Wormwood

A member of the daisy family, Wormwood is an attractive herb with silver leaves which are stunning in the moonlight.

Its leaves and flowers are used in the production of Absinthe together with green anise, sweet fennel, and other medicinal and culinary herbs

It possesses an extremely bitter taste, but is an excellent repellent of mice, flies, moths, ants and insects.

In years gone by, it was used to expel worms from the human body.

Wormwood is a versatile plant that can be beneficial in the garden in several ways:

1. Pest Repellent: Wormwood has strong aromatic compounds that can repel common garden pests such as aphids, spider mites, and beetles.
2. Companion Planting: It can be planted alongside vegetables and herbs to deter pests and enhance growth. If laid between rows of carrots and onions wormwood can deter the onion and carrot fly.
3. Soil Health: Its deep roots can help to improve soil aeration and drainage.
4. Medicinal Uses: Historically, wormwood has been used for various medicinal purposes, including as a digestive aid and to manage certain health conditions.
5. Natural Insecticide: Wormwood can be processed into a natural insecticide that is less harmful to beneficial insects than chemical alternatives.
6. Mulch or Ground Cover: When used as mulch, it can suppress weeds and retain moisture in the soil.
7. Dye Making: Boil to make a yellow dye.
8. Chicken Coop: Including wormwood in the bedding or coop area can deter fleas and ticks, contributing to a healthier living environment for chickens.
9. Chicken Diet: Feeding chickens small amounts of wormwood can help deter internal parasites and reduce the presence of pests like mites and lice in their coop.

Germination requires some TLC – sow on surface of moist peat or fine seed raising mix, do not cover, light is required for germination.

Keep moist at all times with a misting gun, do not sit pot in water indefinitely.

Keep out of direct sunlight until germination occurs, usually within around 30 days.

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