Most beneficial plant in my garden

Want an easy to grow tree for Florida homestead garden? Many people who are exploring Florida homesteading wonder what is moringa good for? And let me tell you... A lot! These trees are high in vitamins and make a fantastic Florida survival food. But really is incredibly useful for daily consumption in teas, soups, and so much more. We will cover how to grow moringa from seed and moringa care including why your moringa leaves may have turned yellow. In my personal opinion this tree is an absolute must when homesteading in south Florida and central Florida food forest design.
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[@Madmun357]

Awesome! Thanks so much, I'm wanting to plant a moringa so I appreciate the tips. Plus you're adorable so I hung on to every word.

[@meridethkonkel7205]

I do mean for this comment to be respectful, especially to the flora and fauna of Florida which is truly in danger from invassives. Moringa is, if anything, miraculously invassive in Florida, which is, in fact an excellent reason not to plant it. Also, curious why no one tells viewers it gives people the gag reflex and causes stomach upset/pain if you eat a full serving so no one ever eats anywhere close to what a nutritional serving would be despite people waxing poetic about how everyone else should eat a ton of it. And it being sooooo easy to grow from any plant part is part of the reason why not to introduce it knowing it will displace native Florida flora and fauna as an invassive. Funny how the tree itself is easy to start growing but thereafter is actually extremely high maintenance, not winter hardy, and not a stable tree in the soil as it is known for falling on properties due to weak root stock from propagating the tree VS planting from seed. When you do plant from seed the roots invade the property and the tree requires constant pruning to keep it in check. Did I mention no one eats even close to the amount required to make a nutritional impact on health, a fact no one ever mentions. I guess it's because the magical Moringa fantasy is more salacious. Children will likely be the ones to end the invasion as they have been known to divorce their parents VS face off with Moringa at the dinner table. It's really only used as a supliment and a half pound a year in pills is over a thousand so, again, no cause to take up all your yard and introduce invassive trees for such minor returns. One day people will lose the temptation to say miracle tree and tell people balanced information about this invassive plant and be forthright in sharing right plant in the right place principles and, at the very least, warn people of the invassive status and the risk to real native Florida. Lastly, and people do want to know this type of info, Moringa trees in Florida are so ugly the way people chop them to bits and let the mangled stump grow and die back in a zone they are not hardy in. When you see one in someone's yard, it looks like Edward Scissor Hands got black out drunk and took to pruning the trees. I ask myself why people promote this plant but, never tell people they are trying to help with their families growing and health journey, the real plant characteristics and status as harmful to FL. The answer seems to be for their own benefit either to sell or make fantastical claims that excite others to listen, watch, purchase or believe they are the source for miracle plants. Good nutrition is not delivered by miracle fantasies but balanced, diverse, foods in their most natural state possible. People learning to grow and love freshly grown food need meaningful information on growing plants well suited to Florida and available year round for harvest. Let's be respectful and honest with one another and admit, if people heard the whole story of Moringa in the US, they would neither think of it as a miracle or as a plant they want to introduce to their environment. If people calling the plant a miracle shared the fact that they do not eat it or really see an impact on their health from two or more pills a day, we could pay it forward and save our children's future Florida from an invassive that has no natural checks and balances to keep them from outcompeting native plants that wildlife depend on to avoid starvation and death. Wildlife needs us to be aware and to care. No one has to plant Moringa to be healthy or prepared for food shortages. Grow what your family will actually eat, enjoy, and that is well suited to your environment. Never let terms like miracle or tree of life distract you from the right plant in the right place principle.

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

I agree that eating a diverse diet is always an important part of health! Spinach has oxalates and cruciferous veggies can cause hypothyroidism. Too much of any one thing can swing amazing health and vitamin benefits the other way. Luckily these seeds are not attractive to wildlife and dispersed without intention like Surinam cherries for example. Care in home landscapes should not be an issue.

[@francestutt3661]

I have and share moringa trees. I got one from ECHO and thought it died in Ian. I also got seeds from a friend. I left it alone and it came back. It is blooming now. I have it in my screened in porch because we have iguanas. When it was small the iguanas ate it down to the ground. it is full of blooms. Do you know if it will form beans without bees? Thanks for all your tips. I learn so much from you. I am new to FL gardening.

[@iamGrowing]

Nice video. Do you think chickens would be ok eating the leaves? Would be great to supplement these greens to our chickens. I’m just wondering whether too much of a good thing can become toxic.

