Weeding? Don't Throw Them Out! : Edible Weeds.

Did you know that weeds are not always a bad thing? A weed is any plant that grows where you do not want it to. A rose bush in a corn field may be beautiful, but it's still a weed. With all the rain we've had lately, the weeds will be going crazy, but you shouldn't toss them out or poison them off just yet. Some of them are great and safe to eat. Here are a few edible weeds that you can find all over the place.

 Crow Garlic as the name suggests tastes like garlic. It's bulbs can be harvested pretty much all year, but the leaves are also edible (if a bit stringy).

from treknature.com

Shepherd's Purse is a very common weed around the Gulf Coast. Though it's rarely consumed here, it's widely cultivated in other parts of the world. It has a cabbage-like flavor and can be eaten raw or cooked. In addition, its seed is a natural mosquito killer. Place the seed in a cup of water. The mosquitoes are attracted to the seed, but get stuck to it because of the seed's gummy texture. The seed also releases a toxic substance that kills mosquito larvae. For humans, it's used as regular food, but also as a diarrhea cure.

from purdue.edu

Yellow Sorrel is an easily recognized weed, but don't underestimate it. The leaves can be used to soothe insect bites and stings. In addition, both the flower and leaves are edible. Use it in salads.

from conservation-issues.co.uk

Dandelions are one of the most recognizable weeds. The leaves have heaps of vitamins and minerals. Unfortunately, they're a bit bitter, so mix it in with some spring greens for a nice salad. You can also eat the flowers, or use them to make wine, if you have the know-how.

from organic-herbal-remedies.com

That's all for today! Keep reading for more helpful gardening and landscaping tips, tricks, and information.

Blue(berry) is the New Black(berry)

Okay, while blueberries are fantastic, we may not want to exchange blackberries for blueberries in our gardens (I certainly wouldn't), you should consider planting some as well. Blueberries are easier to grow, easier to pick, and is extremely delicious and nutritious. Blueberries are high in anti-oxidants, which can help prevent cancer.

Blueberries can be found in many varieties, but there are wild blueberries that are native to the U.S., if you're trying to keep things local. 

When planting blueberries, you should remember that while some varieties are partially self-pollinating, it's generally a good idea to plant two or more different varieties that produce in succession. That ensures a larger crop and a longer growing season. 

from logantrd.com

The Rabbiteye Blueberry is native to the southeast. 

You don't have to plant them in the ground. Blueberries can live, and produce, while in pots--so if you're short on space, or don't have a lawn, grab a couple of medium to large pots and get 'em planted.

You need to know, blueberries won't bloom if the soil isn't acidic enough. You don't want to load it with nitrogen. Instead, add some peat moss and loads of organic matter to the soil. This will help the plants give you the berries you crave.

from chloesblog.bigmill.com

Here are some of the things you can make with blueberries (once you've turned purple from eating so many off the bush!): syrups, jams, pies, cobblers, muffins, smoothies, and home-made breads!

For an in-depth look at blueberries, check out this article by Agricultural Research Service from the USDA.

A Little Self-indulgence - PTS's Garden

We've had a lot of requests for my personal garden. Well here are a few sneak peeks at what's going on in my backyard. (Warning: Don't drool on your keyboard!)

Brussels!

Mm, mm, good!

Yummy lettuces!

Look at that rosemary!

The Delicious Bouquet - Edible Flowers

Did you know you can have your garden and eat it too?

We're not talking about just fruits and berries. There's a how bouquet of flowers that you can eat from your garden. 

From whatscookingamerica.net

Here is a list of a few edible flowers that look beautiful both in your garden and in your salad!

• Marigold*
• Roses
• Pansies
• Zinnias
• Daylilies
• Honeysuckles
• Camellia
• Hibiscus
• Geraniums
• Gladiolas
• and more!

*Not All Varieties - only Calendula Officinalis 

Now that you know a few of the edible plants you can find in your yard, here are some rules before you go chomping down. 

• For many flowers, only the petals are edible. Be sure to check with a field guide before putting leaves, stems, or pollen in your mouth!
• Do not anything that has been treated with chemical pesticides. As a general rule, if it's poisonous enough to kill bugs, it's probably not the best for you either!
• Never eat flowers from the side of the road or from a garden or field you do not know the pesticide and fertilizer history of. 
• Avoid eating any blooms that have been treated with chemical fertilizers or preservatives.
• Don't over do it! As with any new food, add it into your diet gradually. We don't want any upset tummies! 

Crape or Crepe? What Kind of Myrtle Do You Want?

Blueberry Crepes from www.poorgirleatswell.com

I'm not sure I want this in my garden, but I do want it on my plate!

The Crape Myrtle is a common fast growing tree along the Gulf Coast. The scientific name is Lagerstroemia and this smooth tree sports flowers ranging from deep purple to bright red to white (and everything in between). The crape myrtle trees and shrubs originated in China and were brought to the U.S. in the 1700s.

Here's a fun fact:

In Japan, the crape myrtle is called "Saru Suberi" which translates literally as "Monkey Slip".

From www.tamu.edu

Don't forget, if you want to curb the growth of your crape myrtles, or if you want to prune them in to shape, now is the proper time!
So get out those hedge clippers and have at 'em! But don't get too excited and end up with a nubby plant!

From www.onlineplantguide.com

Tune in again every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for more gardening and landscaping tips and fun!