News & Articles

More or Less Herb Crops: Should You Add More, Drop Some, or Change Some?

Discover the challenges herb growers face when deciding to add, drop, or change crops. Conrad Richter shares insights on production and marketing decisions for herb growers.

Making Your Own Tinctures

Learn to make tinctures with herbs from your garden. Discover how tinctures concentrate the healing power of herbs and can be conveniently stored for years.

Why Seed Zoo?

Discover SeedZoo, Richters' initiative to preserve plant biodiversity. SeedZoo encourages gardeners to grow rare and endangered food plants from around the world.

Prospecting for Herbs

Discover how Richters finds new herbs for North America. Learn how to spot promising plants with insights from Conrad Richter, featuring past finds and exclusive varieties for 2013.

How to Grow Dill

The bold flavor of dill enhances pickles, dips, and fish dishes, making it a must-have in any herb garden. Conrad Richter of Richters Herbs highlights its dual use: fresh leaves and seeds, with varieties like Mammoth for tall gardens and Dukat or Monia for compact spaces.

How to Make Garden Pots from Newspaper

Learn how to make garden pots from newspaper using the PotMaker®. This eco-friendly tool is perfect for recycling and growing plants, and it's ideal for schools.

Herbal Trends: A View from Canada

Conrad Richter discusses herbal trends, including market demographics, commoditization, organics, artisanal products, and marketing strategies, presented at the IHA conference.

Herbs Gone Wild!

Learn which herbs survive in southern Ontario without human help. Discover how mugwort, echinacea, oregano, and others thrive in pastures and meadows at Richters.

Introducing SeedZoo Plant Explorer Joseph Simcox

Meet Joseph Simcox, the plant explorer behind SeedZoo. SeedZoo brings rare and endangered food plants to gardeners, helping preserve these varieties for future generations.

Easy Seed Starting

It is easy to start seeds for your herb or veggie garden. Let Richters show you how with this easy windowsill method. A few pots, seeds and soil, plus a little TLC, is all you need to get started.

Be Open-minded and Make the Most of What's in Front of You

Mama Richter, Co-Owner and Head Grower of Richters Herbs, reflects on her journey from Ghana to Canada. Moving to rural Durham in 1996 was a culture shock, but she overcame isolation by joining an African drumming group and engaging with her community. Her advice: embrace change with an open mind to thrive anywhere.

Parsley!

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum), a nutrient-rich herb, is valued for its flavor, versatility, and ornamental use. Both common (curly) and Italian (flat-leaf) varieties are culinary staples, enhancing dishes worldwide. Easy to grow in gardens or containers, parsley thrives in sunlit, well-drained soil. Harvest and store fresh or frozen leaves for soups, sauces, and garnishes year-round.

Industry Watch: Invasive Plant Policy Threatens New Herbs

The CFIA’s invasive plant policy proposes "black" and "white" lists, restricting new plants in Canada. Over 100,000 species face delays or bans due to lengthy assessments, with little evidence for some plants’ invasiveness. Public and small growers lacked input, limiting future plant diversity.

Industry Watch: White Lists Could Ban Most Plants

Proposed "white lists" by the CFIA and USDA could ban over 90% of plant genera from cross-border trade, replacing the current "black list." This move threatens biodiversity, limits new plant introductions, and impacts gardeners, herbalists, and horticulture across North America.

Industry Watch: Health Canada's Comfrey Ban

In 2003, Health Canada banned comfrey products containing pyrrolizidines under the Marketed Health Products Directorate (MHPD) due to liver toxicity concerns. While homegrown comfrey remains legal, selling creams, teas, or pills is prohibited. Challenges include unclear testing standards for the alkaloid echimidine.

Vermicomposting

Discover how vermicomposting turns food scraps into nutrient-rich compost. Cathy Nesbitt shows you how easy it is to use worms for a garden-boosting, odourless fertilizer.

Infectious Disease and Your Family

Learn about which herbs and foods to keep on hand in the event of an infectious disease outbreak, including prevention strategies and herbal therapies.

Herbs for the Digestive System

Discover how herbs like marshmallow, chamomile, and gotu kola can restore digestive health. Marcia Dixon discusses common conditions, such as IBS, infections, and Crohn's disease.

Breakfast Television at Richters Herbs

Jennifer Valentyne and the LiveEye crew visit Richters Herbs and learn about Stevia, Mojito Mint, and much more.

The Herb Expert at Richters Herbs

Koidu Sulev, retail supervisor at Richters Herbs in Goodwood, shares her passion for plants, drawing from her Swedish upbringing and pharmacist training. She educates customers about the 900 herbs sold, explaining their culinary, medicinal, and aromatic benefits.

Merry Marigolds

Explore the rich history and diverse uses of marigolds, from their sacred significance in Aztec traditions to their vibrant presence in modern gardens. Learn about African, French, and Mexican marigold varieties, their medicinal benefits, culinary potential, and natural pest-repelling properties. Whether for color, flavor, or organic gardening, discover why marigolds remain a timeless favorite.

Industry Watch: FDA Ban on Ephedra

The FDA banned ephedra-based dietary supplements in 2004, citing health risks from the alkaloid ephedrine. Despite initial challenges and a brief legal reprieve for low-dose products, a 2006 appeals court reinstated the full ban. Growing ephedra for personal use remains legal, but all supplements with ephedrine are prohibited.

Autumn Is for Raising Herbs

Fall isn’t just for bulbs—it’s perfect for herbs too! Hardy perennials like oregano, thyme, and lavender can be planted now for a spring head start. Harvest and preserve herbs for vinegars, oils, and salts. Bring pots indoors with care: wash plants, provide bright, cool conditions, and water deeply.

Industry Watch: Codex Guidelines Threaten Herbal Supplements

The Codex Alimentarius Commission's 2005 guidelines on vitamins and minerals could restrict their levels in foods, potentially forcing supplements into the drug category, where stringent regulations may drive many products off the market. Critics warn this shift may harm consumer access and favor pharmaceutical interests.

Try Some Herbal Magic

Explore the vibrant world of herbs with insights from Richters Herbs, a Canadian gem offering 600 varieties. From lavender-infused dishes to versatile recipes like Panzanella and Chicken Sage Kebabs, discover how fresh herbs can elevate your cooking and gardening.