilient.and drought resistant and can grow well  and thrive in most soils when well established. Rubbing against the leaves can cause some itching. i would recommend this plant anyday anytime for its uniqueness, scarcity, potency and easy going nature.




fluted pumpkin leaves(ugu)

   A tropical vine grown in west africa as a leaf vegetable and for its edible seeds. It is a drought tolerant perennial indigenous to southern Nigeria. THe leaves are usually used in soups but are also squeezed and juiced best taken raw. All parts of the plant are very rich in protein, betacarotene, iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, fibre and many more.
   It is a great blood tonic due to its high protein content, works against anaemia, boosts the immune system, regulates and lowers blood sugar against diabetes and is a great antioxidant. You can get the seeds from the market, to be planted shallow, or the plants from a plant nursery.  It should always have something for support, to climb on like a fence, net, sticks/poles.



Climbing malabar spinach(amunututu)

    Another climbing vine green leaf vegetable found in and is native to tropical asia and africa. It is semi succulent with high water content and has a. very nice, mild flavour,  similar to spinach. It grows very fast and it seems that the growth can  be lnfinite depending on how far the soil and conditions will let it. sandy loam and lots of water is best, though it is also drought resistant. It can be grown very easily from seed and cuttings. Though it has its own unique qualities, like the other greens, it is very rich in protein, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, fibre, you name it. It is a great antioxidant.and immune system booster. Maintains digestive system health, prevents constipation, builds and repairs tissue and muscles, removes kidney stones.and much more!  It is also looks amazing when fully grown and spread out on your fence, trellis, rope or whatever you use as support.

Easy Leafy greens to grow in /start your Edible garden (1)

    (If)Youre looking to start growing some food in your space, or to add to your collection  in your balcony, front or back garden or even by your kitchen window, but youre not sure where or what to start from. To help, i recommend growing leafy greens, which should be your best and easiest place to start. Greens(leaves) are arguably the best part of a plant. They are very nutritious, always available and very abundant. The vegetation of our land is rich with leafy green vegetables and so much more which are so easy to grow and include in our diets but it seems very few of these leafy greens are routinely included in our diets and grown in homes.  This is due to insufficient, not widespread, adequate knowledge of dietary and medicinal use of some of these plants, as well as growing know how.

   There are many green leaf vegetables to choose from but the few i will recommend are common and Native/indigenous to Nigeria and Nigerians which we add to our soups and stews mostly. They are very easy to grow, resilient and drought resistant especially when well established. They can be grown in pots, plastic containers, sacks and other things depending on the amount you want to grow. They can be grown all year round, They are beautiful plants as well and most importantly, theyre packed with super nutrients, which should keep you healthy and keep away illness. Growing your greens will definately encourage you and others around you to eat more greens. You can also guarantee natural and organically grown vegetables. Greens(vegetables) are very important in our diet. There is a need for knowledge and education on the available vegetables around us and how to grow them, which can serve as herbal medicine and sources of micro and macro nutrients to keep us from unnecessary ailments and trips to the doctor and to live a healthier life.

waterleaf

Waterleaf is a herbaceous perennial native to most tropical areas which grows wildly as a weed and is also cultivated . Its a good idea to grow this in your home/space so you  can have it really fresh straight from your garden and have all the nutrients intact and not lost through refridgeration or  your trip from the market. It is great as bedding and ground cover because of how it grows and can spread. it propagates easily  from fallen seeds and cutting very easily and abundantly especially in the rainy season or if well irrigated. They take about 8- 12 weeks to harvest and will always keep coming back because it is a perennial. They are not really fussy about soil type, but a fairly good, well drained, balanced soil should do you well as with other vegetables here.
 
