Final report for FNE22-008
Project Information
This project was used to develop an agroforestry production method of growing four rare medicinal herbs in central New Hampshire on under utilized woodlands with the possibility of creating additional income and environmental benefit for NH farmers.
We chose a wild simulated method using eight 5'X20' plots surrounded by livestock fencing and two wildlife cameras for monitoring purposes. Four plots were planted with 100 roots of each herb type and 4 plots planted with seeds of each type. Soils were amended with gypsum and purchased compost to obtain higher calcium levels. By 2025 we had expanded the plot number to 14
Plants stems were counted in the spring after emergence and again in late summer of each year. Seeds produced from the the original root plots were counted, replanted into new labeled plots and counted as stems when they germinated (see attachments). Stem counts varied over the three year period as seen in the attached graph. Stem Production by Year and Species-2
The plantings were likely affected by 2024 and 2025 extreme weather with moderate and severe drought as well as damage from wildlife and falling branches . Monthly Rainfall, 2022-2025 & 30 year Average-1
Root measurements were difficult to obtain because of the drought and only a small sample could be dug to compare . Ginseng increased in weight by an average of 0.24oz per root. Black cohosh, bloodroot and goldenseal did not increase in weight but remained the same or slightly reduced in weight. Seed production in the goldenseal plots was negligible in 2024 and 2025. Only one Black cohosh plant flowered in 2025 but the seed head shriveled up and did not contain seed. Seed Production Counts 2023-2025
Since saleable roots will not be ready for another 4 to 7 years , this project will need more study and data to take it to completion. However, the herbs seem to be thriving, slowly reproducing and adapting to their new locations. With adjustments and more rain, we hope to continue to build and improve upon the method we have established .
In the course of the 3 years, several small groups of farmers toured the plantings. An in-person presentation was scheduled for a sustainability class at a local community college earlier in the year but was cancelled twice. A Google slide/ Powerpoint presentation was created in response to the cancellations and was presented on 11/18/2025 to 5 local farmers, and on Monday 11/24/2025 to an audience of 4 people from New Hampshire Technical Community College sustainability program. The presentation can be done by ZOOM anytime, and we hope to continue doing them upon request. An article was also produced and made available to Merrimack County Conservation District as well as Maine certification services for their newsletters which have a large outreach. Both organizations were interested in the project. Outreach activities are ongoing and will be added upon request.
An additional summary of our work, with photos, can be found here: Agroforestry Production Of Rare Medicinal Herbs In New Hampshire FNE22-008.
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This project seeks to demonstrate an agroforestry production method of growing four rare forest medicinal herbs in central New Hampshire. The objectives are:
1. To demonstrate the viability of growing valuable understory medicinal herbs in under utilized forest lands of NH as possible cash crops
2. To demonstrate that forest land can be used by NH farmers in other ways besides clearing or timber cuts
3. To create a sustainable economic opportunity with significant environmental benefit through reintroduction of native plant populations for NH farmers.
4. To reduce wildcrafting pressure on rare and endangered plant populations by adopting cultivation and wild simulated practices.
5. To determine a production method or combination of methods that works best for NH farmers
6. To begin creation and collaboration for a marketing platform and resources for NH and Northeast farmers such as an Herb Hub
With technical assistance, we hope to create methods that will support a successful harvest of goldenseal, bloodroot, black cohosh and American ginseng in the plots we have planted. If we are successful, this project may lead to a method and the possibility of raising and creating markets for valuable forest medicinals.
