There are tons of benefits to foraging, and you can do it in your own backyard! Foraging is sustainable, it makes you more self-sufficient, it has tons of health benefits, it gets you out into nature, and it may even reduce your grocery bill! Here are 9 ways to forage in your own yard.
What is foraging?
Foraging is the act of searching for and using wild plants and other resources. Foraging allows us to rely more on nature and on the wild plants and animals that are all around us.
As you learn more about foraging and what wild edible plants and resources you can use, you’ll be amazed at the foods that are usable right outside your back door!
Is foraging legal?
If you’re planning to forage somewhere other than on your own property, be sure to familiarize yourself with the foraging laws near you. On public land, in most places, it’s okay to forage in small amounts as long as you’re not damaging the plant and are not using it commercially.
However, in some national parks, foraging is not allowed. You’ll want to check the laws on the specific park to find out.
Many private landowners are more than happy to let others forage for wild foods on their land. Of course, ask the landowner if they mind before beginning!
How to forage in your own yard
The edible plants nearby will vary depending on where you live. As you get more familiar with foraging, you’ll become comfortable with identifying them quickly in your surroundings.
Even if you live in the city, there are plenty of resources available to you – whether you’re on a small lot or even just have a park nearby.
One of my favorite, helpful resources for backyard foraging is the Seek by iNaturalist app. You can download it on your phone and then scan plants and animals to quickly identify them. I love walking around the yard and finding all kinds of plants and animals to learn about – it’s addicting! Best of all, the app is free!
Why should you forage?
There are tons of benefits to foraging. First of all, foraging allows you to find nutrient-packed, healthy foods for free! Additionally, it’s a great way to get yourself outside and familiarize yourself with your surroundings.
Here are a few more reasons why you should consider foraging:
- It makes you more self-sufficient, since you get to rely on nature instead of the store to provide for some of your needs.
- It’s sustainable.
- It gives you an opportunity to learn.
- It encourages creativity in the kitchen.
- Foraging can reduce your food budget.
- You can forage anywhere.
- It provides tons of health benefits.
9 easy ways to forage in your own yard
Here are 8 ways to forage in your own yard — but this is just a start! When you know what to look for, there are so many resources right outside your back door.
Please note: the below information is not medical advice. We’re simply sharing some commonly-known uses of these natural resources. If you have any health concerns, talk to your doctor before using wild herbs.
1. Nettles
Stinging nettles are one of my favorite plants to forage. If you’ve ever walked through nettles in shorts, you know that they can be irritating (they really do sting!). I think it’s fun to use something that can sometimes be annoying to actually provide tons of nutrients.
Stinging nettle tea is excellent for allergies, may lower blood pressure, is an anti-inflammatory, and has tons of other benefits.
You can drink it alone or mix it with mint. Find out how to make it here.
2. Dandelions
Though many people see dandelions simply as annoying weeds, they’re actually nutrient-packed, filled with antioxidants, and have tons of uses. Sprinkle them on top of your salads or soups, make dandelion tea, dandelion jelly, or roast the roots to make dandelion coffee.
Dandelions contain vitamin C, helping to boost your immune system. They offer fiber, contain tons of protein, and so much more!
3. Morels
One of the reasons that people love foraging for morels is that they’re actually a rather expensive, gourmet food. Yet, they often grow abundantly in the wild! For this reason, stumbling upon morels often feels like finding a gold mine.
They’re most often eaten sauteed, and contain vitamin D, iron, B vitamins, and more.
Here are some tips for finding morels.
4. Walnuts
Next up, walnuts! People have collected these delicious nuts for centuries. They’re fairly easy to harvest and you can quickly collect a large bucket of them.
Walnuts are best collected at the end of the summer. They’re ready to pick when they start falling off the trees. Learn more about foraging for walnuts in this post.
5. Douglas fir tips
Douglas fir tips are loaded with vitamin C, making them an excellent, natural source of this important vitamin! Plus, they are easy to identify and often plentiful.
You’ll want to harvest the tips of the branches in the springtime when they have new growth. This post has more information about the benefits of Douglas Fir as well as a recipe for delicious Douglas Fir tip tea!
6. Other edible weeds
There are so many edible weeds right out your back door that provide dozens of health benefits. Popular weeds you may find right in your backyard include burdock, plantain, and clover.
If you’re not sure you want to eat what some people call “weeds”, feed them to your chickens and let your birds absorb the rich vitamins and nutrients!
7. Wild mint
Wild mint usually grows in moist areas, such as along rivers, near lakes, or in wet fields. It’s fairly easy to identify by its leaves and its minty aroma. Mint is perfect for making tea, and it’s great for soothing the stomach. Drying mint leaves is the most common way of preserving this tasty plant. We also like to freeze our leaves in a glass jar, making a mint tea concentrate. Simply wash the leaves, then, stuff as many clean leaves as you can into a jar. Fill 3/4 with water and freeze. When it defrosts, you’ll have a delicious mint concentrate. Fill your mug 1/3 with mint concentrate and 2/3 with hot water to enjoy.
(If you’re foraging for mint, be sure to study up on the types of mint. Perilla mint can be toxic when consumed incorrectly.)
8. Wild plants for dye
Wild plants aren’t just good for eating. There are plenty of other ways to use them, and dying is just one valuable use! When you collect plants for dye, you can even dry or freeze them for later use. Here are some wild plants that makes excellent dyes.
9. Meat
Hunting counts as foraging, too! This is the main way that we provide meat for our family. Getting a couple of deer can fill a freezer full of meat. However, smaller animals like squirrel and rabbits will make a delicious meal, too. Of course, make sure to check into the hunting rules and regulations in your area. If you don’t own your own land, look into state land nearby for hunting.
What are your favorite ways to forage in your yard (or nearby)?
We’d love to know what you love to gather and use the most!
Don’t forget to save the pin below to keep these foraging ideas on hand!
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