    Waterleaf is rich in vitamin c, protein, calcium, iron, vitamin A and much more. It can strengthen and brain muscles and tissues, improving brain functioning, It can improve blood levels against anaemia, helps with good eye vision/health, repairs body tissues and strengthens bones, regulates blood sugar, and is rich in fibre, aiding digestion and weight loss. They can be eaten raw, streamed or slightly boiled or blanched.

amaranth greens (tete)

Amaranth greens are herbaceous short lived annuals that make excellent boiled vegetables with soft texture, mild flavour and no trace of bitterness for a few minutes of cooking. A shade loving crop,They are easy and quite fast to grow. First harvest can be as early as three weeks and you can have many more harvests. They can create huge yields in small spaces. Best grown in bunches and clusters. They can reach 60cm to 200cm high. propagation is mostly by seed but can also by by stem. To prolong leaf production, constant, repeated pruning or harvesting is required, or it will naturally go to flower and seed. It can last for 3- 5months and possibly longer. Growth is rapid with sufficient rainfall  or watering.
   They are high in protein, iron and calcium and many more against all nutritional deficiencies. They are among the finest potherbs for nutrition. Dont forget to let some plants go to seed for next time.



Celosia(soko)

   Good taste, good nutritional value, cheap and simple, this crop lifts, not only perking up the surrounding s with its beautiful reddish to pink to purple fluffy flowers and leaves which are used ornamentally  all over the world,  but it perks its consumers with healthy, nourishing food especially here in Africa, Nigeria to be precise. It is used like the leaf amaranth in cooking and harvest styles and has various medicinal benefits like it.
   Celosia has high tolerance to both dry and wet conditions though they would appreciate moisture and some shade too. They are usually unaffected by pests, or soil type, propagate easily and reseeds itself, requires little care. They are among the easiest and most promising greens for the new grower.

Do you know about Solanum Macrocarpon/African garden egg??

 
    Blessings and fruitfulness for your year 2019,In your bodies, your work, relationships and more. In Yoruba culture and maybe other west African cultures, the fruits of this plant are offered as a token of goodwill during visits, marriages and social events.

    Efo igbo. Aka Solanum macrocarpon, aka one of the African garden eggs. The leaves are what you want. My grandma Introduced me to it. It's a good bitter. Another great, powerful green veg to add to your diet and try something new, Especially your soups. If you're looking to:
*improve your gut health and digestion, *improve kidney function, *prevent stomach ulcer,
*detox and cleanse your blood and body and help diabetes, then Efo igbo is your girl/the one! They say that consuming in large quantities  may be poisonous, but I know you wouldn't do that.

*Seedlings available*  if you need.
When you get the fruit, you can always keep the seed and Sow them. They grow very easily and quickly. Grow them in any size pots depending on how much you want to grow. They have shallow roots.
#africangreens #indigenousgreens #lettucehater #efoigbo #solanummacrocarpon #africangardenegg #balconygardening #backyardgardening #urbanhorticulture #healthiswealth #growyourownfoodtoo #greenvegoftheweek

We ought to use Lemongrass more

   Lemongrass: can't get over the smell of lemongrass roots. So earthy and spicy.  Like black pepper. Different from the lemongrass itself. I'm curious. I couldn't find out anything about the root unfortunately. I have been dividing my lemongrass and making more again.

    Lemongrass is another great all round herb/plant that everyone can easily have in their garden or balcony rather than buying from the market or the stores. It's a bit common but not common enough. It Thrives best in moist soil and full sun and will grow and grow and keep giving.

   Also Lemongrass tea is just great. That's all I can say.
Use lemongrass for your oral health against tooth decay, coughs, fevers and common cold.
 Use lemongrass to promote sleep, relieve pain and boost immunity.
Use lemongrass for blood sugar levels, gastrointestinal/stomach issues, and hypertension/stress.
Use lemongrass to freshen the air by steaming or burning to repel mosquitoes and house flies, omg and snakessz?!!
and use as garden borders to prevent erosion.
Normal tea and coffee are great, but Lemongrass grows too well here for us to ignore.its not just for the nature people and herbalists and hippies to enjoy. Nature is all ours. Enjoy.
#lemongrass #lemongrassroots #gardening #propagation #balconygardening #urbanhorticulture #lemongrasstea #foodiayourmedicine #stewardofthearth