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

I feed it mixed in with other greens on a regular basis! They chow on it.

[@iamGrowing]

@@TheUrbanHarvestnice, thank you.

[@swikfors]

I’ve got three growing in my yard and plenty of seedlings. Such a great superfood!

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

The best!

[@potagermalo]

Coucou 👋🏻 Formidable vidéo bravo 😊

[@4zooflorida]

Our moringa are in their second year. The first year I didn’t know what to expect and they shot up 20-25 feet. Thanks for the pruning tips, they will help me contain mine. Our rabbits really like them, too.

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

Yes great fodder for animals.

[@mariebrumer3440]

Wow, that is a super plant. You taught me about several properties that I didn't know. Nature is so amazing. Thanks 💖 🙏 ✌️

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

it truly is!

[@sunshineart.2000]

when is the best time to start moringa seeds - pot or direct? (Florida, Zone 9B)?

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

Chance of freeze for you so spring is best or you can start it in a pot this year (now is fine) and grow it out this winter before putting in ground next spring.

[@hughjaass3787]

I have 3 of them, planted in 2021. Love them. I Consume leafs in salads, smoothies, and supplement.

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

The best!

[@hazelbellefarm476]

I’m also new to moringa, on year 2 in zone 8b. I will prune in the future!

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

Should grow quickly now!

[@teresafoster989]

Fantastic, informative video. We use our moringa everyday for tea, salads , smoothies, etc. I can cut the plant aggressively and it bounces back. It's a generous plant. You called it right.

[@TABULOUS1]

It ALMOST makes Me wish I lived in a zone where Mine would develop pods as yours do -- but if/when I encounter one of My Folk in the south who has one, I could always probably try a few then. I never knew that the pencil-sized pods can be eaten like stringbeans, so I still have more INDIGENOUS/BLAQ/ANCESTRAL information to gain about that because it counters a different piece of knowledge that I have about it, but until I consult with Elders, it's interesting to collect as much as info possible. I enjoy learning something knew, under the assumption that the "information" has not been wytewashed/kollonized. MY ppl have an extensive history with this tree, but it's interesting to see entitled kultures absorb and promote certain knowledge as their own (and it particularly tickles Me when they get it wrong and are in turn spreading MISinformation amongst their own types of ppl who would steal it anyway, ROFLMBAO). WITH *THAT* SAID, this was THOROUGHLY EDUCATIONAL for ppl who know nothing about it.

[@tomscott3]

You should add prickly pear and muscadine to the mix. Both are native and exceptional growers that produce exquisite fruit! We just planted a RubyCrisp. Very Best Regards, Tom Scott Author ● Speaker ● World's Leading Expert on the Corrupt U.S. Legal System _Our American Injustice System_ _Stack the Legal Odds in Your Favor_

[@norabody]

Very interesting. How do you purify water with the moringa? Would you make a video on that as well? I subscribed as I find your videos very useful as I live in Florida. Thank you for sharing them with us. Wishing you the best!

[@steveo_o6707]

I have 6 growing. I’m in zone 8a so I’ll be growing them as shrubs till they establish enough to take frosts

[@omshanti5885]

MORINGA OS NATIVE TO INDIA BHARATMATA BEST TREE ITS AYURVEDIC MEDICINE V USE ITS ALL PARTS REGULARLY

[@rachelreis6207]

Around what time of the year should it be pruned? Central Florida here. I know we are coming into our cooler/colder months. Would it be wise to wait till spring? Mine is about 9ft tall but only producing at the top. I'd like to get it more bushy so I can get more yields. Thank you so much for any info! 😊 Love all your videos! It has helped us tremendously!

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

Typically you prune in dormant/winter state for increased growth and in summer to tame it.

[@grahamhutton1633]

What’s wrong with your voice?

[@bunkernate]

I have one in north west houston and it does freeze to the ground in the winter but comes back in the spring from the roots.

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

That works!

[@flowerfire7]

Good also plant bauhinia tree

[@JoeFrancis4876]

Dear ...can you take me to your place

[@samuraioodon]

Wonder if it will do well in north Texas

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

It is not freeze tolerant. If it’s an occasional short one they will usually regrow from roots but hard freezes will kill it.

