Friday, May 28, 2010

Weeds, Really?

Yesterday, I called Joan the nature center coordinator at Lake Geneva Youth Camp to find out when Domino goes back to camp. First, I want to say I love this lady she is the most knowledgeable person I know. She not only knows a lot about animals but nature in general. I guess that is why she is the nature center coordinator. LOL In our conversation, she remembers me as the girl who was there when she found the missing iguana. Upon our conversation about the lizard she starts telling me about the weeds you can eat. I knew about a few weeds you could eat like dandelion and garlic mustard but Joan mention lamb quarter. Holy Cow! That stuff grows in an abundance in my yard.

So Joan intrigued me to see what else is growing in my yard can I eat. I found the following links that show/name the plants as well as medicinal uses of them:

http://oldfashionedliving.com/weeds.html
http://www.wisebread.com/free-food-in-your-yard-edible-weeds
http://www.veggiegardeningtips.com/discovering-edible-weeds/

So if you are looking for a new green to try. You may not have to travel very far!

Please be aware of the Safety Precautions that I am posting from the Old fashioned Living Website...

When using any type of plant material moderation is key. Ingesting too much of even the most benign substance can cause you to become ill.

Never harvest weeds from the side of the road. These plants may be contaminated from vehicle exhaust fumes.

Never harvest weeds in the wild unless you are absolutely certain of their identification and you have the permission of the land owner and you know that the field hasn't been sprayed with any harmful chemicals.

The safest way to harvest weeds is to look in your own yard. I have purslane growing allover my yard but I had to purchase seeds to establish my patches of chicory and dandelion which I planted in my garden next to my other herbs and vegetables.

Always practice organic gardening techniques in your garden especially when it's food you intend to eat.

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