Herbminders of Maine
Location: Trescott, Maine
Heidi Herzberger, HerbMinders of Maine
When I was five in post war Germany, I planted goldenrod in a U shape and as it grew, it became my hide-away. I gardened as long as I can remember, some out of necessity to put food on the table, some to continue a family herbal tradition. Once a gardener, always a gardener is certainly true for me. Wherever I moved, I could not resist turning some plot of land, no matter how small, into a garden. The row house in Pittsburgh sported sunflowers and echinacea, the sidewalk island in Washington, DC a ring of mint. Small plots in PA provided vegetables, herbs, and flowers. I could really spread my wings when I became the herbalist at Canterbury Shake Village (1983 – 1999). Restoring the three acres of vegetable and herb gardens was a welcome challenge to my husband Dan and me. It was there, surrounded by Shaker ingenuity, herbal practices, and creativity, I developed a serious appreciation for healthy soil. Soil, teaming with life, is the foundation of all plant life. The concept of herbs as “Partners in Life”, pioneer b y the Shakers, is widely accepted. The idea of herbs as “soil partners” came to me while sipping a cup of medicinal tea. It made perfect sense to me at the time but it took twelve years of research and experimentation to finally arrive e at the present formula of Heidi’s Plant Pep and its packaging. The formula was tested by state (NH) and federal labs (Ohio) whose guaranteed analysis established the value of N-3, P-1.5, K-2 and all major and minor nutrients vital to feed the soil and grow the plant.
As I was starting the business, friends suggested I add my wellness teas to the product line which were a standard Christmas present to all near and dear. The teas are hand blended and packaged in small batches to optimize their health benefits. Because we don’t use a mechanized packing system, which necessitates the pulverization of the tea, you can actually identify the ingredients as they brew (loose tea) or, after brewing, just open a tea bag and take a look. I also offer a salt substitute culinary blend to help us all live healthier lives.
In 2009 we purchased land in Trescott Township and founded HerbMinders of Maine. We are planning a rich retirement: We hope to work on herb gardens, vegetable gardens, year-round green-housing, to grow our business, and enjoy the beauty surrounding us.
Heidi has a Masters Degree in ECE. She is a certified Master Gardner, Master Herbalist, and Historic Landscape Curator.
A selection of items at Northern Tides
Please email us to verify item availability. Phone orders are welcome. Nationwide shipping available. How to order.
Not your grandmother's moth balls. Organic oils, effective for six months; 4 oz. $8.00 ea.
Best Alternative to Salt Cooking! Air-tight tins, blend of 13 organic herbs, 2.5 oz.; $4.50 ea.
Heidi's Hand-Blended Organic Teas
Decaf: Crimson Berry Tea ($8.50 ea), Eight Herb Tea ($7.00 ea), loss or bags.
Heidi's Hand-Blended Organic Teas
Caffinated: Gold Rush Tea ($7.00 ea) and Ginger Green Tea ($7.00 ea), loose or bags.