[@bmiles4131]

You have to take it indoors. I planted 5 and only one left because of the low freezes we had last couple of years. Central Texas. My temp greenhouse wasn’t enough. It likes to be warm.

[@samuraioodon]

Thank you 😊

[@leon22081994]

As an Indian, for me the one and only and perfect use for moringa is in dhal based curries. And now Im hungry... Also, they attract a lot of carpenter bees in my area, so good if you wanna attract them too

[@GehresWeed]

cant grow in canada

[@ronj5714]

I planted here in Central Fl, it just grows straight up with minimal branches. Not sure if I should try to start a new plant. It has been almost 3 years, & I so wanted to use the leaves, not getting enough from it. Cut it back but still not getting enough branches off of it.

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

Interesting. Whats your lighting like? If its shady it could just be reaching for light (upward not outward growth).

[@1Lightdancer]

I'm in Oregon (8b) and have several Dwarf Moringa seeds sprouting in a seed tray! (12-15') I plan to plant several in the ground come spring, and one in a pot that I'll bring into my Greenhouse in fall, as we do get cold! I'll try cutting back and mulching the others, which I'm thinking of planting for a hedge row on the N side of our back lot. As our climate shifts, part of town is now designated 9a! I've been using powdered that tastes a bit like stevia, without the aftertaste. Moringa is one of the featured plants in 'Edible' by Kevin Hobbs and Artur Cisar-Erlach, illustrated by my friend Katie Kulla, 'one of '70 sustainable plants for the future.'

[@guysanders4407]

how do you wash the leaves before consuming? Do you use a dehydrator for drying them? Love your videos.

[@Amuserr]

Lady bugs love this tree. I grow it im my terrace garden in 18 inch grow bag.

[@nenaenriquez3480]

Moringa is a gift from Nature! Trimming and feed our animals or our soil with it ... I love the healthy benefits for people too!

[@javiercosp9614]

And you can eat a dried seed (without the peel) and the water or juice that you drink afterward will feel super sweet. Amazing feeling 😃

[@summerbaby9379]

Can you feed the leaves to chickens?

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

I do yes. I usually throw a branch in with whatever other cuttings I'm offering up for the day. The leaves are a little small which I think is harder for them to forage on so I noticed when its mixed in with bigger stuff they eat it better. Some people will dry it and mix it into their feed as well.

[@acasas28]

👍

[@fahiimasabrie2310]

Wwww amazing information of moringa tree✌️

[@dovinhgarden05]

❤❤❤❤

[@tabithacarter5692]

I made an air dried leaves into capsules.

[@EatSeeRV]

I'm sold! I want moringa now

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

It’s a good one

[@expat2023]

From 🇷🇺 with ❤! Moscow now.

[@Homesteading247]

It was a Chamber Bitter 🌱

[@nancycaldarola3090]

Great information. Thank you. Around what time of year should you plant seed?

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

South Florida pretty much anytime, central Florida spring.

[@crystalkinson4915]

I dry it…Then run it in my bullet…From there it goes through a fine mesh..Doing it this way you will have to use a utensil to work the powder through the strainer. All the little stems will be removed this way. I’ve seen powdered Moringa as much as $40.00 lb. It’s a wondered tree to have

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

Great reason to grow your own.

[@js4190]

90%+ edible and I find that it all tastes like dirt and smells unappetizing. Good animal feed supplement though.

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

My chickens do love it!

[@caz4523]

The tree of life...

[@kathynix6552]

Nutritional benefits you talk about initially are from the leaves. What nutritional benefit are the pods?

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

this is on nutrition: www.echocommunity.org/en/resources/d98f8a44-1849-4753-abc2-ce22c843518c, this is on eating the pods: www.echocommunity.org/en/resources/df35f8bb-58ed-4d3b-ac69-82dcf79da273.

[@Homesteading247]

Gotcha 🌻🌻🌱

[@Julian_Wang-pai]

Thais make a spicy soup of the pods; they pare off the fibrous skin and cut into sections for cooking

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

yum ill have to look for a recipe to try that!

[@thelittlelearningfarm622]

Do you have recommendations on where to find the best seeds?

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

you can get them from my shop, we mail. they are harvested from the tree that was in this video. theurbanharvest.com/search?type=product&q=moringa

[@dustytoes100]

Do you know if they grow best started in a pot, or in the ground? Or does it not matter.

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

I’ve seen both successful. I usually start in pots.

