New Information!

Here is a list of plants that will be a part of the first round of transplants here at the School-Garden Project (Huertos Escolares). Tomorrow is the big day! Pictures coming soon: this picture is the BEFORE, taken two days ago, it is about 1/4 of the total donated land!

Nepeta cataria (catnip): One of 250 species of flowering plant in family Lamieceae. Perennial. Not a native plant but is now commonly found in the Americas (originally from Asia, Africa and Europe). Used primarily as a stimulant for cats. Can be used as a local economic incentive, as has been recently sold on global fair trade market as cat toys. Oil derived from catnip is also used as a repellent against mosquitoes, cockroaches and termites. Found to be 10 times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than DEET and. Catnip can be used in substitute for lemon balm as well (similar color, properties and smell).

Lycopersicon esculentum (Chadwick Cherry, Three Sisters, Yellow Perfection, Yellow Pear Cherry, Wisconsin 55 Tomatoes): Originated in the Andes mountains, though believed to first be cultivated as a food in southern Mexico and Guatemala. In fact, the word Tomato is derived from a Nahuatl word, Tomatl. They reached Europe around the year 1523 but were largely regarded as a toxic plant, with an unsatisfying taste. Italians under Spanish rule are believed to be the first Europeans to show enthusiasm over the tomato in the late 16^th century, followed by the rest of the world shortly after.

Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin, Sweet Dumpling Squash, Golden Scallopini Bush Squash):

· Pumpkin: Evidence has shown that pumpkin has the ability to regenerate damaged pancreatic cells, improving or protecting from diabetes (sometimes reducing or eliminating the need for insulin in patients who already have diabetes). Good source of zinc, protein and many other vitamins, also said to lower cholesterol. Also contains minerals that strengthen the immune system. Other nutrient information available at http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/search/

· Squashes: Summer and Winter Squashes. Summer squash is picked immaturely and have soft skin, winter squashes are thick and hardy. Native to the Americas, estimated to be first cultivated 8,000 to 10,000 years ago—one of the “Three Sisters” of native Americans- maize, beans and squash.

Capsicum anuum (Cal Wonderball Sweet Peppers, Jalopeno Chiles): Also native to Mexico and Guatemala. Does best in warm and dry climates.

· Jalopeno: Growing period is about 70-80 days. Plant reaches about 2.5-3 ft tall, typically produces about 25 pods. Peppers turn red to signal the end of the growing season. Studies suggest Jalopeno peppers assist in the shrinking or warding off of prostate tumors.

Lagenaria Siceraria (Birds Next/Bottle Gourd): Climbling plant or ground cover, known to be one of the first cultivated plants in the world. These types of gourds are indigenous to Africa but are said to arrivie in the Americas 10,000 years ago. All parts of the plant can be eaten, as well as used for various medicinal purposes (headache and toothache relief, a purgative, an antibiotic, fever reducer). If harvested late, they can be used as bowls, containers or musical instruments.

Lactuca Sativa (Rouge D’hiver Lettuce, Reine des Gloces Lettuce, Bronze Mignonette Lettuce, Red Oak Leaf Lettuce, Four Seasons Lettuce): Lettuce originated in Egypt and was introduced to the Americas by Christopher Columbus in the 16^th century. Valuable source of folic acid and Vitamin A. The darker the lettuce is the more nutrients it contains.

Raphanus Sativus (Parat Sperling Radish): Limited information about the origins of the radish. Used as a facial cosmetic and also has antibacterial properties. Besides being rich in almost all vitamins and nutrients, radishes also help with constipation and intestinal parasites.

Monarda Punctata (Dotted Mint): For use in tea, strong flavour calms stomach and cures diarrhea. Also, can be added to water for a cooling face wash. Attracts bees and butterflies. The essential oil can be used to relax muscles (use in a rub), aids in digestion and eases pain from menstrual cramps.

Eruca Sativa (Arugula): Native to the Mediterranean region. Annual, needs replanting for a number of years (the seeds are contained in the pod and are also edible). Adds a peppery flavour to salads and pastas and is treasured for its richness in Vitamin C and Potassium. Considered an aphrodisiac in Rome, also is commonly drank as an after-supper liquor in Italy (called rucolino).

Beta Vulgaris Cicla (Rhubarb Chard): Excellent subtitute for broccoli or spinach, rich in . Nearly whole plant is edible. Used as a laxative/anti-contipation, lowers blood pressure, Mineral source of boron, which is considered a booster shot to sex organs. Used as a dye for fabric and artwork.

Phaseolus Vulgaris (Kentucky Wondersnap Pole Bean): Common plant, one of the “Three Sisters” of early Mesoamerican history, along with squash and corn. A nitrogen fixing plant, its the natural way to fertilize soil without using chemicals, so providing nutrients to the consumer and the ground at the same time.

Cucurbia Moschata (Butternut Squash)

Agastache Foeniculum (Licorice Mint)

Brassica Rapa (Purple Top White Globe Turnip)

Brassica Oleracea (Green Glaze Collards, Dinosaur Kale)

Cucumis Sativas (Smart Pickling Cucumbers, Straight Eight Cucumbers)

Tagetes Erecta (Marigold): Native to Mexico and Central America, called Flor de Muerte (Flower of Death). Aztecs used it for ceremonial, medicinal and decorative purposes. Medicinal uses included treatment of stomache aches, parasites, diarrhea, indigestion and toothaches. Scientific studies show that the naturally occurring phytochemical thiophenes kills bacteria.

Solamum Melongena (Japanese Pickling Eggplant): Originating in India, mass produced in 7 countries, China being first. Stops formation of cancer causing free radicals, lower cholesterol and is a valuable source of folic acid and potassium.

Brassica Juncea (Rosette Green Tatsoi):

Ocimum Basilicum (Genovese Sweet Basil)

Beta Vulgaris (Golden Chard)

Borago officinalis (Borage): A unique flower which can be used in teas and soups for its subtle flavour but immense nutritional value. Can also be used as an emollient and diuretic.

Cucurbita Maxima (Buttercup Squash)

Citrullus Lanatus (Bsh Snakeskin Watermelon)

Matricaria Recutita (Chamomile)

Petroselinium Crispum (Forest Green Parsley)

Tanacetum Parthenium (Feverfew)

Phaseolus Vulgaris (Italian Pole Bean)

Zea Mays (Stowell’s Sweet Corn)

Pisum Saltivium (Sugar Snap Peas)

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