Forest farming in New Hampshire is an underutilized practice that should be considered crucial. In NH, many farm properties consist of some forested land that is eventually cleared leading to habitat destruction and loss of many beneficial - even rare plants that reside in the forested landscape. Forest farming offers an ecological contribution to habitat loss, and fragmentation, air quality issues, and diversity of soil life. Healthy forest ecosystems are the best tools we have to mitigate the climate change currently effecting all farmers. Since medicinal plants have been decimated by poaching and over harvesting in NH, restoration of these species can not only bring employment and jobs but overall improvement to the forested ecosystem. By allowing forested lands to be used by farmers but remain intact rather than cleared, forests can be utilized to produce medicinal herbs and important understory plants which can be marketed to the ever-growing medicinal herb trade in the United States. Since COVID-19, a strong demand for medicinal plants that support immune and lung function greatly exceeds supply. Sales of this value-added farm grown herbal product can create an economic advantage for farmers with the development of new markets, increased income, farm sustainability, new skill development and quality of life.
My solution to using underutilized forest land for farming medicinal herbs is to help identify a 3 year production plan to prepare and establish 12 large experimental understory plots of four rare forest medicinal herbs at Greenhill Farm NH, in Sutton, NH . The 3 year plan is necessary because of the long germination times and years to root maturity . Both seeds and transplant cuttings will be sourced from recommended organic growers or United Plant Savers. 3 plots of each forest medicinal will be planted as follows - Plot #1 direct seed, Plot #2 pre-germinated seedlings, Plot #3 rootstock will be used to determine the best method of growing. The understory plots will be monitored for growth and development over the course of the 3-year period and checked daily. Research material and consultations with technical advisors will direct the effort. Appropriate data will be collected to create a report twice a year and after harvest to determine the outcome of the project. A daily journal will also be kept to help other farmers who may want to create agroforestry sites of their own. My plan will address environmental and health risks in agriculture by keeping forest intact thus creating a healthier environment for the farmer while also growing a product used for health support. Supplemental income can be achieved from forest land and the forest become a greater asset to the farmer, community, state, planet as it grows more diverse. Employing people to help manage the project and to create community and agroforestry networks and groups in NH and the Northeast can be an additional benefit.
Greenhill Farm NH is a 50 acre off-grid forested diversified small family farm in Sutton, NH, growing mixed vegetables, herbs, fruit and log grown mushrooms, pork and chicken, holiday wreaths and value added products. We have been NH Dept of Ag and Food Certified Organic for vegetables and fruits from 2008 to 2023. As of 2024 we are now Maine Certified Organic (MOFGA) since NH discontinued organic certification. Due to the Covid pandemic we discontinued participation in two farmers markets and built a small roadside farm stand and webpage for ordering. We sell wholesale to a local food hubs, restaurants and are part of a multi-farm CSA. The resource of forest land, office space with computer, printer, wi-fi and cell phone, hand tools, irrigation and washing water, farm truck, 4 wheeler, additional time for research has been dedicated to this project. A drying /processing room is 75% completed. Skills and knowledge of herbs and books are also resources. Other family members were also instrumental in helping with data, graphs and general maintenance of the plot area.
Cooperators
- (Educator and Researcher)
- - Technical Advisor
- (Educator and Researcher)
Research
Methods as proposed:
Plant material sourcing and timing
The 4 forest herbs being used in this project are blood root ( Sanguinaria canadensis ), goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis), black cohosh (Actaea racemosa) and American ginseng ( Panax quinquefolius). Each plant will be sourced from reputable organic sources in 2 forms: seed and transplant cuttings. Native rootstock from the Northeast is the desired method, if available. If not available we will source as close to this region as we can with expertise from our technical advisor.
Site selection, preparation and planting
Using the results obtained from https://plantshoe.org and other resources for site suitability assessment, we will select 4 unique planting sites for each plant type we are using on the forested land of Greenhill Farm NH, in Sutton, NH . The four sites will contain 3 separate medium sized and adjacent plots. Each site will be planted as follows : Plots will be direct seeded, planted with transplant cuttings and then planted with germinated seedlings produced by the rootstock. Therefore, the timing of plot completions will be staggered and recorded as such. The timing for the 3 different planting methods will be done with consultation with our technical advisor.
