Growing Together: Open Forum

One of my favorite things in my Ohio zone is the early wild herbs.  Look for chickweed, purple dead nettle, wild violets, plantain, and, of course, dandelions.  We always allow the dandelions to grow in the garden beds to make them easier to harvest roots.  We have a contest to see who can dig up the longest root.  We chop, dry and roast the roots to make a delicious drink.  The flowers can be added to muffins and one time we made flower fritters with honey. The leaves of all of the above herbs can be made into a pesto.  Remember some flowering plants like redbud, forsythia, lilac can be made into syrups.  So much fun.  Definitely plant a Chamomile bed.  When the kids harvest they become very chill and relaxed!  We are going to try herbal footbaths out in the garden.  Kids will pick their herbs and we will add hot water to small tubs.  When the temp is right, in go the feet!  Try making herbal vinegars with any of the wild herbs.  Show them how to make a "spit poultice" with plantain leaves for bee stings and bug bites.  Lots of first aid learning possibilities.