Japanese mythology is a treasure trove of fascinating tales, and few figures stand out as prominently as Okuninushi, the deity of nation-building, agriculture, and medicine. Known for his wisdom, resilience, and compassion, Okuninushi’s accomplishments have left an indelible mark on Japanese culture and spirituality.

In this article, we’ll explore the key accomplishments of Okuninushi, uncover the lessons embedded in his stories, and examine how his legacy continues to inspire modern audiences. Whether you’re a mythology enthusiast or someone seeking timeless wisdom, this deep dive into Okuninushi’s life will leave you enriched and inspired.

Who Was Okuninushi?

Okuninushi, also known as Ōkuninushi-no-Mikoto, is a central figure in Japanese mythology. He is revered as the god of nation-building, agriculture, and medicine, and his stories are chronicled in ancient texts like the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki.

Born into a family of deities, Okuninushi faced numerous trials and tribulations, yet his perseverance and ingenuity allowed him to overcome adversity and achieve greatness. His accomplishments are not just tales of divine power but also lessons in leadership, compassion, and resilience.

Key Accomplishments of Okuninushi

1. The Creation of the Land of Izumo

One of Okuninushi’s most significant accomplishments was his role in the creation and development of the land of Izumo. According to legend, he worked tirelessly to transform the region into a prosperous and habitable place.

• Collaboration with Sukunabikona: Okuninushi partnered with Sukunabikona, a dwarf deity, to establish agriculture, medicine, and industry in Izumo. Together, they introduced farming techniques, herbal remedies, and tools that improved the quality of life for the people.
• Symbol of Nation-Building: Okuninushi’s efforts symbolize the importance of collaboration, innovation, and hard work in nation-building. His story serves as a reminder that progress is achieved through collective effort and dedication.

2. Overcoming Trials and Adversity

Okuninushi’s journey was fraught with challenges, including betrayal and persecution by his brothers. Despite these obstacles, he emerged victorious through his wit and resilience.

• The Trials of the Underworld: In one famous tale, Okuninushi was forced to endure a series of trials in the underworld, orchestrated by his jealous brothers. With the help of the goddess Suseri-hime, he navigated these challenges and ultimately triumphed.
• Lesson in Resilience: This story highlights the importance of perseverance and adaptability in the face of adversity. Okuninushi’s ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds is a testament to the power of resilience.

3. The Establishment of Harmony and Peace

Okuninushi is also celebrated for his role in establishing harmony and peace among the gods and humans. His willingness to relinquish control of Izumo to the heavenly deities, Amaterasu and Takemikazuchi, ensured a peaceful transition of power.

• The Transfer of Power: In a selfless act, Okuninushi agreed to cede control of Izumo in exchange for the construction of a grand shrine, the Izumo Taisha, where he would be worshipped. This act of diplomacy and compromise averted conflict and fostered unity.
• Symbol of Selflessness: Okuninushi’s decision underscores the value of selflessness and the greater good. His actions demonstrate that true leadership involves making sacrifices for the benefit of others.

4. Contributions to Medicine and Healing

As the god of medicine, Okuninushi is credited with introducing healing practices and herbal remedies to humanity. His partnership with Sukunabikona played a pivotal role in advancing medical knowledge.

• Pioneer of Herbal Medicine: Okuninushi’s work laid the foundation for traditional Japanese medicine, emphasizing the use of natural remedies and holistic healing.
• Legacy in Modern Medicine: His contributions continue to influence modern medical practices, particularly in the field of alternative and complementary medicine.

Lessons from the Accomplishments of Okuninushi

Okuninushi’s stories are more than just myths; they are rich with timeless lessons that resonate with modern audiences. Here are some key takeaways:

1. The Power of Collaboration: Okuninushi’s partnership with Sukunabikona highlights the importance of teamwork and shared goals.
2. Resilience in the Face of Adversity: His ability to overcome challenges serves as a powerful reminder to stay strong and adaptable.
3. Selflessness and Sacrifice: Okuninushi’s willingness to prioritize peace and harmony over personal gain is a lesson in true leadership.
4. Innovation and Progress: His contributions to agriculture and medicine underscore the value of innovation in improving lives.

Okuninushi’s Legacy in Modern Culture

Okuninushi’s influence extends beyond mythology and into contemporary Japanese culture. His stories are celebrated in festivals, literature, and art, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations.

