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Spring Foraging – Start Finding Wild Food Now! | Episode 381

Spring is finally here, and that means it’s prime time for foraging! Whether you’re a seasoned survivalist or just getting started, this is the perfect season to explore the wild food options growing all around you. From greens and berries to edible flowers and medicinal plants, nature is providing—if you know where to look.

Why Foraging Matters

Foraging isn’t just a fun hobby; it’s a crucial survival skill. Knowing what’s edible in your area can mean the difference between life and death in a collapse scenario. Even in everyday life, adding foraged foods to your diet increases self-sufficiency, reduces grocery bills, and improves your health with nutrient-dense wild foods.

Getting Started With Foraging

If you’re new to foraging, the first step is learning plant identification. The last thing you want to do is accidentally eat something toxic. Here are some ways to start:

Get a Good Foraging Book

Nothing beats a physical book when it comes to learning about wild edibles. Some great ones include:

• The Forager’s Harvest by Samuel Thayer

• Edible Wild Plants: Wild Foods from Dirt to Plate by John Kallas

• The Forgotten Home Apothecary (a great addition for those interested in medicinal plants)

These books provide detailed photos, descriptions, and tips on how to safely identify, harvest, and prepare wild plants.

Use YouTube to Learn From Experts

Foraging is a hands-on skill, so watching experienced foragers walk through the process is invaluable. Check out channels like:

• Learn Your Land (Adam Haritan gives great plant breakdowns)

• Survival Russia (for a more bushcraft-focused approach)

• Green Deane’s Eat the Weeds (covers edible and medicinal plants in-depth)

Watching these videos will help you see what plants look like in different seasons and how to properly harvest them.

Use Plant Identification Apps

Technology has come a long way, and apps like Seek by iNaturalist, PictureThis, and PlantNet can help you quickly identify plants on your property. While these apps aren’t always 100% accurate, they’re a great starting point when cross-referenced with books and expert advice.

What to Forage in Spring

Spring is one of the best times for foraging because many plants are young, tender, and at their most nutritious. Some great options to look for include:

• Dandelion – Leaves, flowers, and roots are all edible and packed with nutrients.

• Wild Onions and Garlic – Easy to spot by their strong scent, great for seasoning food.

• Chickweed – A mild green that can be eaten raw or cooked.

• Nettles – High in vitamins and great for soups or teas (just wear gloves!).

• Morel Mushrooms – A prized spring mushroom, but make sure you know how to identify them properly.

Start in Your Own Backyard

One of the best places to start foraging is right where you live. Walk around your yard or neighborhood and start identifying plants. Even in an urban environment, you’d be surprised what’s growing around sidewalks, parks, and abandoned lots.

Final Thoughts

Foraging is a lost skill that’s worth reviving, and spring is the best time to get started. Grab a good book, watch some videos, download an app, and start identifying the wild edibles around you. Not only will you gain food and medicine for free, but you’ll also develop a skill that could one day save your life.

Get out there and start foraging! And as always, stay prepared and stay sharp.

Links

The Forager’s Harvest: A Guide to Identifying, Harvesting, and Preparing Edible Wild Plants