help me with learning some wild edibles

[j williams]

My plant knowlage is seriously lacking. Despite my interest in the subject.

I just went out and bought Petersons field guide to Edible Wild Plants of eastern/central North America. I dont know if its considered a good book, but its all I could find locally, and it seems like a good book that includes alot of midwest plants.

My question is....what now? Ive read through how to use the book, but what do you guys do? Memorize at home then go out and look for the plants you learn? Or do you take the book out and just dig in studying the plants you come across?

Seems like a stupid newb question , but Ive been putting learning em off for far too long, and knowlage is power.

 

[BarberFobic1992]

I usually just go look through a patch of weeds and see if I can match any pictures up with plants. This is how I have learned the few I know.

 

[John G]

Or do you take the book out and just dig in studying the plants you come across?

This is how I started. :thumbup:

Sure, read the books whenever you can. That will build up your overall knowledge base. Read several different books and cross-reference your finds. But there's nothing that can replace practical, hands-on learning. I like to wander the woods, snap some pictures of the plants in question, then post them on these boards. There's lots of helpful people here.

A good way to look for plants listed in the books is to study where the plants usually occur. For example: wild raspberries grow on the borders of fields and woodlands. Go to your local park or wild area, and start combing the places where fields meet woodlands.

Be safe and have fun!

 

[j williams]

Great! Thanks guys.....

 

[kvaughn]

Put that book in a zip lock bag and take it with you everywhere. Ive learned a lot from carrying my reference books even to work with me. It does help if you work outside but you can find wild edibles in the empty lot next door during your lunch break.--KV