Category Archives: foraging
How hot is that pepper?
My wife can’t tolerate any heat in her peppers at all. Even mildly hot peppers have too much fire. I’m sure she’s not alone. There are hundreds of pepper cultivars on the market and we often can’t decipher too much … Continue reading
Wood sorrels are edible clover lookalikes
I wish I had a dollar for every time I had to explain to a student the difference between clovers and wood sorrels. Having leaves with three equal blades does not make a plant a clover. We usually refer to … Continue reading
Blueberries come in many types
In Maine, when one mentions blueberries tiny lowbush ones are the subject. These plants usually grow shorter than 12 inches. They occur naturally and are harvested by raking and winnowing the fruit. Farmers employ weed, insect and disease control measures. … Continue reading
Honey has many sweet uses
Nearly everyone has used honey as a sweetener. It is far sweeter per gram than table sugar. That means fewer calories per serving. About thirty-five years ago I remember watching my future father-in-law dehorning cattle. After tying off exposed bleeding … Continue reading
Pussy willows tell us spring is on the way
I know we’ve had some rough weather for this area. We’ve had substantial damage to some of our landscaping too. However, some shrubs have begun to awaken from their slumber. I’m speaking of pussy willows (Salix sp.). There are many … Continue reading
The fur industry is likely one that will never recover
When I was in high school back in the mid-70s trapping and selling furs was a profitable business. I dabbled in it when I was in high school and college, and I made a little spending money. I also set … Continue reading
Longleaf pine is a unique native tree
I admit I’m not like everyone else. Most people go to Florida to see Disney World or just sit on a sunny beach. Roberta and I drove down there for a wedding and stopped on the side of the road … Continue reading
Common rush is a useful native wetland plant
Last week I wrote about scouring rush which isn’t really a rush at all. Common rush (Juncus effusus) is a native plant that graces our ditches and pond edges. Ornamental versions have also found their way into our perennial gardens … Continue reading
Rediscovering the sweet pawpaws
Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) is a native fruit that is common but easily overlooked. Nearly every fall people ask me about these curious fruits but they’re often hesitant to try them. Ripe fruit are shaped like green link sausages. They have … Continue reading
Fall vegetable gardening can be a productive pastime
It seems most vegetable gardeners look forward to spring for their home grown produce. I won’t argue with that but fall is a great time too for many reasons. Assuming water is available in late summer, seed germination should be … Continue reading
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