In the anticipation of the arrival of spring, even though snow is still on the ground here, it is a good time to start looking around a lot. Many herbs and grasses look like nothing much at germination and for the first few weeks. However this is a great time to get to know what everything looks like for future reference. When the time comes to depend on wildcraft for survival, early spring identification can make all the difference. Early edibles can spruce up a monotonous late winter, early spring diet and add valuable nutrition. Don't be afraid to mark sites all throughout the season for next spring identification. Pick, label and come back for more samples as your plants mature. Surprisingly, many weeds that are unwanted in the landscape will become your best friends. First on my spring list here are Stinging Nettle, Dandelion and the mustards. There are many books to use to learn to ID. Use several for many photos of the same plant. Books on weeds are very good additions as so many weeds, lambs quarters for instance, are very nutritious and very abundant. They come up univited in the garden and will be there through wet or dry, very dependable. See what you can find, it will be a great experience.
