When: March-September (best in spring)Where: Almost everywhere – wasteland, park edges, canal sidesIdentifying features: We've all been stung by these! Serrated leaves in opposite pairs with tiny stinging hairs.Uses: Makes brilliant soup, tea, or can be used like spinach once cooked (cooking destroys the sting).Nutrition: Higher in iron than spinach, packed with vitamins A and C, and a good source of protein.
When: March-JuneWhere: Shady woodlands, particularly around waterIdentifying features: Broad, green leaves with strong garlic smell when crushed. White star-shaped flowers later in season.Uses: Pesto, soups, butter, oils – anywhere you'd use garlic or a leafy herb.Nutrition: Great source of prebiotic fibre and various antioxidants.Look-alike warning: Can resemble lily of the valley (toxic) or autumn crocus (deadly) before flowering. Always crush and smell – if it doesn't smell strongly of garlic, don't pick it.
When: All year (best in spring)Where: Lawns, parks, literally everywhereIdentifying features: Toothed leaves in a basal rosette, hollow stems with milky sap, distinctive yellow flower followed by fluffy seed head.Uses: Young leaves in salads, flowers for wine, roots can be roasted for coffee substitute.Nutrition: Excellent source of vitamins A, C and K, plus minerals and antioxidants.
When: June-OctoberWhere: Disturbed ground, garden edges, allotmentsIdentifying features: Diamond-shaped leaves with a mealy coating, growing in an alternate pattern up the stem.Uses: Use as spinach, raw in salads when young.Nutrition: Related to quinoa – high in protein and iron.
When: All year, best spring and autumnWhere: Damp, partially shaded areas in gardens and parksIdentifying features: Small, oval leaves in opposite pairs on stems with a single line of hairs running along them. Tiny white star-shaped flowers.Uses: Fresh in salads or as a mild spinach substitute.Nutrition: Contains saponins, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
When harvesting leaves and herbs, pick from clean areas away from busy roads and dog-walking routes. Take just the tops or outer leaves so plants can continue growing, and always wash thoroughly before use.
These plants aren't just free food – they're often nutritionally superior to their supermarket equivalents. Plus, there's something proper satisfying about making a meal from plants you've collected yourself from around our city.
