AAhhh–it is that time of year again–spring is bustin’ out all over and we gardeners are rejoicing with the first harvests of earth’s offerings. Here are some photos of what I’m picking and what’s for dinner; get inspired, get out there and forage, or at least graze! There are also some photos of spring ephemerals that you might see in your woods or garden, which are blooming this time of year although they are not edible (duly noted) or are used medicinally.

Just remember if you are new to foraging or eating wild foods–please be certain that you have properly identified what you are about to eat. Get your guidebooks and an experienced forager friend to take you out–or go on a wild weeds walk. (There is a hike coming up at the Ozark Folk Center on May 6, 2016, which I will be on with a number of other herbalists https://ozark2015.aristotle.net/calendar-of-events/details.aspx?id=130267).

A few of my most favorite wild weeds are chickweed, dandelion, wild violets, wild onions, cresses and sorrel. Flowers from the red buds and plum trees are in bloom right now with forsythia and the trio makes for a glorious combination of colorful pink, white and yellow blooms. While redbuds and plum blossoms are delightful in salads, forsythia is not edible.

Most of my foraged plants go into the salad bowl or the flowers and leaves are cooked only briefly. The wild herbs are great with eggs from scrambled and omelets to deviled eggs or egg salad. I pound or process the leaves into salsa verde (green sauce) which is a good accompaniment to just about any vegetable, pasta, chicken or fish. I use the greens to make aioli, vinaigrettes, sauces and soup. Here are a few links for previous blogs featuring wild greens recipes.

/item/5828/egg-and-cheese-puff-with-greens

/item/13576/recipes-for-a-healthy-lunch-from-the-medicinal-herb-seminar

/item/12102/video-recipe-green-goodness-soup

Happy spring–just the beginning of the harvest season!

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

A.M. Leonard Deluxe Soil Knife & Leather Sheath Combo

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

MULTITASKING DUAL EDGES: a deep serrated edge and a tapered slicing edge ideal for tough or delicate cuts. DURABLE 6-inch stainless steel blade withstands 300 lbs of pressure. TWINE CUTTING NOTCH, DEPTH GAUGE MARKINGS & spear point - no need to switch tools when using this garden knife. LEATHER SHEATH: heavy duty, protective, clip on sheath to keep your knife convenient and secure. LIFETIME WARRANTY.

Buy at Amazon

Spearhead Shade Gardening Shovel with Steel-Reinforced Fiberglass Handle

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Reduce Digging Effort - The Spear Head Spade is the first hybrid shovel/spade, guaranteed to make your toughest digging up to 80% easier than regular shovels and spades, even in the toughest soil conditions. Ideal for landscaping and gardening. Multi-Purpose Shovel - Spear Head Spade is a versatile tool that can be used for digging, planting, weeding, cutting, and edging. It is designed to handle tough soil and clay conditions, and can cut through roots and tough vegetation with ease. Innovative Design - Has a unique blade design that makes it more efficient and easier to use than traditional spades. The blade is shaped like a spearhead, with a pointed tip and a curved edge that allows it to penetrate the soil more easily. Ergonomic D-Handle - The large, cushioned D-grip offers comfort and better leverage for gloved and ungloved hands alike, reducing strain on the hands and wrists. Lightweight & Strong - Durable handle is made of special steel-reinforced, pultruded fiberglass to withstand heavy use. 60% stronger than EN-3388 shovel/spade standards, 33% thicker and 25% harder than normal shovels. Sharpened from tip to tail at a 35 degree angle for an effective and durable edge.

Buy at Amazon

Gardener's Log Book from NYBG

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

This weatherproof five-year log book includes the following features: · Sturdy waterproof cover to protect pages from rain and muddy soil · Lined pages and gridded paper for plotting beds · Five years of 12-month bloom and harvest grids for recording what you planted and when · Authoritative appendices on composting, pruning, pest and disease control, and container gardening · Useful reminders by season on fertilizing, mulching, and transplanting · Space for listing your favorite sources and suppliers.

Buy at Amazon