Each site will be soil tested for pH, organic matter , available Phosphorus and Calcium, texture and organic matter. If necessary, applications of composted leaf litter or other natural/mineral-based soil amendments (e.g. pelletized gypsum, composted leaf litter, etc. ) may be used.
Competing plants, branches and other obstacles may be removed and tree branches may be removed or trimmed if necessary
After each plot is completed, planted and recorded, wildlife barriers such as fencing, screen will be installed. Wildlife cameras will also be used at each site to photograph humans and animals as observation tools and security for disturbances or vandalism to the plots.
Sites will be accessed by foot or small truck if irrigation is needed. A water tank with hoses will be moved to the sites by small truck to provide watering if necessary in case of drought.
Site visits and documentation
The sites will be visited daily during the growing season and then reduced to weekly visits during the dormancy seasons. Each visit may include counting the viable plants in each plot, recording journal notes which may include weather, site disturbances, camera data and other variables.
This schedule will be followed for the 3 year duration of the project. If variation in the schedule occurs, the reason and time frame will be documented.
The direct seeded plots will be allowed to germinate naturally. The seeds will be counted or weighed before planting, and when germinated, the seedlings will be counted, recorded and photographed at each visit to the site. In the fall any seeds that are produced will be removed, counted and replanted to additional separate plots with documentation. Leaves will be clipped to reduce plant identification to poachers.
For the transplant cutting/rootlet plots, the number of cuttings used will be photographed and counted before planting. Then size of the root stock or nodes will be photographed. The plants that grow from the cuttings may be then counted, recorded and photographed as changes occur. In the fall, any seeds that are produced will be removed, counted and replanted to additional separate plots with documentation. Leaves will be clipped to reduce plant identification to poachers or wildcrafters .
The germinated seedling plots will be counted initially and then at each visit, recorded and photographed. In the fall, if any seeds that are produced are crowded, they will be removed, counted and replanted to additional separate plots with documentation. Leaves will be clipped to reduce plant identification to poachers or wildcrafters.
Weekly dormant season visits will be done to check on the sites and equipment . Each visit may be recorded and photographed if site changes occur.
In the fall of year three, 10 plants or 10 % of each type of plant from all 12 plots will be gently hand dug, photographed, measured and dimensions recorded as data for the final report. The plants will then be replanted to achieve maturity. Each plant type will be assessed for viability and best method for growing each forest medicinal plant. Problems, issues and future recommendations will be discussed in the final report. It is important to note here that all of the 4 plant types will not be harvested at this time as full constituent maturity is reached between 5 and 10 years. For this project seed production may occur and can be counted as a benefit while waiting for plant maturity.
The following PDFs summarize results into two charts: Stem Production by Year and Species-2 & Seed Production Counts 2023-2025.
Year 1 of Project / 2022
We were successful in sourcing plant material, site selection, preparation and planting of the 4 forest herbs in the time frame described in the original report with the following changes, delays and cost increases due to supply chain issues and climate change:
Plant material sourcing and timing :
Research found no local sources of plant or seed stock available. Based on recommendations from United Plant Savers and resources from an on-line workshop from Appalachian Forest Farmer Coalition and the book Growing and Marketing Ginseng, Goldenseal, and other Woodland Medicinals by Jeanine Davis and Scott Persons contact was made with experienced growers in Iowa and West Virginia. Issues of concern were price, quality and the quantity of roots and seed to create a measurable sample size of 100 for each forest medicinal. We chose expert growers who were willing to discuss their methods and recommendations for a NH climate and soils. Seed stock was initially ordered from an Iowa grower who was able to complete the large order within our budget .We found that the following factors would influence the purchase and delivery of the necessary seed, root stock and compost for forest planting :
Timing : Sourcing seed and root stock is dependent on harvest during the dormant season which varies depending on the location of the grower. Seeds are sourced earlier in the season but may need to be scarified, chilled or planted immediately after harvest. Even though we ordered early, the roots and seeds could only be dug/harvested within a short window of time.
