Jan 10
15
Aloe has long been known as the “medicine plant” because the gel that comes from the leaves is used externally to treat a number of skin problems.
WHY GROW ALOE
The aloe plant is grown in hoes for its skin-healing properties. Split the leaf and rub the gel from insode the leaf over minor birs or rashes to experience almost 
immediate relief. Research has shown that the gel contains compounds that are both anesthetic and antibacterial. If the burn is not too severe, the gel prevents scar tissue from forming and pigmentation returns to normal. No wonder women have grown them in their kitchen windowsills for ages- it’s a perfect remedy for those inevitable “close calls” in the kitchen with popping oil in a frying pan, or a pot handle that should not have been touched!
HOW TO GROW
Aloe can be grown in containers or outdoors in zones 9 and 10, but in zones north of zone 9, you’ll have better luck with container grown plants. They prefer full sun but tolerate partial shade. Soil needs to be well-drained and pH neutral (7.0 is ideal). Allow 1 to 2 feet between plants growing outdoors.
Aloe plants are nearly care-free as houseplants if potted in fast-draining soil and watered only when the top inch of soil dries out. The plants can easily develop root rot if their feet are kept too wet, so be careful not to over-water.
HOW TO PROPOGATE
Propogate aloe by rooting one of the offshoots that form near the base of the plant. To remove the offshoot, simply shake the mother plant out of the pot and gently pull the young plantlet away. You can use a trowel to separate offshoots from garden-grown plants. Notice that the offshoot will most likely have some existing roots, so all you’ll need to do is plant it in the desired location.
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