[@Homesteading247]

Thank you for your knowledge 🌱

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

You bet!

[@barbarabeck1174]

Can this be grown in a large pot? I only have a screened-in patio...

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

It can yes. Its going to dramatically stunt the growth though. I saw an guy who grew one in old liter soda bottle just to show it could be done. It was scrawny as could be but he got a handful of leaves every week from it.

[@francestutt3661]

I have in a in a pot it is 10' tall and blooming. It suffered from Ian and came back. The question would be will it make beans without bees?

[@Homesteading247]

I think I have a moringa little ones but I'm not sure if it's a moringa or not how do I really tell

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

Did you plant the seed there? They are t like a wind blown or animal disbursed seed so unless you planted it it’s not likely. There are a couple common weeds here that look kinda sorta like them with the “frilly” leaves when young. Do you have a plant ID app?

[@Homesteading247]

No I did not plant it. It's maybe a foot tall a few of them together in the corner of the yard that gets light and water. I wish I could send you a picture

[@Homesteading247]

I'm going right now to download an app

[@etiennelouw9244]

My Moringa died, the cold winter did it in. I grew it from seed, so I will try again. Every tree in my back yard has died, I found out that my ground has tons of building rubble under the soil and I am digging it out so at the moment and pushing back the Kikuya grass that grows through everything. I am going to dig a special 4 by 4 foot very deep hole in a spot in my back yard and fill it with compost and native soil mixture and leave it for 3 months and then plant a moringa again as well as 1 in my front yard.

[@TheUrbanHarvest]

southern exposure would be best (not sure if that is front or back for you) to protect it from cold weather. If it started growing then died the cold is going to be your bigger factor than soil.

[@etiennelouw9244]

I live in Cape Town, South Africa, a mediteranean climate and that is a problem on it's own as there are few videos for our climate and I found out that there is a lot of building rubble under my soil and I am digging it out bit by bit.@@TheUrbanHarvest

[@francestutt3661]

I have mine in pots. Try that until you have a spot ready.

[@etiennelouw9244]

Just planted 1 seed, waiting for it to pop.

[@VetOrDie]

Avoid planting the popular, but invasive, moringa tree As our theme this month has been edible gardening we will shine a spotlight on the popular, yet invasive, moringa tree (Moringa oleifera). Moringa is currently being sold and planted as a nutritional wonder in the garden - and that much is true. Unfortunately, it's also an invasive exotic plant that should not be planted in Florida. While the nutritional value is high, the risk to our environment is too great, so don't invite this one into your garden!

[@sandrabeck8788]

True…this tree grows like an absolute weed. It showers the ground, your patio and pool with millions of tiny leaves. It produces hundreds of long woody seed pods that cover the ground with a mess. They are not nice to eat. Unless you are terrified of dying of starvation do not plant one of these mess makers. I regret the day planting two of them. They grow awkward looking ugly branching weedy looking trees.

[@dickturpin2719]

Put it in capsules 00caps take two or three a day it will change your life

[@Danin4985]

The leaves dropping thing might be true, but the seeds and fruit being inedible is not true. You don’t eat them raw, you eat cut fruits in stews or curries. They are delicious, the pulp is subtle savory favor, and seeds are crunchy but soft as well, when cooked. As children growing up eating curries and stews with Moringa (Drumsticks as we used to call them in India) we simply loved them.

[@dickturpin2719]

We cut ours back two or three times a year here in northern NSW you only want fresh tips to dry or consume daily

[@FlaNative3]

@@Danin4985It must be an acquired taste, I tried to do all these things with my Moringa but the foods/teas did not taste good. Even my Indian neighbor didn’t want any.

[@Danin4985]

@@FlaNative3 The seed pods (tender ones, not ripe) are washed, cut into 1” pieces and boiled with a mild curry with lentils (Indian ‘Daal’) until soft. The seeds get soft but slightly crunchy. The flesh is tender and mildly savory to taste. You don’t eat the hard skin, of course. You eat with your hands, scraping off the flesh with your teeth and eating the seeds as well. Yeah, it’s a different way of eating. 🙂 You are right, it might be an acquired taste but it’s not extreme, like say eating blood sausage! 🙂 Not all Indians know/like Moringa. I’m originally from the southern part (now in California since ‘94) and we used it sometime in our cooking, not often. Northern parts of India don’t use it as much, I think.