Baby Mama Botanicals

Job’s tears, also known as adlay millet or Coix lacryma-jobi, is a plant native to Southeast Asia. It is often used as a grain and in traditional Chinese medicine. The plant gets its name from the shiny tear-shaped seeds it produces, which are prized for making jewelry. Job’s tears can also be used in the kitchen as a delicious, chewy grain and contains no gluten.

It has a long history of use in Chinese and Korean medicine for various ailments such as reducing liver fat buildup, inhibiting tumor growth, and preventing viral infections. And it can be used in making various skin preparations to target skin irritation, reduce oiliness, and promote a healthy glow.

The plant can also be enjoyed simply for its ornamental value. With its tall, graceful growth habit and attractive seed clusters- it is beautiful both in the garden and in cut flower bouquets.

Electric Daisy, Buzz Button, Jambu, Eyeball Plant, Toothache Plant- this plant has as many names as it does uses.

Its flowers are distinctive in that they don’t have ray-like petals and instead appear more like olive-sized orbs that are mostly bright yellow with a red center, making them look like eyeballs. Toothache Plant is a relative of daisies and sunflowers and is usually grown as an annual in the United States, but in warmer zones, they will grow as a perennial.

For ages, Toothache Plants have been used for natural pain relief, most popularly mouth pain from toothaches due to the anesthetic effect of chewing the leaves. The leaves and flowers of the plant contain a compound called spilanthol that creates a numbing sensation. You can chew the leaves directly or make a tincture with alcohol to more precisely apply the numbing effect where it is needed. The plant also contains compounds called flavonoids that help to reduce the perception of pain.

Achmella oleracea’s anti-inflammatory properties are useful for treating skin inflammation from dermatitis. It is also a natural diuretic and can help the body expel excess water. The entire plant has been used as herbal medicine. The flowers, leaves, and stems are edible and can be used raw, cooked, or dried. The leaves can make a tasty addition to salads and other dishes where they will taste something like hot peppers due to the tingling sensation they create. Always consult a physician before using natural remedies, especially when taking prescribed medications.

Melanzana Rossa di Rotunda Eggplant: A truly scrumptious and unique member of the eggplant family, it tastes like a combination of eggplant, tomatoes, and peppers! It is traditionally made into gourmet caponata or preserved and pickled.
Seeds sourced from Rare Seeds.

Do you love cilantro but despair how quickly it goes to seed? Then papalo (porophyllum ruderale) is for you! Cilantro-y, with a more intense flavor- papalo packs a punch even in peak summer. If it looks familiar, I’ve grown papalo’s cousin before, pipicha (a wild Oaxacan herb) and the flavor is very similar- a mix of cilantro, pine, citrus, rue. This porophylum species, however, hails from farther south in Bolivia.

Our baby Red Currant bushes have successfully rooted, are growing vigorously, and are even sporting blossoms!

Aside from the delicious fruits they produce, you can also harvest the leaves of Black or Red currant to enjoy in a tasty tea. Traditionally used as an anti-inflammatory in treating gout and rheumatism.

🌱✨🌱

Behold, the Buratino Tomato~

We first grew this in 2022 and had heard so many good things, we put it in a prime location in our home garden. At first, I was totally skeptical- its foliage was delicate and wispy and I actually wondered if something was wrong with it. But as it started to produce, I was blown away by its high yields of flawless, fleshy, mango-colored monsters. Citrusy, balanced, meaty with very few seeds- this is the ULTIMATE sauce tomato. Step aside San Marzano- Buratino is now the boss.

“This Russian heirloom won our hearts with its texture and perfectly balanced flavor, exactly how a tomato should taste! The Roma-shaped tomatoes are a sunset orange hue with a long pointed nose, hence the name Buratino, which is Russian for Pinocchio! We love this all-purpose sauce, slicing and snacking tomato because there are no compromises to be made — it boasts outrageous flavor, exceptionally high yields, hardy plants and versatility! The fruit is larger than a Roma, averaging 5-7 ounces with a small seed cavity and thick, meaty flesh that drips with a citrusy, fruity yellow tomato taste. This variety is believed to have been introduced by the Vavilov Institute of Plant Industry in St. Petersburg, Russia.” From Rare Seeds.

Jerusalem Artichoke, or Sunchoke, is neither from Jerusalem nor an artichoke. This North American native plant is in the sunflower family and grows to an impressive 8-12feet tall and produces an abundance of edible, delicious tubers. And when I say abundance- I am talking close to 10lbs per plant.

Last year was my first year growing them, and out of just a few plants, I harvested 30 # in the fall, and discovered another 10 # hiding out there this spring.

One of my favorite things about this plant is you can plant it and forget about it, and harvest it after the frost when everything else is out of the garden. As long as the ground isn’t frozen solid- Jerusalem artichokes can be harvested from fall to spring. Lazy gardeners rejoice!

As a fair warning, they are known to spread. They won’t hop out of their spot to a new location in your yard (unless someone moves a tuber) but your patch will expand each year if you don’t harvest. Therefore, they’re ideal for an out of the way spot in your yard. They DO NOT require your prime garden real estate or great soil. I have some in part shade next to my shed and those yielded almost as well as the patch in full sun!

Did I mention how they’re *actually* delicious??? Many people probably think wild foods are an acquired taste or need special preparation to be enjoyable—- not these. Easy to dig, easy to prep. They’re sweet, nutty, earthy, starchy goodness. AND they contain high amounts of inulin, a prebiotic known to support healthy gut flora. Raw, roasted, fried, mashed, pureed— commonly used as a potato or carrot substitute- there are so many ways to enjoy them.

Harvested too early, before frost, and you might discover why they earned the nickname fartichoke. 🙈 I haven’t had an issue, but rumor has it they’ll make you a wee bit gassy if harvested too early. Even better- I love a plant that provides even when ignored all season!

Order yours now and enjoy for years to come! Psssst: Would also make an excellent candidate for guerilla planting, if you’re into that sort of thing. 🥷💃🏻⚡️

Some of my garden favorites are plants that have multiple uses- like Red Raven Cockscomb. This beautiful plant is in the amaranth family and both the leaves and flowers are useful. The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, the flowers can be used to color vinegars, dressings, or beverages— and it sure is a stunner!

“With its exotic red leaves and large, blood-red blooms, this variety offers a striking appearance and vibrant color, making it an exceptional choice for gardeners seeking dramatic flair. The leaves are edible, and the blossoms can be used to make a delightful tea. Extremely rare and highly sought after in our trials, this plant adds a glowing, easy-to-grow beauty to any garden! Compact pretty plants.”- From Rare Seeds.
Link to order in comments.

2025 Starter Plant Sale is now live and accepting pre-orders with pickups beginning Saturday, May 10th!

Over 200 varieties of unique vegetables, culinary and medicinal herbs, ornamental and edible flowers, native plants, and new this year: Perennial Edibles. Plant once and enjoy for years to come!

Kiwi! Figs! Quince! Native North American Passionflower! Sunchokes! Currant bushes! Dragon Tongue and Chinese Red Noodle Beans! Ground Cherries! And the best selection of specialty tomato and pepper plants around!

Limited quantities- order early so you don’t miss out!

Our sassy salad special this evening! Lots of yummy ingredients from Baby Mama Botanicals Fresh Kale, marigolds, heirloom cucumbers 🥒 crispy Italian sausage Tree-Ripe Fruit Co.peaches 🍑 lemon vinaigrette and creamy Montchevre goat cheese