I know the feeling, librarian. But, paraphrasing something said about me the other day by a girl I know: Cringing at something I said about eating insects, she still said to others around us if the biggest pile ever hit the fan she would rather be with me than anybody else due to what I know about survival. Made me feel better.

Thanks for the new link, Blast!

Tell me more about how to prepare acorns. I have several oaks and have tried to soak and boil the bitter little snots into something I can eat a couple of times with no luck.

Gentlemen (and ladies) My DW (Shari) has put pinenuts in our BOB now that's something I wouldn't have thought of they are readily available here in Ut but don't know about the rest of the country


BTW she vacuum seals them before putting them in the bag <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

One thing you need to be aware of is where you are harvesting the wild edibles. As most of the population (US anyway) lives in urban or at least suburban environments -- its important to be aware of what possibly toxic substances that tasty treat may have absorbed from its immediate environment. Circumstances like how close to traffic, what kind of run-off exposure, proximity of potential pesticides (say that 5 times fast!), and any soil contamination. Keep in mind that many urban parks and green spaces are there because they are covering over toxic areas that are too dangerous to build houses on. Its back to the same fundamental idea of survival: be aware of what's around you. That wild-salad is just not worth it if you have to follow it up with an activated-charcoal chaser.

Lily,

I agree completely, one must know the history of the area to know if the edible plants are no longer edible. That's one benefit to making your yard into an edible landscape. You can control what toxins are dumped there.

Also, welcome! <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I grew up half way between Minneapolis and St. Cloud (my grandpa's farm is now a big outlet center <img src="/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />). I much prefer Texas as you don't have to shovel sunshine!

-Blast

Hey. I planted Jerusalem Artichokes this season. They are actually a variety of sunflower that has an edible root/tuber. They are native to the USA. One thing about them is that you can start a patch of them and forget them. They grow to 7 or 8 feet tall and self propagate underground, rather than through seeds. You can start a plot of these in a field or on a hill and forget about them until needed.

For best value for landscaping, herbs are the ticket. Medicinal herbs are superior to pharm drugs in many cases. Other herbs can provide nutrition and herbs are generally water thrifty.

Be sure that the plants you intend to use are suitable for your area & climate. If you have the choice between mail order and local plants of the same type, you might want to stay with plants proven in your local area.

You also might want to look into Permaculture (permanent agriculture). Bill Mollison has several good books out, which is aimed at the DownUnder/Oz crowd, but many of the facets fit very well up here in the temperate zones. Some people think you need acres to do permaculture, but if you can't do it on your lot, you probably couldn't do it with acreage. Start at your back door and work your way out.

Some websites that might provide some useful info:

ATTRA (National Sustainable Agriculture Information in the U.S.): http://www.attra.org/attra-pub/perma.html

Holistic Agriculture Library: http://soilandhealth.org/01aglibrary/01aglibwelcome.html

Forest Farm Plant Nursery: http://www.forestfarm.com/

Ever wondered what to do with human waste in a longer-term 'situation'? Joseph Jenkins has the answers for safe disposal. His book the Humanure Handbook is online, drawings and photos included: http://www.joseph-jenkins.com/online_pubs.html He's got more answers than you'll have questions.

Worm farm waste systems: http://www.wormfarm.com.au/

Sue

I find these pretty tasty, (shagbark hickory)
they taste like "wild hickory nuts" 8^)

Tried some a year ago & was stunned at how good they are - the ones that I tried were close to walnut flavor, but even better if you ask me.

ditto - I tried several times & gave up as the flavor was making me nauseous. They will be a last ditch food source for me.