The Outdoor Apothecary is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more Purple Dead Nettle Look-alikes: Henbit, and Ground Ivy When I first dipped my toes into the world of foraging, I often mixed up purple dead nettle with its look-alikes, henbit and ground ivy. These plants, all part of the mint family, share a striking resemblance and tend to grow together in the less-tended parts of gardens and yards. But with some guidance from reliable field guides, I gradually learned to distinguish them. On my property, I let purple de ..read more

The Outdoor Apothecary is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more I absolutely love fermenting foods! It’s such a simple process and comes with a ton of health benefits. Alongside my adventures with fermented garlic honey and cranberries fermented in honey, this fermented ginger honey recipe has become a top favorite. It’s incredibly easy to whip up and oh-so-delicious. The best part? The longer it sits and ferments, the sweeter the ginger becomes, making it hard to resist just spooning it straight from the jar! Ferment ..read more

The Outdoor Apothecary is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more Today I’m going to share motherwort uses and three ways to prepare this amazing herb. In my garden and around my homestead, there’s this tall, somewhat wild-looking plant that just loves to make an appearance in early spring. It’s got these spiky stems and is adorned with tiny, purple flowers that look like little puffs. This plant, is called motherwort, and it’s become one of my favorite herbs to grow and work with. At first glance, motherwort might not ..read more

The Outdoor Apothecary is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more Today, I want to share with you the delightful simplicity of making chickweed pesto, a recipe that celebrates this often overlooked plant. If you take a walk through my garden on an early spring day, you’ll likely find a hidden gem that many might overlook – chickweed. This unassuming plant, often dismissed as an annoying weed, has become one of my favorite ingredients to forage and cook with.  The variety of tastes and enhanced nutritional profiles ..read more

The Outdoor Apothecary is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more Ramps vs Lily of the Valley As someone who loves to forage, this time of year is particularly exciting for me. One of the first wild edibles to emerge is ramps, with their wide, vibrant green leaves and their unmistakable garlicky scent. These wild gems, part of the onion family, pack a delightful punch of onion and garlic flavors, making them a sought-after treat for those of us who love to add a wild twist to our cooking. However, as much as I cherish th ..read more

The Outdoor Apothecary is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more As winter finally fades and gives way to spring, my heart fills with joy at the thought of the spring foraging adventures that await me here in Eastern Connecticut. The meadows, woods, and gardens are waking up, showing off new surprises from nature every single day. For me, spring is a season of abundance, a time when the earth generously offers many wild plants ripe for the picking. There’s something magical about wandering through the awakening la ..read more

The Outdoor Apothecary is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more Making tea from purple dead nettle is a delightful way to enjoy the benefits of this often overlooked plant. It’s a simple process that connects us to the tradition of using local, wildcrafted herbs for health and pleasure.  This article will walk you through making purple dead nettle tea from harvesting, methods of preparation, benefits, and precautions. You’ll find everything you need to brew the perfect cup. If you’re interested in the broader use ..read more

Harvesting Mullein: Unlocking the Secrets of Nature’s Velvet Plant Today I’m going to share some best practices for harvesting mullein, one of my favorite herbs. There’s no shortage of mullein on our homestead, which is a good thing since we harvest some every year to keep in our home apothecary where it has become an essential herb for respiratory health.  At The Outdoor Apothecary, we honor Earth’s wisdom and the abundant gifts she offers. Mullein, rich in history and tradition, is one of these precious gifts, and I’m eager to guide you through harvesting this amazing herb. Whethe ..read more

Every spring, one of my favorite traditions is making DIY seed bombs, a perfect blend of my love for nature and my desire to make a positive environmental impact. These little balls of clay, compost, and carefully selected seeds are not just about gardening; they’re a statement, a way to breathe life and color back into neglected or damaged spaces. They’re about fighting off invasive plants and providing much-needed support to our bees and butterflies. But crafting DIY seed bombs is more than a fun springtime project; it’s a form of eco-activism. Each DIY seed bomb I create and plant feels l ..read more

The Outdoor Apothecary is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more Today I’m going to show you how easy it is to craft your own lilac salve using lilac infused oil. Lilac infused oil, with its delicate fragrance and skin-loving properties, is a treasure trove of natural goodness waiting to be unlocked. From its soothing and moisturizing benefits to its therapeutic aroma, this aromatic creation can be transformed into a luxurious lilac salve that nurtures and rejuvenates the skin. In this article, I’ll guide you through t ..read more