Ramping it up


Over years, I find my line between wild and foraged blurs. Wild ramps are rare in Maine but they grow here. Consider planting some in appropriate places on your own property or maybe even introducing them where you forage. This is a delicious allium that will.grow easily in a shady moist woodland. Out in Michigan I saw (envy- inducing) acres of it, growing in sheets  mingled with white trillium, Dutchman's breeches and marsh marigold, so plant in habitats like where you find these. There are several sources to buy to get started in Maine advertising in groups such as foragers marketplace. I actually started my patch from some bundles that were being sold for the table out of the back of a car. 

 

Keep in mind if you introduce plants from outside your area that you don't want to introduce something unwanted with the soil. Insects, fungal plant disease, weed  seeds, toxins from past treatment and jumping worms are all possible unwanted guests. Best practices include starting from seed (longer and more difficult but fun if.you are a gardener); carefully washing the roots, perhaps even sterilizing with a mild bleach solution (but first make sure that the plant doesn't need to travel with key partners that connect to the roots, such a fungal symbionts); or a year in a quarantine pot.
 
My ramp patch is doing nicely, TY, and I plan to nip just a leaf or two to season my rice. 


By the way, if you are foraging and think you found a nice patch, be sure of your ID. Someone just posted their newly discovered patch with great excitement to Maine Foragers page. It was the quite poisonous false hellebore, Veratrum, with distinctive VERTICALLY PLEATED leaves. I am NOT posting its picture because I don't want anyone to get confused. 

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