EDIBLE PLANTS RIGHT UNDER YOUR FEET

If you spend a little time outdoors in spring and summer, you may be surprised at how many edible plants are growing right around you. In areas like New Jersey, many common “weeds” are actually nutritious wild foods that have been used for generations. Here are three easy-to-recognize edible wild plants often found in yards, trails, and fields.

                   

Dandelion:

Dandelion is one of the most useful edible wild plants. Every part of the plant can be eaten. Young leaves can be added to salads, flowers can be used to make tea or wine, and roots are often roasted for a coffee-like drink.

Dandelions are rich in vitamins A and C, and they grow almost everywhere. The younger leaves are less bitter and taste best in early spring.

Important: Only harvest from areas that have not been treated with pesticides or chemicals

Wood Sorrel:

Wood Sorrel is often mistaken for clover because of its three heart-shaped leaves. It has a pleasant lemony flavor that makes a refreshing trail snack or salad addition.

The leaves, flowers, and seed pods are edible. Children especially enjoy the tangy taste. Wood sorrel commonly grows in gardens, sidewalks, and wooded edges.

Because it contains oxalic acid, it is best enjoyed in moderation.

 

                        

Purslane:

Purslane is a low-growing succulent plant with thick stems and smooth leaves. It thrives in sunny gardens, cracks in sidewalks, and disturbed soil.

Purslane has a slightly salty, citrus-like flavor and is excellent raw in salads or lightly cooked. It is especially valued because it contains healthy omega-3 fatty acids, something rare in leafy plants.

Make sure not to confuse it with poisonous spurge, which has thinner stems and milky sap when broken.

Final Thoughts:

Wild edible plants can be a fun way to connect with nature and learn more about the environment around you. Always identify plants carefully before eating them, and never harvest from roadsides, sprayed lawns, or polluted areas. A good field guide and careful observation are your best tools when exploring the world of edible wild plants.

                                              As always thanks for looking....

Bird Rehab

Well, I came across a Swallow in distress. Ok. Now what? 
I decided to take the bird in and see if I could give it a second chance.
I always have containers from and for everything, lol. I have a small clear critter carrier. Perfect to minimize to much movement while the wing, wings healed

                      

I fed it crickets, since swallows are insectivores. It took to them immediately. Whew, off to a good start. 

After about four days, I checked her ability to fly, over grass, of course, but she wasn't ready. 

I decided to up grade her accommodations to facilitate wing movement...... 

 

                    

    

This became her new home for another 3 days. 

She was able to get live food efficiently and jump on and off the perch. 

She was doing very good. 

Today   I brought her to the park and she flew off like a champ. It is as so rewarding, so cool to see. My wife and I did a good job. 

We're so happy it worked out....

                                                          Thanks for looking............

       

Tomatoe Time

 

                         

There’s nothing quite like picking a sun-warmed tomato straight from the garden. Sweet, juicy, and full of flavor, homegrown tomatoes can outperform anything from the grocery store — but success comes down to a few key basics. Here are the three most important things to know if you want the best tomatoes possible from your garden.

1. Give Tomatoes Plenty of Sun

Tomatoes thrive in sunlight. For the healthiest plants and the biggest harvest, they need at least 6–8 hours of direct sun every day. More sunlight means stronger plants, better fruit production, and sweeter flavor. If your tomatoes are planted in too much shade, they may grow tall and leafy but produce very little fruit.

Choose the sunniest spot in your yard, and if you’re growing in containers, don’t be afraid to move them around to follow the light.

                      

2. Water Consistently

One of the biggest mistakes gardeners make is watering too much one day and not enough the next. Tomatoes prefer deep, consistent watering. Uneven moisture can cause problems like cracked fruit or blossom end rot.

Water at the base of the plant instead of spraying the leaves to help prevent disease. A layer of mulch around the plants can also help keep soil moisture steady and reduce weeds.

                               

  

With sunshine, steady watering, and rich soil, your tomato plants will reward you with baskets of delicious fruit all summer long. Whether you grow cherry tomatoes, beefsteaks, or heirloom varieties, these simple tips can make a huge difference in your harvest.

         

                                                   Thanks for looking .............

This post contains a link that I may benefit from. So will you 

Mountain Phlox: A Low-Growing Gem for the Spring Garden

If you’re looking for a hardy, colorful plant that practically carpets your garden in spring, mountain phlox might be exactly what you need. Known for its vibrant blooms and easygoing nature, this perennial is a favorite among gardeners who want big visual impact with minimal fuss.

Mountain phlox (often called creeping phlox) is a low-growing plant that spreads gently across the ground, forming a dense mat of foliage. In early to mid-spring, it bursts into bloom with clusters of small, star-shaped flowers in shades of pink, purple, blue, and white. When planted in groups, it creates a stunning “living blanket” of color that can brighten slopes, borders, and rock gardens.

One of the biggest advantages of mountain phlox is its adaptability. It thrives in well-drained soil and prefers full sun, though it can tolerate partial shade. Once established, it’s relatively drought-tolerant, making it a great option for gardeners who don’t want to constantly water. It’s also excellent for erosion control on hillsides, thanks to its spreading growth habit.

Maintenance is simple. After blooming, a light trim can help keep the plant tidy and encourage denser growth. Over time, dividing older plants can keep them healthy and vigorous. Best of all, mountain phlox is deer-resistant and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, adding life and movement to your garden.

Whether you’re lining a walkway, filling in a rock garden, or adding color to a tricky slope, mountain phlox delivers beauty and reliability year after year. It’s proof that sometimes the smallest plants make the biggest impression.

                                                            Thanks for looking.......