I am hoping to connect with a local farmer who has an abundance of nettle that is open to sharing. We are in north vancouver. helentrav@gmail.com Thank you, Helen
Why do you want to collect nettles from a farmer's field? It's abundant all over the lower mainland and free for the taking most places that aren't in a park. I see a lot more than I want to when I'm searching for mushrooms. A good place to collect it would be under BC Hydro power lines. It likes to grow in good soil where it gets some exposure to sunshine. Bottom land near streams is a good place to look.
Several people from the fraser valley had offered this before on this site. I don't think I would collect food below power lines as these are sprayed areas. As I have young children I do not necessarily have the time to find patches but would enjoy a trip to collect. Helen
I agree with vitog. Just walk around your neighbourhood looking in the unorganized corners, ravines, vacant lots, laneways etc. I bet there are nettles within a mile of you that are not under powerlines. I begin to think that I will start a nettle patch as a retirement project to supplement my income.
I will certainly do that. I am just beginning my career of learning what grows on the trails etc that are edible. None the less, I would love a contact of a farm as I take it the season is short. Helen
I am not so sure than I would collect nettle plants for eating from wild areas as you have no idea if the soil is contaminated, but seeds collected for next year would be ideal. I have used stinging nettles for arthritis swelling and pain control for years. by rubbing the fresh leaves on my hands and knees I can get more mobility, less pain and swelling and use less pharma meds. good luck with your search. if you have problems locating an organic farm that will barter or trade, there are several here on Salt Spring Island. good luck
So any luck with finding nettles in North Vancouver yet? I grew up here and as a child would often play in the sorts of areas where one would expect them to grow, and yet I have never seen them in Canada. A few walks in Europe, however, got me stung twice! They are supposed to grow at Stanley Park, did they somehow not make it across the water?
