Medicinal plants are greatly valued for their healing benefits and are widely used in medicines, tea, oils, and numerous other products. If you are considering cultivating such plants on your farm, then it's important to understand the steps involved for a successful harvest and high yield. 

This guide will make it easy for you to learn the process of cultivation and how to properly maintain it.

5 Basic Tips to Grow Medicinal Plants

To successfully cultivate medicinal plants on your farm, it is important to follow a proper step-by-step process. This allows them to grow healthily and maintain their characteristics.

Selecting the Right Variety

The first step of cultivating is choosing the appropriate herb. Some of the popular options include aloe vera, lavender, peppermint, turmeric, and chamomile. It's important to choose the one that suits your farm's climate and soil. Some require sunlight, while others grow in shaded places. However, always see that the variety you choose can be grown successfully in your area.

Preparing the Soil

To prepare the ground, remove any weeds or debris from the area. Weeds fight for water, sunlight, and nutrients, so by removing them, your plants will grow better. If the ground is heavy, supply organic matter such as compost to enhance drainage. Then, till the ground to loosen it and prepare it for sowing.

The Swaraj 742 tractor can make soil preparation easy. It is equipped with a 42 HP engine, which gives you enough power to easily prepare a large farm, saving time and energy. Furthermore, the Swaraj 742 price is between Rs. 6.73 lakh and Rs. 6.99 lakh.

Planting

Medicinal herbs are propagated by seed, cutting, or sapling. When planting seeds, they must be planted at the right depth. Additionally, small seeds such as chamomile are sown directly under the surface, whereas big seeds such as turmeric have to be sown deeper.

For cuttings, select a healthy stem or leaf from a mature parent and put it in the soil to provide roots. This is normally simpler than the germination of seeds. Other varieties, such as aloe vera, also propagate from small shoots that occur around the parent.

Good Caring

In order to maintain healthy plants, care is required. This involves the correct balance of water, sunlight, and pest control. The following tips will be useful in maintaining them:

  • Watering: Ensure frequent watering, but not excessively. Overwatering may result in root rot, and insufficient watering may cause dryness. It is advisable to water in the early morning or late evening to prevent loss of water due to evaporation.
  • Sunlight: The majority of medicinal plants require loads of sunlight for growth. Select a sunlit spot on your farm for cultivation. Certain types, such as mint or aloe vera, can grow in half shade as well.
  • Mulching: Putting mulch around the base allows the soil to hold moisture, deters weeds, and maintains a constant temperature. Use organic materials such as straw or dried leaves. Do not let the mulch make contact with the stem.
  • Weeding: Weeds compete for nutrients and water. Remove them regularly by hand or hoe to clear the growing area. For bigger areas, use small tractors with weeders to boost the process.
  • Fertilising: Not all herbs require additional nutrition, but adding organic fertiliser or compost can enhance productivity. It provides the nutrients for healthy growth.
  • Pest Control: Keep an eye out for pests such as aphids, caterpillars, and beetles, which will damage your plants. Use natural remedies such as ladybugs or insecticidal soap. Do not use strong chemical sprays, since they could destroy the crop.
  • Pruning: Some plants, like lavender or rosemary, are preferable when given gentle pruning. Take off dead or wilted areas so that fuller and solid growth is promoted.

Harvesting and Storing

After your plants reach maturity, it is time to harvest them. According to the type of plant, there is a certain time to perform the process. Turmeric roots are ready to harvest once the plant grows to be 8-10 months old. However, the peppermint leaves should be picked before the flowers bloom.

Harvesting is best during the morning when they are full of essential oils and active compounds. Scissors or shears can be used to cut the leaves or stems without degrading them. Once picked, you can dry your herbs by suspending them in a dry and cold place. Store your dried medicinal plants in sealed containers in order to preserve them for long-term usage.

Final Words

Overall, growing and caring for Medicinal plants on your farm can be a rewarding experience. By selecting the right varieties, following the soil preparation option, and giving them regular attention, you can cultivate greenery that is both healthy and valuable. Always stay informed about the specific needs of each herb you grow, and try different techniques to boost your farm's productivity.