Learn how to identify and sustainably harvest Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum biflorum), then how to turn it into a tincture. We’ll also cover how to cultivate Solomon’s Seal in your garden or on your own land! Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum biflorum) is a perennial woodland herb that’s native to the Eastern United States and Canada. It’s also…
Learn how to make all-natural lavender simple syrup – a sweet combination of sugar (or honey) and water, with a hint of lavender flavor. It can be used anywhere simple syrup is normally used such as homemade lemonade recipes, lattes, mocktails, sorbets, and more! It’s easy to make too – you just need: You may…
Learn how to identify and forage Creeping Charlie, an edible spring weed, plus instructions to turn it into a tincture! Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea) – also known by the common names “gill-over-the-ground”, “ale-hoof”, “run-away-robin” and “ground ivy” – is a fast-growing, perennial weed that grows low to the ground. Many gardeners find it the bane…
Cleavers is a common edible weed that also has herbal benefits. Learn how to identify and forage cleavers, plus ways to use it! Cleavers (Galium aparine) is a widely found spring weed that you’re likely to find in your garden, flower beds, or while exploring the forest around you. Other common names for cleavers include:…
Are you hoping to forage some elusive morel mushrooms this year? These tips for hunting morels should be useful! 1. When to Start Searching Morel mushrooms (Morchella spp) are only around for a short window each spring, but it can be hard to know exactly when to begin your mushroom hunting. Morel mushroom hunting season…
You’ve got a glut of gorgeous broccoli heads, or the prettiest harvest of cauliflower: but the problem is, you can’t eat this many brassicas before they go bad! Luckily, it’s easy to freeze broccoli and cauliflower right at home. All you need is a few pots, a strainer, a cookie sheet, and a freezer, then…
Elderberry propagation might sound tricky and intimidating, but it’s simpler than you’d think! In fact, between creating clones via cuttings or starting new plants from seed, growing elderberry from cuttings is actually the easier way to get your hands on new plants! With just a sharp pair of pruning shears, a pot of soil, and…
Learn how to grow sweet violets or common violets from seed! Violets are a delightful addition to your woodland garden or tucked into shady areas or pots around your house. The pretty purple flowers are used to make tasty jellies, syrup, and vinegars, and the leaves can be used to makes soothing salves or lip…
Learn how to identify and forage for wild violets, plus how to harvest, preserve, and use them. Often considered a backyard weed, violets provide value to native butterflies, bees, and wildlife, and they offer food and herbal benefits for humans too! Foraging wild violets is an easy and fun springtime activity! Here’s how to make…
Turn edible peach flowers into this pretty springtime lemonade! It’s an ultra easy recipe that creates a single serving of naturally pink homemade lemonade. While ripe peaches are best known for being delicious fruits of summer, the peach tree itself can also be utilized year ’round. In Appalachian herbalism, peach leaves, flowers, and twigs are…
Native plants are vital to supporting local birds, pollinators, and other wildlife. Learn how easy it is to grow a variety of native plants using the winter sowing method! In nature, wild plants produce flowers, then seeds, which naturally make their way to the ground and spend time over autumn and winter, experiencing lots of…
Learn how to identify and forage plantain, a common backyard weed, plus how to harvest, dry, and use it! The herbal weed we know as plantain belongs to the family Plantago – of which there are about 275 species worldwide. Some of the plantagos most commonly seen here in the United States are non-native, introduced…