Keeping a permaculture pantry is a year round commitment. Keeping my kitchen pantry, herb cupboard and root cellar well stocked is my favorite hobby.
A close second is gardening. Planning the vegetable and herb garden is based on what I need to store for the following winter. Extra room is used for an experimental new plant to get to know. Gardening is four seasons in my cabin. I move herbs and greens inside during the autumn months. Any sunny windowsill is used as tiny garden space.
Some essential plants need extra care during the dark, dry season. I use lights for them. Tending them, or just sitting nearby is wonderful during a Vermont blizzard. A winter garden of kitchen herbs, greens, ferns, and flowers is therapy for all five of your senses.
House/Pantry
Late Summer: Cobwebs and cornsilk
Autumn: Beeswax and honey. Storebought annual spices are Allspice, Black Pepper, Caraway, Cinnamon, Clove, Eucalyptus Oil, Fennel Seed, Ginger (dried), Licorice, Nutmeg, Sage, Salt, Star Anise, Thyme, and Turmeric
Winter Garden
Aloe Vera , Basil, Cilantro, Ginger Root, Mesclun Mixed Greens, Lettuces, Parsley, Rosemary, Scallions, Violets, Wheatgrass
Root Cellar
Summer: Jams & Jellies, Dried Fruit jars
Late Summer/Autumn: Garlic, Onions, Carrots, Apples, Potatoes, Pumpkin, Sweet Potatoes/Yams, Winter Squash
Woods
Spring: Coltsfoot, Wild Ginger Rt, White Oak, Witch Hazel – Spring
Summer: Wild Ginger leaf, Rhododendron flower – Summer
Late Summer: Juniperberry
Autumn: Black Cohash, Blue Cohash, Pine, Thuga (Cedar), Wintergreen
River
Spring: Horsetail
Late Summer: Elderberry
Sunny Garden
Spring: Burdock Rt , Chickweed, Cleavers, Echinacea Rt, Rhubarb Rt, Violet flowers, Yellow Dock Rt
Equinoxes: Comfrey Rt, Dandelion Rt, Horseradish
Late Spring: Borage – Late Spring
Summer: Basil, Calendula, Chamomile, Chocolate Mint, Cilantro, Cucumber, Daylily buds, Dill, Mullein, Nettles, Peppermint , Raspberry , Red Clover, Sage, St. Johnswort, Spearmint
Late Summer: Arnica, Cayenne, Coriander, Elecampane, Grape leaf, Marigold, Plantain, Tansy, Thyme, Wild Lettuce, Yarrow, Pumpkin Leaf, Rose Petals
Autumn: Pumpkin Seeds, Rose Hips
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