Climate: Drought and unusual weather patterns directly affected the ability of the grower to harvest roots during the dormancy season. The weather patterns of the seed source and our location was completely different at harvest. The Iowa grower could not dig black cohosh, bloodroot or goldenseal roots due to drought and lack of soil loosening rains making black cohosh, bloodroot and goldenseal unable to be harvested without damage by the beginning of November. He was able to provide 100 ginseng roots on October 21 as he had irrigation at the ginseng location and was able to loosen the roots. By the beginning of November it looked like we would not receive the roots before winter freeze up so they would be sent in the spring which would set the project back. I decided to contact the West Virginia grower as a backup hoping he might still have roots to sell. After an informative discussion on soil Calcium which must be high to grow ginseng, he suggested we buy a sample size of approximately 20 roots to plant this fall (2022) and work on increasing soil Calcium using compost, raised beds and amendments which we were already in the process of doing. Since the climate in W. VA was different than Iowa, there were no issues digging roots and they were delivered and planted by Nov 9, 2022. By the next week, the Iowa grower called to say the rain had finally arrived and he could supply the order . As the weather was unusually warm and was going to remain warm for another week according to reports, I agreed to the shipment . Planting was completed on Nov 19 in the snow.
Site selection, bed preparation and planting : Site selection was not entirely dependent on plantshoe.org but also Table 5. Visual Site Assessment and Grading Criteria for Potential Woodland Ginseng Growing Operation for a Northern Forest from the book Growing and Marketing Ginseng, Goldenseal, and other Woodland Medicinals by Jeanine Davis and Scott Persons and considerations based on conversations with both growers. Since ginseng would be the biggest challenge to grow with calcium levels extremely low, I decided to base the site location of all the plants on the highest scoring site for ginseng. After searching for the perfect site to grow ginseng for months, and research on other rare plant locations in NH, Close proximity to our farm, the presence of companion plants and trees , deep shade and a west facing slope were the best site criteria. Although the site is not ideal, if we are successful in growing forest medicinals in this location, it is possible they may be grown in other challenging locations in NH.
Supply chain, and compost : supply chain issues caused delays and increased costs in every aspect of setting up the project.
The compost delivery was delayed for over a month and arrived just as winter set in which worked out since root stock was also delayed.
Cost of fencing and hardware cloth was almost double the normal price and scarce due to supply.
We decided to hold off on creating the seedling plots until spring since they are not necessary until we have seedlings to transplant.
Year 2 of project / 2023
Bloodroot rootstock was the first to emerge on April 16, 2023. Ginseng followed on May 1, 2023 along with a few goldenseal and black cohosh peeking through the leaf mulch. All plants continued to emerge through May. Two ginseng seeds germinated on 5/15. The ginseng seed continued to germinate through the summer with a final count of 76 on 9/20/23.
2022 vs 2023 root stock and seed totals as follows :
Ginseng rootlets : total planted fall 2022 / 139 Count total Sept 2023 / 119
Ginseng seed : amount planted fall 2022/ 1400+ Seedlings counted sept 2023/ 76
Bloodroot rootlets : total planted fall 2022/ 146 Count total Sept 2023/ 154
Bloodroot seed : amount planted fall 2022 VT / 180 Seedlings counted sept 2023/0
Bloodroot seed : amount planted August 2023 /1900+ Seedlings counted sept 2023/0
Black Cohosh rootlets : total planted fall 2022 / 127 Count total Sept 2023 / 132
Black Cohosh seed : amount planted fall 2022 / 50,000 Seedlings counted sept 2023 / 0
Goldenseal rootlets : total planted fall 2022 / 205 Count total sept 2023 / 255
Goldenseal seed : amount planted fall 2022 / 1400 Seedlings counted sept 2023 / 0
Seed germination is expected to happen spring of 2024 - it is more difficult to achieve.
