How to Grow Chickweed

It is relatively easy to grow chickweed if you cannot find it growing in nature. Chickweed has many uses and according to Botancial Ars Press, it is high in Vitamin C, beta carotene, iron, calcium. I like to use it a little like Parsley when cooking. Chickweed can be beneficial when used as a tea. It is great in soup, salad or sauces. The tiny flowers are edible as well. They are best when harvested in spring or early summer. Also can harvest some in the fall, depending on where you’ve planted it.

My chickweed plants started from seed. I received a packet of seeds from Mountain Rose Herbs to use for a tea. Instead of using all for tea, I set aside a few of the seeds as an experiment. Before long, I had a pot of greens! Hopefully by growing it, you will be able to recognize it nature.

 

Benefits of Chickweed

According to Ultimate Homeschool, chickweed has 12 times more calcium, 5 times more magnesium, 83 times more iron, and 6 times more vitamin C! You will not see it in the grocery stores, because it needs to be used quickly.

Chickweed has many uses and benefits. Traditionally, chickweed uses and benefits have mostly been associated with skin afflictions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, rashes, minor burns, boils, cuts, insect bites, and even splinters. It’s also good as a compress for soothing hemorrhoids and varicose veins. It’s been used for digestive and intestinal support and to relieve inflammation, as well.

Be sure to listen to the podcast to learn more about this wonderful plant!

How To Grow Chickweed in a Pot

Start with a few seeds. I like to soak them for a few hours or even overnite to see which seeds sink to the bottom of the cup. The seeds that sink, are the most alive. I can use these seeds to plant.

Place seeds in a pot (any size) and cover with dirt. Water occasionally, being careful not too overwater. Allow soil to dry out a little. You will be surprised how easy chickweed is to grow.

When you have grown a medium-sized pot of chickweed (pictured), you can make a great salve. I use this salve for eye make up remover and more!

 

Shopping List of ideas:

Garden Journal

Gardening gloves (these are awesome)

Pretty pots to grow indoors

High Mowing (Other seeds to buy!)

Seed pods if you do not want to start in loose dirt

Worm Castings

Another fun garden organizational tool!

Here is my favorite dehydrator.

This is where I bought my tins for my salve.

I bought oils I used for my salve here (I do not believe these oils are therapeutic grade). Because I am using them for external use only, I am not too concerned about that. If I was using oils in a recipe to eat, I would pick a different brand.

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