Kitchen witches are not only found in the kitchen. Gardens are equally important, as here the witch can celebrate nature, work with Mother Earth, and grow all the seasonal produce, magical herbs and sacred plants that are desirable in kitchen witchery.
Growing a Magical Garden
- Be realistic about what you can manage, both size and time-wise, otherwise you will end up with an overgrown plot.
- Raised beds, pots, barrels, troughs, trellis, herb wheels, strawberry planters and window boxes can also be used around the garden, especially if space is minimal.
- Prepare the plot with good soil and organic compost.
- Try companion planting to deter hungry wildlife from your vegetables. Always use humane, organic methods of pest control.
- Refrain from using a fruit cage. Sharing your produce with the birds is a good way to keep the fairies happy and live in harmony with nature.
- Do your research and learn how to grow, care for and harvest your fruit and vegetables properly.
- If time is an issue, go for perennials, such as rosemary, thyme, lavender, rhubarb, asparagus and strawberries.
- Keep plants well watered, especially in the heat. Be environmentally friendly and use rainwater butts.
- If you lack a garden or space is limited, grow herbs in window boxes and pots. Grow super foods in a sprouting jar, or even keep vegetables inside. Small tomatoes, lettuces and most herbs can be grown indoors in a sunny south-facing window.
Magical Herbs
Cooking with herbs can add delicious flavour to meals when finely chopped, and they also make potent magical ingredients for spells, medicines and beauty products. Some ideal plants to begin your garden include:
- Thyme – calms coughs
- Lavender – makes an excellent essential oil for burns and aiding sleep
- Rosemary – beautiful fragrance and delicious on potatoes or bread
- Parsley – freshens the breath
- Nettles – use in a tea to boost circulation
- Garlic – an all-round healer and immune system booster
Magical Flowers
Grow flowers for their magical properties, but also for their beauty and fragrance, so as to create a sacred garden space. Plant native wildflowers to aid wildlife and attract the Fair Folk.
Flowers can also be used in garden spells and recipes. If intending to consume flowers, always ensure that they are completely edible and that you have the correct variety. Do your research and exercise caution. Examples of edible flowers include:
- Angelica
- Borage
- Chrysanthemum
- Evening Primrose
- Jasmine
- Rose
Magical Trees
Native trees are especially important for a magical garden. If you are lucky enough to have one or more established trees, you will be blessed by a protected garden rich in both wildlife and nature spirits. Magical trees include:
- Oak – strength, healing
- Ash – protection, especially potent in the magical triad of oak, ash and thorn
- Hawthorn – protection, especially when grown around the boundaries of the home
- Birch – purification, new beginnings
- Willow – enchantment, wishing spells
Magical Plants for the Home
You can also grow plants indoors for magic and healing. Many houseplants, such as the peace lily, remove airborne toxins and keep the air fresh. Grow houseplants such as the wax plant (Hoya) for protection, weeping fig for prosperity, or African violets for a peaceful home.
Harvest your magical garden with the seasons, to create wonderful kitchen spells and recipes worthy of a kitchen witch goddess!
Louise Heyden - Louise Heyden is a writer, artist, work at home mum, sound technician and former school Library Manager.