• Izumo Taisha: The grand shrine of Izumo Taisha, dedicated to Okuninushi, remains one of Japan’s most important spiritual sites.
• Cultural Festivals: Events like the Izumo Kagura dance and the Kamiari Festival honor Okuninushi’s contributions and keep his stories alive.
• Modern Interpretations: Okuninushi’s tales have been adapted into novels, anime, and video games, introducing his legacy to a global audience.

Visualizing Okuninushi’s Accomplishments

To help readers better understand Okuninushi’s impact, here’s a comparison chart summarizing his key accomplishments:

Conclusion: Embracing the Wisdom of Okuninushi

The accomplishments of Okuninushi are a testament to the enduring power of myth to inspire, educate, and guide. His stories of resilience, collaboration, and selflessness offer valuable lessons for navigating the challenges of modern life.

As we reflect on Okuninushi’s legacy, let’s strive to embody his virtues in our own lives. Whether it’s through teamwork, perseverance, or a commitment to the greater good, we can all learn from the divine hero of Japanese mythology.

We offer many varieties of garlic for sale with shipment late in the summer/early in autumn each year (order early…in June or July or early August…to ensure we don’t run out of your favorite kinds!).  Order online for your convenience & get free shipping via our main site.

• Harvest begins in July
• We do allow some pre-orders each year, but will limit them to ensure we harvest enough of each variety. Even with conservative estimating, we can run short on garlic if weather causes a problem.
• Shipping typically begins in August or September, after the garlic cures/dries.
• Please unpack your garlic the same day it arrives so it can “breathe.”
• If you experience any problems with the shopping cart please email me to order pdfarms@live.com

All garlic seed for sale includes free shipping & is grown on our small micro farm in Elgin Oregon – Greifs Gourmet Garlic!

Customers placing orders via the shopping cart should receive an e-mail at the time the order is shipped.
Upon receipt, please open your garlic immediately and store in a cool, dry place until planting.
Timing of shipping varies with harvest dates, drying times, and other factors.

Insurance or Signature Confirmation Deliveries are Possible, but Not Currently Included in the Shipping Fee.

If you want insurance to cover your package, contact us. This is not included in the shipping fee. We can easily bill you for the amount necessary to cover insurance.

“What Kind of Garlic Should I Buy?”

This is a common question we hear from our friends and customers. There are many varieties, and amazingly, they really do differ! Some are mild, some are very flavorful, some are hot and spicy. A few varieties seem to be our favorites for roasting, and a few are great minced/crushed and eaten raw and fresh on salads. Hardnecks, softnecks…it can be confusing!

New to our site this year is a “Garlic Variety Picker” page that we developed to help you choose which varieties are best for you. Click here to use the tool.

“How Much Garlic Should I Buy?”

Because we have access to fresh garlic and its superior flavor, we have increased our garlic use exponentially in recent years! We think this happens with our customers as well.

The real garlic flavor of fresh, home-grown garlic is so much better than what comes from store-bought powdered garlic or the old garlic purchased in stores’ produce sections and from bottles…fresh garlic flavor and aroma are addicting as well as healthy! We use garlic (roasted, minced fresh, minced frozen, minced dried, powdered from last year’s crop, etc.) almost every day. It goes in homemade bread, casseroles, dips, in almost all main dishes, and more.

A sound suggestion would be “don’t short yourself.”

• For example, if you used 2 cloves per day on average, that would mean you need to raise over 700 cloves per year, or around 70-90 garlic bulbs. Depending upon the variety and the size, you should order 5 to 11 pounds of garlic to plant.
• If you sell at Farmer’s Markets, be prepared. These large, fresh, flavorful bulbs from your garlic patch will sell better than hotcakes!

And don’t forget to grow a little extra to share with family and friends…

For Larger Planting Areas

Under construction 9/2/2010

(Length of Rows)  x  (2 to 4 seeds per foot)  x  (Number of Rows)  /  (# of Seeds Per Pound)  =  Pounds Needed
Note that the # of Seeds Per Pound will always be an estimate due to variances in bulb sizes, bulbs per pound, and seeds per bulb…and therefore, seeds per pound.

BREAKING DOWN THE NUMBERS

1. Number of Seeds per Row:  Multiply the length of your row by 2, as you will probably plant one seed every 5 to 6 inches. However, some sources suggest 3 to 5 inches for spacing, so adjust this number as per your preferred spacing. If you space your garlic every 3 inches, you should use the number “4” in the equation, for example.

