Foraged greens,or how to deal with Ground Elder......

Arriving at my allotment recently, I noticed with alarm, the fresh leaves of Ground Elder appearing.

Having battled with it for several seasons, I thought I had eradicated this pernicious weed, then I remembered having read about it in Richard Mabey's 'Food for Free'. If you can't beat it.....

Paul and I picked a huge bunch of leaves, removed the thick stems and steamed it.

As with spinach, it wilts down to a much reduced amount, but was pleasantly flavoursome, and no doubt full of vitamins,iron etc

It will certainly be a useful addition to my vegetable supply, and plentiful!

I understand it was brought over by the Romans to add to their salads - next time we'll try it raw.

As with all foraged food,avoid roadside plants, and dogwalking territory......

10 crops to sow this month – Feb / March

• Salad leaves
• Broad beans
• Peas (First early)
• Greenhouse Tomatoes
• Bell Peppers.
• Chilli Peppers.
• Swiss Chard.
• Courgettes
• Radishes
• Aubergines.

Note:

• Last Chance to plant bare rooted trees and shrubs.