:QUOTE [quotetype:personal]
The best herbs you will ever taste came from a hillside, not a greenhouse. Learning to find them yourself changes how you walk through any landscape.


:INFO
When and Where to Forage
Harvest herbs in the morning after any dew has dried but before midday heat draws out volatile oils. Spring and early summer produce the most aromatic leaves. Look for plants growing away from roadsides, agricultural runoff, and areas that might be sprayed. Always positively identify a plant before harvesting. Take no more than one third of any stand so the plant recovers and the population remains viable for future seasons.


:CHECKLIST
Safe Foraging Habits
[ ] Use at least two identification features before harvesting (leaf shape, smell, stem)
[ ] Cross-reference with a regional plant guide, not just online images
[ ] Harvest only where you have permission or where foraging is legal
[ ] Avoid plants within 30 meters of a paved road or treated lawn
[ ] Bring paper bags, not plastic, to prevent condensation and spoilage
[ ] Never harvest more than one third of any patch

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Best Herbs to Start With
Yarrow, plantain, elderflower, wild thyme, lemon balm, and stinging nettle are
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:INFO
Best Herbs to Start With
Yarrow, plantain, elderflower, wild thyme, lemon balm, and stinging nettle are among the easiest to identify and most rewarding to dry. Yarrow has distinctive feathery leaves and flat-topped white flower clusters. Wild thyme grows low and smells


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Drying Methods
Hang small bundles upside down in a dry, dark, well-ventilated space at room
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:INFO
Drying Methods
Hang small bundles upside down in a dry, dark, well-ventilated space at room temperature. Dark is important since light degrades color and volatile oils quickly. Most herbs dry fully in 7 to 14 days depending on humidity. For faster results, use a food


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Storage and Shelf Life
Store dried herbs in airtight glass jars away from light and heat.
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:INFO
Storage and Shelf Life
Store dried herbs in airtight glass jars away from light and heat. Label each jar with the plant name and harvest date. Properly dried and stored herbs retain their potency for 1 to 2 years. Check for any remaining moisture by closing a small handful in


:NOTE
Nettle Is Worth the Sting
Dried stinging nettle is one of the most nutritious wild plants you can harvest. It is rich in iron, calcium, and chlorophyll. Use silicone gloves or tongs when handling fresh nettle. Once dried, it has no sting at all and makes an excellent tea or cooking green. Harvest young tops in spring for the best flavor and nutritional density.


:LINK
https://www.pfaf.org/user/Default.aspx
Plants For A Future: free plant identification and uses database