2. Number of Rows: Some people plant a single row, with a 2 or 3 foot gap between each row (to allow for mulch or tilling for weed control). Others plant two rows a few inches apart, and then a 2 or 3 foot gap. Still others will plant in more of a “bed” type situation, with 6 or 8 rows close together, and then a 2 or 3 foot gap between. Decide what will work best for your situation, and determine the number of rows you will have.

3. Total Number of Seeds Needed:  Determine how many seeds you will need for the length or your rows, and multiply by the number of rows you will fit into your area. For example, a 100′ row would have 200 or more seeds if they were spaced 5 to 6″ apart. If you have 100′-long rows, and have 10 rows, then you would need 100 x 2 x 10 = 2000 seeds (length of row times seeds per foot times number of rows).

4. Calculate the Number of Pounds Needed:  After calculating your seed needs in terms of numbers comes the tricky part, because the differing varieties have different numbers of cloves in each pound of seed. For example, some garlics have 4 seeds per bulb, while others have 20 or more seeds per bulb. Also, one variety might average 8 bulbs in a pound of large-sized garlic, while another might average 6 bulbs per pound, and another might require 12 bulbs to make a pound. Medium-sized garlic might have around 18 bulbs per pound. Once you decide on a variety, you can calculate seeds based upon those varieties’ average clove numbers per bulb and average bulbs per pound.

EXAMPLES

Using Music and Lorz as examples, and assuming a 6″ spacing:

Estimating Music: 

• Approximately 5 cloves per bulb, ~8 bulbs per pound equals 40 cloves per pound (cloves x bulbs per pound).
• (your total number of cloves needed) divided by 40 equals how many pounds of Music you would need.
• A 100′ row would require approximately 5 pounds of Music if planted 6″ apart.
• Math: 100 x 2 seeds per foot = 200 seeds needed.   200 %  40 seeds per pound = 5 pounds of seed.

Estimating Lorz Italian:

• ~10 to 18 cloves per bulb, but using 10 to estimate (planting the larger cloves helps result in a larger-bulbed harvest), ~8 bulbs per pound equals 80 cloves per pound.
• (your total number of cloves needed) divided by 80 equals how many pounds of Lorz Italian you would need.
• A 100′ row would require approximately 2.5 pounds of Lorz if planted 6″ apart.
• Math: 100 feet x 2 seeds per foot = 200 seeds needed.  200 % 80 seeds per pound = 2.5 pounds.

Planting a 4″ spacing (3 seeds per foot) within the row would result in different seed needs:

Estimating Music: 

• Approximately 5 cloves per bulb, ~8 bulbs per pound equals 40 cloves per pound (cloves x bulbs per pound).
• (your total number of cloves needed) divided by 40 equals how many pounds of Music you would need.
• A 100′ row would require approximately 7.5 pounds of Music if planted 4″ apart.
• Math: 100 x 3 seeds per foot = 300 seeds needed.   300 % 40 seeds per pound = 7.5 pounds of seed.

Estimating Lorz Italian:

•  ~10 to 18 cloves per bulb, but using 10 to estimate (planting the larger cloves helps result in a larger-bulbed harvest), ~8 bulbs per pound equals 80 cloves per pound.
• (your total number of cloves needed) divided by 80 equals how many pounds of Lorz Italian you would need.
• A 100′ row would require approximately 4 pounds of Lorz if planted 4″ apart. 
• Math: 100 feet x 3 seeds per foot = 300 seeds needed.  300 % 80 seeds per pound = 4 pounds.

Estimate of Seeds/Pound
Based upon an average from variety descriptions.

Which Size Should You Buy?

Garlic varieties can vary quite a bit in size. For example, Elephant Garlic bulbs can reach sizes between baseball and softball dimensions in your garden. See individual descriptions on our Garlic Varieties page for more about how the varieties differ in size.

For example, let’s look at one variety, such as German Red. Each year, German Red (and all varieties) has some huge bulbs, some medium bulbs, and a few small bulbs.

The largest of bulbs are obviously our “top grade,”
but the medium-sized bulbs are still awesome garlic!

A comparison of bulb size and weight, using German Red as an example.
On the left is one pound of German Red, average-sized bulbs.
On the right is one pound of German Red, large-sized bulbs.

