News & Articles

The Next Hot Herb

Identifying the next "hot herb" involves balancing market speculation with reliable crops. Trends like aging populations may boost demand for herbs like black cohosh or gotu kola. Research and experimentation help growers stay ready for market surges, as early adopters often reap significant rewards.

Easy Seed Starting

Learn how to grow plants from seeds with this beginner-friendly guide! From choosing easy-to-grow seeds to planting, watering, and hardening off, this step-by-step guide will help you nurture healthy seedlings for your garden or indoor space. Perfect for first-time growers!

But Really, Why on Earth Do We Eat Chiles Anyway?

From fiery Oaxacan markets to the unique pain-processing pathways of capsaicin, hot peppers offer a fascinating mix of culture, biology, and culinary adventure. Conrad Richter delves into the allure of chiles, their genetic quirks, medicinal benefits, and why humans embrace the pain of spicy food. Is it nutrition, antifungal properties, or the thrill of "benign masochism" that keeps us coming back?

Cilantro, Mimics and Memes

Cilantro, loved by some and loathed by others, owes its divisive reputation to genetics and cultural influences. Discover how genetics shape cilantro preferences, the rise of mimics like rau răm and culantro, and why this humble herb inspires passionate debates.

The 50th Anniversary of Richters Catalogue!

Richters Herbs began in the 1960s with Waltraut and Otto Richter growing European herbs alongside flowers. A 1969 Toronto Star article inspired their first catalog in 1970. Under their son Conrad’s leadership, Richters became a trusted source for diverse herbs, fueled by customer passion.

Introduction to Cryptolepis: Nature’s Antibiotic Herb

Cryptolepis, a potent antibiotic herb from West Africa, is traditionally used to treat malaria and fevers. This video explores its antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, its use for Lyme disease, and recent research findings.

Introduction to Cryptolepis: Nature’s Antibiotic Root

Cryptolepis sanguinolenta, a West African climbing vine, has long been used for fevers, particularly malaria. Its active compound, cryptolepine, demonstrates potent antimalarial, antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer properties, including effectiveness against Lyme disease and resistant bacteria like MRSA. Interest in cryptolepis continues to grow globally for its promising medicinal potential.

Seven Herbs to Grow from Seed

Spring Brings Out the Gardener in Everyone

Richters Herbs, specializing in herbs for 50+ years, sees rising demand for antiviral herbs like elderberry and garlic amid COVID-19. Owner Conrad Richter notes a shift from culinary to health focus. Offering 500 varieties, Richters ensures top-quality, flavorful plants.

Creating a Sanctuary of At Risk Plants

As herbal medicine goes mainstream, the demand for wild medicinal herbs strains their supply. Registered Herbalist Penelope Beaudrow explains how you can help by growing endangered herbs in your own sanctuary.

Herbal Anti-Inflammatories and Analgesics

Chronic use of over-the-counter drugs like acetaminophen and ibuprofen can lead to serious health issues. In this video, naturopathic doctor Tiffany Wyse explores herbal alternatives for pain and inflammation.

Growing Excite-mint for Everything Herbal at Richters Herbs

Richters Herbs in Goodwood, Ontario, specializes in a vast array of culinary, medicinal, and aromatic herbs, offering seeds, plants, and educational seminars. Founded in the 1960s, they now grow over 600 varieties, blending traditional and scientific knowledge to inspire gardeners and herbalists.

West African Popping Sorghum

In Dagbamete, West Africa, people pop sorghum seeds for a healthy snack with no fat or cholesterol. Rich in proteins and vitamins, sorghum is also used for porridge, flour, and beer. Grow your own popping sorghum with seeds from Richters.

Women, Herbs and Health

Discover the healing power of herbs for women's health. Clinical Herbalist Carmen Lynde explores plant medicine and how herbs like vervain, holy basil, and motherwort support fertility, hormone balance, and more.

Potager Gardening

Potager, a French term for ornamental kitchen gardens, blends edible plants with decorative flowers and herbs. Learn how to create a beautiful, functional garden that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the taste buds.

Seabuckthorn: An Ancient Plant Rediscovered

Seabuckthorn, known for its skin-healing properties, is gaining popularity in North America. Andrew Wingrove of Bee By The Sea discusses its history, uses, and health benefits.

Forest Gardening in an Urban Setting

Learn how to create a forest garden in your backyard using the natural layers of a forest to grow food, fuel, fiber, and farm-aceuticals. Travis Philps explains the benefits and structure of these sustainable urban gardens.

How to Plan and Plant Your Herb Garden

Koidu Sulev from Richters shares expert tips on site preparation, soil, planting, and maintaining culinary, medicinal, and aromatic herbs, perfect for gardeners of any skill level.

Hot Herbs for Your Perennial Garden

Horticulturist Jeff Mason shares tips on designing a perennial garden with herbs like echinacea, bee balm, lavender, and sage, highlighting their beauty and usefulness.

Boost Your Immune System With Herbs

Herbalist John Redden explores the modern understanding of the immune system, highlighting its connections with the endocrine, nervous, and emotional systems, as well as diet, and offers simple home herbal remedies.

Industry Watch: Canada's Ban on Salvia Divinorum

The Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) now includes Salvia divinorum under Schedule IV, banning its production, sale, and export due to misuse of its hallucinogenic compound, salvinorin A. This overreach impacts gardeners and collectors using the herb for non-drug purposes, limiting Canadians' rights.

Fresh Herbs Add More Than Good Taste

Adding fresh herbs to meals transforms the ordinary into extraordinary, enhancing flavor and promoting health. Herbs like basil, chives, and thyme not only elevate taste but also support digestion, nutrient absorption, and relaxation. Grow your own herbs and enjoy their benefits for both body and mind!

Canning & Preserving: Sugar in Preserving

Christine Manning, a home preserving expert, shares tips on safely reducing sugar in preserves, its impact on shelf life, and best practices for water bath canning.

Creating a Living Garden Sculpture

Artist Heather Rigby shows how to create a flowering sculpture using recycled objects, proper soil, and climbing plants to add beauty and joy to your summer garden.

Wild Edibles in Your Garden

Learn to identify, harvest, and cook with wild plants, creating an edible landscape that connects you to nature and enhances self-reliance.