NC Medicinal Herb Growers Groups
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Collapse ▲There are now TWO NC Extension led Medicinal Herb Grower Groups with a third being formed. These groups are focused on commercial herb production (i.e., growing for sale) and are led by extension agents. Read below about the WNC Medicinal Herb Growers and the Piedmont Herb Growers.
Western NC Medicinal Herb Growers Group
The Western North Carolina Medicinal Herb Growers is a group of NC Extension educators, herb farmers, and serious herb gardeners interested in gaining experience in growing medicinal herbs and learning more about them. The group first organized in the fall of 2013 and has met under the names of the WNC Herb Club, the WNC Medicinal Herb Club, the WNC Medicinal Herb Growers Club, and most recently, the WNC Medicinal Herb Growers. They are an active group that meets every month or so on herb farms in the western third of the state to get hands-on experience with all aspects of medicinal herb growing, post-harvest handling, and marketing. It is a very social group, so a pot-luck lunch is often part of the event. Experienced herb growers mentor beginning herb farmers; this can be a casual or more structured relationship.
To get on the mailing list for this group, please email Meghan_Baker@ncsu.edu and put “WNC Medicinal Herb Growers” in the subject line.
Woodland Stewards is a group within the WNC Medicinal Herb Growers who are beginning and advanced forest farmers that meet monthly for hands-on programming at the demonstration woods of the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center, Mills River, NC. Under the leadership of Margaret Bloomquist, research associate, and the WNC Medicinal Herb Growers Captains, the Woodland Stewards are embarking on their 5th year of monthly gatherings and work parties. This includes participation in research and extension efforts of our native woodland botanicals; the maintenance, growth, and harvesting of woodland medicinals at the Mills River demonstration site; site visits, mentorship, and work parties at woodland stewards’ properties; plant rescues; and more! The Woodland Stewards projects are currently supported by, and very much a part of, the educational programming of the Appalachian Beginning Forest Farmers Coalition funded by the USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program.
2024 WNC Medicinal Herb Growers Events
Spring Taxonomy Walk
April 5th, 2024 – Friday – 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Eventbrite Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wnc-medicinal-herb-growers-identifying-woodland-plants-tickets-859603867307
This annual workshop led by WNC Medicinal Herb Grower team leaders is designed to improve your plant identification skills of important native plants, many of which are grown as medicinal herbs. This hands-on workshop will introduce you to useful field guides, basic plant taxonomy, and some of our most charming native plants. Held near the Davidson River in Transylvania County, we will walk for up to 2 miles roundtrip with shorter options easily available. Anticipate flat terrain and a slow pace as we make frequent stops.
Preparing for Planting Medicinal Herbs
May 23, 2024 – Thursday 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Eventbrite Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/preparing-for-planting-medicinal-herbs-tickets-859609985607?aff=oddtdtcreator
WNC Medicinal Herb Growers venture to Brevard for a hands-on workshop at the Gaia Herbs Production Farm. While experiencing this large-scale herb operation, we will examine how site and soil preparation, plant selection, and planting methods build the foundation for a successful growing season. We will also discuss important aspects of sourcing quality plant material.
This is an on-farm event. Plan for outdoor conditions, as we will be in the field for the entirety of this event. Long pants and sturdy shoes are recommended. Should you need special assistance to attend this event, please contact event organizers.
Questions? Please contact Meghan Baker at meghan_baker@ncsu.edu
Woodland Stewards 2024 Programs
Monthly group gatherings at the research and demonstration woods in Mills River. Seeking a consistent group to grow through the seasons together. In person programming hours are offered on the following dates from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. over 7 dates (21 hours). And 6 hours total for the pilot weekend woodland stewards events. Picnic lunch follows from 12 p.m.-1 p.m.
Registration (RSVP) is required for all events via Margaret_bloomquist@ncsu.edu.
April 9th 2024 – Spring on the forest farm – Woodland botanical emergence data collection and ephemeral forest crops
May 7th 2024 – WNC Woodland Stewards plant identification, population inventory and nursery cataloging
July 9th, 2024 – Summer on the forest farm – Summer tasks, pest, disease, and other management considerations, and harvest inventory
September 2024 – CANCELED DUE TO DRY SUMMER CONDITIONS Autumn in the woods! – Ginseng opener, transplanting, and sowing for the future with WNC Medicinal Herb Growers group and special guests.
September 25 2024 – 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Planting stock and wild simulated woodland botanical dig in rural western NC. Registration is free and limited to Woodland Stewards members. Email Margaret_Bloomquist@ncsu.edu for more information and to register.
October 15th 2024 – CANCELED DUE TO HURRICANE HELENE WNC Woodland Stewards annual multi-species forest root harvest. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Mills River, NC. Registration via Margaret_Bloomquist@ncsu.edu
November 14th 2024 – 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. WNC Woodland Stewards Gather in the Woods! Please join us to share time in our demonstration forest farm and finish off the year. Potluck lunch to follow.
The Piedmont Medicinal Herb Growers Group
Established in mid-2022, this group is organized by N.C. Cooperative Extension agents in the piedmont counties. They are hosting several spring events. To join, or for more information about the classes or the group, email Susan Hawkins at smhawkin@ncsu.edu
Piedmont Medicinal Herb Growers 2024 Events
Piedmont Medicinal Herb Growers Meet and Greet
Friday, February 2nd, 2024
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Yadkin County Cooperative Extension Office
2051 Agricultural Way
Yadkinville, NC 27055
Join us on Friday, February 2nd from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. for an in-person meet and greet to kick off the 2024 Piedmont Medicinal Herb Growers Group. The event will be held at the Yadkin County Cooperative Extension Office -2051 Agricultural Way, Yadkinville, NC 27055. If you are interested in learning about growing medicinal herbs, we welcome you to join us. Light refreshments incorporating herbs will be served.