We were also able to develop 3 new plots, and collect and replant seed into them from the following plants :
Ginseng : 283 seeds collected and replanted 9/12 thu 10/29/2023 into plot 11B and 1A bottom
Goldenseal : 128 seeds collected and replanted on 8/19/2023 into plot 12C
Bloodroot 115 seeds collected from only 10 plants and replanted on 6/11/2023 into 13C with the help of ants . Video to follow .
Despite an extremely rainy season, about 22" of rain fell from June through August, the plants thrived without any major issues. There was some insect damage to the leaves of ginseng and goldenseal but no other problems.
The game cameras recorded a deer, porcupine and raccoon, and turkey passing through the area, a squirrel was able to get into the fencing. The squirrel was hopefully collecting or disbursing acorns and not ginseng seed. Mast production was especially high this fall 2023. A resident barred owl may be helping to keep the rodent population down, and was sighted many times perched on trees surrounding the fencing. A game camera became defective and could no longer be used to send notifications to my phone which is why it was purchased - it continues to work by SIM card only and needs to be checked periodically along with the second camera. Batteries lasted for almost a year but after that they wear out randomly no matter what type battery is used. They have to be checked frequently. These game cams can not be relied on to document the area but they do provide some coverage as long as they work.
Changes made to the original method :
- Counting the plants at every site visit is not a good use of time on the project. Unless there is an issue that reduces the count dramatically, Plants and seedlings will be counted once they have all emerged (May) and then once a month thereafter unless needed.
- Ginseng seedlings were not transplanted as they had plenty of room in the seed plot they were started in.
- Compost and soil amendments must be added to the plots every year to keep the pH and Calcium at appropriate levels.
- Additional plots will need to be created in 2024 and 2025 for seed production.
Year 3 of Project / 2024
Blood root stock emergence on 4/17/2024
Black Cohosh was next on 5/1/2024
Ginseng root plot 1A emergence 5/3/2024
Ginseng seedling started to appear on 5/8/2024
None of the new 2023 seed plots showed germination in 2024.
Besides the original ginseng and black cohosh seed plots, no germination was seen in the goldenseal or bloodroot seed plots from the initial 2022 planting.
The original ginseng seed plots continued to germinate new seedlings and the black cohosh seed germinated many tiny crowded seedlings too tiny to count.
2024 started off with moderate rainfall and by July was trending into areas of moderate drought which was tough on the plants especially goldenseal and first year seedlings. On farm water sources had to be conserved and rationed. Watering the plots became a real issue and we were only able to water superficially a few times and hope for rain. As of this report, Merrimack County remains in moderate drought. https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/CurrentMap/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?fips_33013
The following rootstock and seed was counted or produced in 2024 and added to the previous chart:
1AGinseng rootlets : total planted fall 2022 / 139 Count total Sept 2023 / 119 2024/ 109
2AGinseng seed : amount planted fall 2022/ 1400+ Seedlings counted sept 2023/ 76 2024/ 84
5BBloodroot rootlets : total planted fall 2022/ 146 Count total Sept 2023/ 154 2024/ 125
6BBloodroot seed : amount planted fall 2022 VT / 180 Seedlings counted sept 2023/0 2024/ 0
6BBloodroot seed : amount planted August 2023 /1900+ Seedlings counted sept 2023/0 2024/ 0
7B Black Cohosh rootlets : total planted fall 2022 / 127 Count total Sept 2023 / 132 2024/104
Black Cohosh seed : amount planted fall 2022 / 50,000 Seedlings counted sept 2023 / 0 2024/100-500+
3A+9A Goldenseal rootlets : total planted fall 2022 / 205 Count total sept 2023 / 255 2024/ 115
5AGoldenseal seed : amount planted fall 2022 / 1400 Seedlings counted sept 2023 / 0 2024/0
2 new plots ( AA and 14C) were developed for new seed
Bloodroot seed was sown into existing plot 12C
Total New seeds collected 2024
( 670 plot AA and 727 plot 14C ) Ginseng 1397 seeds or 69.3g
12C Bloodroot 570 seeds or 8g
2024 brought challenges of insect damage, drought and excessive falling branches, debris and acorns. Despite these challenges, many new ginseng seedlings germinated and black cohosh and bloodroot thrived even with a reduction in stem counts. Black cohosh did not flower.
