Aloe Vera
Aloe vera

days to maturity:
plant spacing: 1 plant per 3 square feet
sunlight requirements: 6-14 hours
look out for: aphids and mites
harvest notes: best to harvest from mature plants
perennial

Aloe is a medicinal succulent. It’s a great plant for beginner gardeners because it is very easy to care for. Be cautious if moving plants from shade to direct sun as this can cause shock. The medicinal qualities are in the clear flesh inside of the thick leaves. You can consumer it or apply it to your skin for sunburns, too cool off, or as a moisturizer. Try making aloe juice (blend the pulp with water) or eating it in chunks after the green skin and spiky edges are cut away. Aloe is a cooling digestive aid and it helps to relax the body, particularly the nervous and immune systems. In Egyptian folklore, Aloe was regarded as a sacred plant that held the secrets of beauty, health, and immortality in it's “blood”. It has been recommended to consume aloe pulp during allergic reactions to calm heat and aggravation in the body.