If you’re practicing pesticide-free gardening, that’s great for you—and the earth. And it’s great for one other reason: You might be able to harvest and eat some of the plants that would otherwise be considered weeds.
That’s right: If you don’t spray your yard and thoroughly clean anything you harvest, there are some really
fantastic edibles that grow in most people’s backyards. They’ve been relegated to the “weed” column because of our own attempts at standardizing the food supply. What that’s led to is an ever smaller world of food that we eat—but backyard weeds can help change that.
A few identifying characteristics can help, as can knowing what plants are look-alikes but poisonous. And whatever you harvest, even if you don’t use any chemicals in your yard, be aware that runoff and pollution from cars may have gotten into your yard. So pick carefully and wash thoroughly, and use this graphic to enjoy!
- Edible Backyard Plants - September 30, 2016
Chris says
Great information. What would make this even better and easier to identify the plants would be actual pictures of them rather then illustrated ones.
David Freckleton says
Abby,
Great start. Too bad most people can’t see these and many more plants for their real value. I did notice you listed Pokeweed among the dangerous or toxic plants. Understood, however, I use the berries as an immune booster on occasion.
Thanks
Dave