An extremely heavy mast year of acorns became hazardous for working in the woods. For at least a week it rained acorns providing extra resources for grey squirrels .The squirrels were caught in every plot on game cameras. Deer and turkey tracks justified the need for fencing.
In addition, since Greenhill Farm NH is certified organic and Real Organic certified, and since we were required to change certifiers due to NH Dept of Ag ,Markets and Food dropping all organic certifications, we added The SARE medicinal herb plots into our certification and were approved by MOFGA certification service as certified organic.
Year 4 of Project / 2025
Spring 2025 emergence began with bloodroot on April 22, black cohosh on April 28, ginseng April 30 and goldenseal on May 2, followed by a week of very heavy rains thru early May.
A few bloodroot and goldenseal seeds finally germinated from seed plots after 3 years. Black cohosh seedlings were slightly larger
96.5 % of ginseng seed collected in 2023 from the original rootstock planting germinated.
Red oak seedings were sprouting everywhere from the previous fall and had to be weeded out of the plots.
The heavy rain was critical for the survival of the plants. It was the last significant rainfall leading into severe drought preceded by a 5 day heat dome of 90 degrees throughout NH. Bloodroot seed was bagged for collection on May 27. By July 19th all plants were exhibiting signs of stress from lack of moisture.The plots were irrigated one time in mid July. By August, Merrimack County was experiencing severe drought with no expectation of relief in sight. My observations lead me to believe that drought conditions affected seed production of all the plants. Overall, goldenseal seemed to be most affected by drought. Only a few seeds were produced in 2024 and 2025 and root size has diminished.
A major setback to ginseng seed production occurred on Aug 8 2025, when almost all of the unripe green ginseng seed was decimated most likely by field mice. Game cameras were checked but nothing was recorded which led us to believe it was mice since they are not large enough to trigger a game camera. Chewed up seed is seen in the photos. Mice were not a problem up until this incident. It is possible that they were looking for a source of moisture and the green seed was available. The remaining few seeds were bagged on the plants, counted, and replanted. Traps and seed bags will be used as a preventative measure in the future.
By September 24, the plants had died back and the forest canopy was invaded with many types of caterpillars. A constant barrage of caterpillar frass and chewed up leaves rained down on everything. The frass fallout is an important nutrient in the soil food web of life and will act as an all natural fertilizer for the forest environment. Caterpillar activity happens every year but 2025 seemed very , possibly a response to severe drought conditions.
The ability to dig roots for measurement was greatly affected by drought as roots cannot be dug in extremely dry conditions as they are easily destroyed and not suitable to replant. However, I was able to dig a few roots for a small average sample. Ginseng roots increased in weight by an average of 0.24 oz per root. Bloodroot, black cohosh and goldenseal did not increase in weight or size but used their energy to create many tiny running rootlet extensions. Some rainfall occurred in Sept and October and the beginning of November 2025 but much more is needed before the earth freezes to replenish aquifers to pre-drought levels. In retrospect, the methods of measurement used by digging up roots was not an effective way of determining project success at this point. Since plant maturity can be 5 to 10 years, and is affected by weather, root size is not really a determinant of success and can damage the still maturing plants. A better determinant would be to measure leaf size and seed counts and stem counts both which we did. We did not know about measuring leaf size until I saw it used in another study and will incorporate it into future studies.