• The largest bulbs in each variety are recommended for planting if you want your garden’s harvest to consist of really large bulbs with large cloves. The larger bulbs are generally over 2″ in diameter, although some are 3″ (depending upon variety). An example of large-sized bulbs is the grouping on the right in the photo above.
   
• Average-sized bulbs (generally up to 2″ in diameter) are economical for those wanting more cloves (because our garlic is sold by weight, and not by the number of the bulbs or cloves). If you want to plant in your garden with the harvest consisting of average-sized to large-sized bulbs, the smaller-sized bulbs may be better for you.  An example of smaller (average-sized) bulbs is the grouping on the left in the photo above.
   
• Small-sized bulbs are the ones we eat here at home, as well as the average sizes. We do not typically offer the small bulbs for sale.

Our varieties are generally available in two sizes each year (the shopping cart allows you to select a size): Large and Medium.

When you stroll through a garden, the vibrant blooms of geraniums often catch your eye. But have you ever stopped to wonder, is a geranium a dicot? This question isn’t just for botanists—it’s a gateway to understanding the fascinating world of plant classification. Whether you’re a gardening enthusiast or simply curious about the natural world, this article will provide actionable insights, practical takeaways, and a deeper appreciation for the plants around you.

What Are Dicots? A Quick Primer

Before answering is a geranium a dicot, let’s break down what dicots are. Dicots, or dicotyledons, are one of the two major groups of flowering plants (angiosperms). They are characterized by several key features:

• Two Seed Leaves (Cotyledons): Dicots sprout with two initial leaves, unlike monocots, which have one.
• Leaf Veins: Their leaves typically have a net-like vein structure.
• Flower Parts: Dicot flowers usually have petals in multiples of four or five.
• Root System: They often possess a taproot system, with one main root growing deep into the soil.

Understanding these traits is crucial for identifying dicots and appreciating their role in the plant kingdom.

Is a Geranium a Dicot? The Answer Revealed

Yes, a geranium is a dicot! Geraniums belong to the family Geraniaceae, which is firmly classified under the dicotyledon group. Here’s why:

1. Seed Structure: Geranium seeds have two cotyledons, a hallmark of dicots.
2. Leaf Veins: Their leaves display a branching, net-like vein pattern.
3. Floral Anatomy: Geranium flowers typically have five petals, aligning with dicot characteristics.
4. Root System: They develop a taproot, which helps them access deeper water sources.

This classification isn’t just academic—it has practical implications for gardeners and plant lovers.

Why Does It Matter? Practical Takeaways for Gardeners

Knowing that geraniums are dicots can enhance your gardening practices. Here’s how:

1. Soil Preparation

Dicots like geraniums thrive in well-draining soil with a balanced pH. Adding organic compost can improve soil structure and nutrient availability.

2. Watering Techniques

With their taproot system, geraniums can access deeper water reserves. Water deeply but less frequently to encourage strong root growth.

3. Fertilization

Dicots often benefit from balanced fertilizers (e.g., 10-10-10 NPK). Apply during the growing season for vibrant blooms.

4. Pruning and Maintenance

Regularly deadhead spent flowers to promote continuous blooming. Prune leggy stems to maintain a bushy appearance.

Dicots vs. Monocots: A Side-by-Side Comparison

To further clarify is a geranium a dicot, let’s compare dicots and monocots in a simple chart:

This comparison highlights the distinct traits that set dicots apart, making it easier to identify them in your garden.

Fun Facts About Geraniums

• Historical Significance: Geraniums were used in ancient medicine for their antiseptic properties.
• Variety: There are over 400 species of geraniums, ranging from annuals to perennials.
• Symbolism: In the language of flowers, geraniums symbolize friendship and positive emotions.

How to Grow and Care for Geraniums: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Choose the Right Location: Geraniums prefer full sun to partial shade.
2. Plant in Well-Draining Soil: Ensure the soil is rich in organic matter.
3. Water Wisely: Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
4. Fertilize Regularly: Use a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks.
5. Prune for Health: Remove dead leaves and flowers to encourage new growth.

Conclusion: Embrace the Beauty and Science of Geraniums

So, is a geranium a dicot? Absolutely! This classification not only satisfies curiosity but also empowers you to grow healthier, more vibrant geraniums. By understanding their dicot traits, you can tailor your gardening practices to meet their specific needs.