Questions and answers
Horse Herb Garden (Herbal)
By Lee Lewis - 1.5 months ago
I am wanting to start an organic Horse Herb Garden growing beneficial, as well as interesting herbs that would do well here in KZN (South Coast).
Perhaps someone could point me to a book covering this topic. But if not, any information in this regard would be appreciated.
Kind Regards
Lee Lewis
Horse Herb Garden (Herbal)
By Lynne - 1.5 months ago
Hi Lee
Margaret Roberts has written quite a few books that may be beneficial to you. She not only talks about the medicinal properties of the plants but also which plants to plant where and when and also which to plants do well together. She covers planting various plants in amongst the herbs to keep the unwanted creepy crawlies at bay so it is really quite interesting. An example is her book Companion Planting which is quite useful.
It is a wonderful idea to plant a herb garden for your horses. Single grass paddocks are believed by herbalists to be one of the main causes of many of the diseases we see in animals today. Having an abundance and variety of plants, bushes and trees also helps prevent boredom in the horses. The horses will be much healthier and happier if herbs are incorporated in the paddock and they seem to choose from the plants which their body needs.
The following plants have a tonic action on the body - those that will assist in building the immune system and in preventing disease and those that nourish and tone the systems of the body which in turn will aid their functionality. Plants that assist in combating worms and aiding digestion are also important. These can all be incorporated into the herb garden or paddocks.
I work predominantly with the dry, cut herbs ready to add to the feed and definitely I am not a good gardener, so you may need to look the various herbs up in Margaret Roberts books to see when and where they will grow the best:
Hawthorn, Aloe, Milk Thistle, Fennel, Dill, Echinacea, Wormwood, Comfrey, Dandelion, Red Clover, Shepard’s Purse, Chickweed, Meadowsweet, Aniseed, Vervain, Yarrow, Rosemary, Thyme, Olive, Marshmallow, Coltsfoot, Mustard, Peppermint, Raspberry, Eyebright, Nasturtiums, Chamomile, Sage, Fenugreek, Dog Roses, Honey Suckle, White Willow, Strawberry or Wild Strawberry, Cleavers, Plantain, Elderberry, Chaste Tree, Alfalfa, Lemon Balm and Lavender are a wonderful selection to have included in paddocks.
I also find that giving the horses hedgerows to nibble on and branches of trees to stand on their hind legs to reach the succulent leaves also give them extra things to somehow stimulate their mind instead of just having plain grass to chew all day.
The choices are endless and these are only a few of the hundreds of herbs to choose from that will benefit your horses. You will be surprised how many 'weeds' as they are known as by farmers and trees have wonderful medicinal properties. The plants above will certainly go a long way to give your horses a huge variety to keep them healthy and happy.
I hope this helps.
Lynne