Two Technical advisors were consulted from May through August for advice on their methods and experience growing and marketing woodland medicinals. Their input was extremely valuable and one of the best parts of this project. Advice on plant diseases, predation and poaching were important and helped me to reconsider crowded plantings, wildlife issues especially deer and the problems around poaching. Comparing regional landscapes, history and methods pertaining to cultivation and uses of medicinal plants, marketing methods, and processing was also extremely insightful.
For year 1 2022 of the project we were successful in sourcing plant material, site selection, preparation and planting of the 4 forest herbs in the time frame and budget described in the original report with minimal changes as described in the previous paragraph. We met our objectives and now await signs of plant germination and growth in early spring. Meanwhile, we are monitoring winter conditions and disturbances in the plot areas
For year 2 2023 of the project we were successful in growing all 4 rare medicinals from rootstock and ginseng from seed . Goldenseal, black cohosh and bloodroot seeds did not germinate this season which is not uncommon as germination can take 2 or more seasons. We were also able to collect seed from ginseng, goldenseal and bloodroot rootstock. The black cohosh grew well but did not flower and can take up to 5 years to produce seed. 3 additional plots were created to immediately replant the seed produced this season.
For year 2024 we were successful in continued growth of all 4 roots - ginseng, black cohosh, bloodroot and goldenseal. However, counts were reduced in all 4 plants. Ginseng seed continued to germinate and black cohosh seed although very tiny, fragile and difficult to count germinated well with high counts. Ginseng and blood root seed were collected, however no goldenseal or black cohosh seed was collected . One goldenseal berry was observed but carried away before it could be picked. 2 Additional plots were created for seed. All plants were documented and added to our organic certification.
Final Year 2025 The project continued with a strong spring emergence of all the root plot beds. Heavy spring rains encouraged germination of a few tiny bloodroot and goldenseal seedlings from the originally planted plots of 2022/23. Nearly 97% of the ginseng seed from 2023 germinated. Black cohosh seedling were slightly larger but the count seemed reduced and are very hard to count. Drought may have reduced seed production and root size in some of the plots.
To sum up the project , we were able to grow the four woodland medicinal plants from root and seed. Growing roots was the most favorable and a faster method with the benefit of seed production. The direct seed method was not as successful as all of these plants have low germination rates and take many more years to grow from seed. The seed method is less expensive but needs more research and experimentation.
Overall, the results were positive and will provide an excellent start-up to develop a small scale method that produces quality marketable plants for medicine, landscape, or to supply other farmers. Our farm has been improved just by having these plants in the forest. Because we have not decided on a business model yet and the herbs are not ready to be harvested, I cannot provide specific numbers or all the improvements that might occur over time.
Education & outreach activities and participation summary
Participation summary:
8 farmers were brought to site in small personal tours over the 3 year period.
1 journal/newsletter article was produced at the end of the project to be used in future Merrimack County Conservation District Newsletter , Maine Organic Farmers MOFGA newletter and other publications.
1 google slide presentation was created and used for sustainability class presentation for New Hampshire Technical Institute on 11/24/2025.
1 google slide presentation for 5 local farmers on 11/18/2025.
Outreach in progress
A presentation is scheduled at the New Hampshire Technical Institute growers conference Spring 2026.
Ongoing slide presentations as requested.
Learning Outcomes
We were able conduct 3 tours for interested farmers who had no previous knowledge of the 4 plants. Many questions were asked by the farmers and seemed to increase their awareness and interest in the project. One farmer is interested in developing a similar system and will be following up with us in spring 2026.
Project Outcomes
This project demonstrated that bloodroot, black cohosh, goldenseal, ginseng and other rare medicinal herbs can be grown as a small scale enterprise in New Hampshire over the course of three years. Growing the four plants from seed is possible but difficult and can take years longer. More research is needed to determine if the four medicinals can be grown to become high quality saleable roots. At least two to seven more years is needed to reach the current desired market age and weights for roots. The medicinal herb trade is booming with a need for more growers to satisfy demand for threatened medicinal plants that should be cultivated rather than wild harvested. Since more than 75% of NH is forested land, with investment, time, soil amendment and minimal intervention, underutilized woodlands could be converted for this purpose. Challenges and risks such as weather extremes, predation by rodents, animals and humans are some challenges. My research shows there is a market for forest grown high quality medicinal herbs.