Registration Link: https://go.ncsu.edu/ovbmso6
Growing Herbs For Tea
Tuesday, March 12th, 2024
1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Cost: $12
Davie County Library
371 N. Main Street
Mocksville, NC 27028
Join the Piedmont Medicinal Herb Growers for a class on growing medicinal herbs for teas and tea blends. We will discuss calendula, tulsi, lemon balm, and mints. We will also talk about what you need to know in order to sell medicinal teas in North Carolina.
Registration Link: https://go.ncsu.edu/togu9zs
Accessibility Herb Walk at Greensboro Arboretum
Friday, April 5th, 2024
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Cost: $5
Greensboro Arboretum
3299 Starmount Dr.
Greensboro, NC 27403
Join the Piedmont Medicinal Herb Growers on Friday, April 5, 2024 from 3 to 5 p.m. for a plant identification walk designed for accessibility. We will tour the Greensboro Arboretum and identify botanicals. The walkways are paved and easier to navigate than most plant walks. The walk will be led by Craig Mauney, Area Specialized Agent for Commercial Fruits and Vegetables, and assisted by area Horticulture agents.
Registration link: https://go.ncsu.edu/qbcmpqj
Botanical Walk in Uwharrie National Forest
Friday, April 12th, 2024
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Cost: $12
Eldorado Outpost (We will meet there and carpool to the trailhead.)
4021 NC-109
Troy, NC, 27371
Join the Piedmont Medicinal Herb Growers on Friday, April 12th, 2024 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. for an Herb Walk at the Uwharrie River Trail. The walk will be led by area Horticulture agents. We will hike the trail and identify native botanicals. Come prepared for a fun, interactive, and educational walk. We will meet at the Eldorado Outpost and then carpool to the trailhead.
Registration link: https://go.ncsu.edu/4tsxrah
Food Safety and Value-Added Products for Medicinal Herb Growers
Tuesday, August 20th, 2024
1:00 p.m.
Program offered as a hybrid of in-person and Zoom
N.C. Cooperative Extension – Yadkin County Center, 2051 Agricultural Way, Yadkinville, NC 27055
Are you a medicinal herb grower who has questions about the best and safest way to handle your herbs post-harvest? Would you like to make value-added products from your herbs, but aren’t sure of the rules and best way to proceed? Join the Piedmont Medicinal Herb Growers on Tuesday, August 20th at 1:00 p.m. to learn about safe post-harvest handling of medicinal herbs and creating value-added products. We will hear from Elena Rogers, NC State University Food Safety; Kate Nicholas, NC State University Food Science Program; Andrea Sherrill, Iredell County Food & Consumer Science Agent; and Edna Todd, owner of Second Wind Perennial Farms.
The in-person location is N.C. Cooperative Extension – Yadkin County, 2051 Agricultural Way, Yadkinville, NC 27055. The Zoom link will be sent to you when you register. The cost for the program is $12. Register on this Eventbrite page.
Herb Harvest Workshop-Harvesting Herbs for Tea
September 19, 2024
2-4 p.m.
Davidson Co Extension Center, 301 E. Center St., Lexington, NC 27292
Join the Piedmont Medicinal Herb Growers to learn how to harvest tulsi basil and calendula. We will have a hands-on demonstration of harvesting and talk about post-harvest handling. Participants will also be able to sample previously harvested tulsi. Cost is $12 per person. Register on this Eventbrite page.
WNC Medicinal Herb Grower Videos:
How to Make a Plant Voucher – Meghan Baker, Margaret Bloomquist, and Craig Mauney, NC Extension. Meghan Baker also created these lists of field guides and other resources to help you with medicinal plant taxonomy and identification and a list of materials for making plant vouchers. (2/12/2021)
Tool Care for Small Farmers – Meghan Baker and Craig Mauney, NC Extension. (7/21/2021)
Plant and Seed Suppliers
Please see the updated 2022 WNC Medicinal Herb Growers Planting Stock Suppliers_9-2022 (this is a pdf). If you think your business should be on this list, please email Margaret_Bloomquist@ncsu.edu
APPALACHIAN BEGINNING FOREST FARMERS COALITION EVENTS
Also be sure to check out our winter virtual regional workshops through the Appalachian Beginning Forest Farmers Coalition that were held from February through April 2022. They were recorded: Workshops
Gather to Grow Conference in Roanoke, VA March 22-24,2024
https://www.appalachianforestfarmers.org/2024-conference
Be sure to follow the ABFFC calendar for more events.
Thanks to the Appalachian Beginning Forest Farmer Coalition funded by the USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program for support to continue our efforts.
To get on the mailing list for the WNC Medicinal Herb Growers and/or Woodland Stewards, please email Margaret_Bloomquist@ncsu.edu.
You can follow us on Facebook, too: WNC Medicinal Herb Growers FB page
And we are currently recruiting new WNC Woodland Stewards to help shape our 2024 fall gatherings – Please email Margaret_Bloomquist@ncsu.edu with your interest.