Infrastructure such as rural herb hubs and shared processing facilities for small farmers to share equipment and participate in selling their non-timber forest products is needed for New Hampshire's farmers to be able to enter into these new markets .
This project had a positive impact on me, and several family member farmers who became interested in it. My general knowledge of the four herbs has increased a great deal. Growing methods, and data collection improved as well. Report writing , power point building and presentations on zoom, creating growing systems, and data collection expanded my skill sets beyond my expectation.
The farm was impacted by the investment of the plants, materials and equipment that are necessary to complete and continue the project which I am dedicated to continuing. Using a previously underutilized section of woodland for forest farming brings additional diversity to the land, soil and possibility of an additional income stream to the farm.
Notable successes that were high germination rates of Panax quinquefolius seed from the original root planting and the organic certification of the plantings by https://mofgacertification.org/which led to a customer contact for root purchasing when when plants are mature. Talking to interested farmers and land stewards about growing the plants is also satisfying.
The study's approach of the initial setup of consistent plot size for seed and roots was a good method for counting and keeping the project manageable. Conversations with growers and technical advisors before and during the project as well as research into the four plants was key to the project's success. Growers and TA's helped with adjustments to soil amendments and preventing wildlife predation, planting techniques and general knowledge. Protecting the plots with fencing and wildlife cameras was important and kept the project safe from animal predation. A phone camera also became a critical tool for success and tracking.
The challenges were many. Four root plots and four seed plots created many variables and long germination times of four different seeds, some with germination times are as long as three years will occur after the project is over. Keeping track of seeds produced and planted and developing new plots to plant them in was challenging as well. Most of the new seed plots are unfenced and had to be created quickly.
Finding the best way to keep all the data because there are so many variables embedded into this project was a challenge and needs improvement.
Lack of water at the site and two out of three years of drought preceded by extreme rainfall was very challenging for the plants. Most of these herbs can withstand some weather variation but I was not sure if they would survive some of the extreme conditions.
The drought conditions of 2025 led me to revise one of the final methodologies of the project. Ten roots or 10% of each plot were to be dug up and measured for growth comparison. After digging up and damaging five roots from each plot in soil that was completely dry, I was able to weigh, measure and average that the roots were larger or the same as when originally planted.
The five roots were damaged because they should not be dug in dry conditions as the tiny root fibers are destroyed and decrease the viability of the rhizome/root when replanted.
This method was flawed from the beginning of the study since the ten roots of each type should have been marked and used as control roots for the comparison measurements. Unfortunately the ten roots were not marked.
Also, black cohosh, goldenseal and bloodroot are fibrous rhizomes that expand slowly in every direction making this measurement difficult and very damaging in drought conditions. For ginseng, the main root and rootlets were also damaged. Another consideration is that ginseng root is not valued by size or weight so much as age and active constituents.
The weight and size measurement can be useful but after only three years of growth it seemed less important than seed production, expansion, stem counts and leaf sizes.
In conclusion, Yes, it is possible to grow the four rare medicinal plants in NH from roots and possibly from seed for three years through adverse weather conditions. I plan to continue this project to plant maturity and to continue taking data of stem counts and seed production to look for correlations with weather. The project is important to me not only for the possibility of additional income but for the preservation of the plants and the ecosystems that need them to strengthen the health and diversity of NH forests.
There is additional need for shared infrastructure and a marketing platform for NH farmers to be able to economically dry, process and market herbs to buyers in the future. Participation in this action is a future goal for me.
Groups that would benefit from this project are land steward organizations, permaculture and certified organic farmers, forest farming organizations, conservation districts and forest organizations in NH and other New England states.