Wild Tater

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The Wild Tater Podcast is a show that explores the whole wild world of food plants, our relationship to the earth, nature, and the environment, and seeks to educate starving nations on the potential they have to become aware of food they may not know they've had all along.

Wild Tater


    • Dec 20, 2021 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 21m AVG DURATION
    • 87 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Wild Tater

    Thimbleberry, Rubus parviflorus

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2021 19:39


    After the arctic raspberry, this might be the next cold-hardiest of the blackberry/raspberry group. And, I mean… the fruit looks like a thimble. How cool is that? HERB LAYER Cold hardiness zones: 3 – 7 (can withstand cold to -40° F, -40° C) Soil PH: 6.0-7.0 Watering needs: Medium-low. Don’t overwater. But do keep them evenly moist long enough to […]

    Swiss Stone Pine, Pinus Cembra

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2021 56:35


    Being (quite possibly) the cold hardiest of trees, and a nut pine, and one of the few truly cold hardy nut pines that maintains a Christmas tree shape throughout much of its life, you might say that this is the most likely candidate species for the food forest owned by Santa Claus. UNDERSTORY LAYER* Cold hardiness zones: 1 – 9 […]

    Saskatoon Serviceberry, Amelanchier alnifolia

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2021 19:15


    Queen of the food forest, this tasty “blueberries-in-a-tree!” favorite is easy to grow, is not too picky about its soil (unlike some plants I know… coughBLUEBERRYahem…), and will give you enough fruit to make pies, muffins, syrups, tarts, and a thousand other delights. SHRUB LAYER Cold hardiness zones: 2 – 7 (can withstand cold to -50° F) Soil PH: 6.0-8.0 […]

    American Plum, Prunus Americana

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2021 17:24


    Also known as wild plum, this prolific dainty can produce from 100 – 150 pounds of fruit per year! And it just might be the most cold hardy, PH tolerant of all the food-worthy plum tree species. And yes, they’re even eligible for making prunes… or Christmas plum pudding… or any other plum recipe, for that matter. UNDERSTORY LAYER Cold […]

    Manchurian Apricot, Prunus Mandshurica

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2021 17:31


    Probably the cold-hardiest of all tasty edible apricots. UNDERSTORY LAYER Cold hardiness zones: 3 – 7 (can withstand cold to -40° F, -40 C) Soil PH: 6.0 to 7.5 Watering needs: Medium. Drought tolerant once established. Blooming Season: Early spring.i Just be aware that Manchurian apricots only blossom every two or three years. This is healthy and natural, and doesn’t […]

    Korean Pine, Pinus koraiensis

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2021 24:20


    I’m totally nuts for this tree. One of the few particularly cold hardy nut pines (AKA stone pines), and it grows to 100 feet and lives 1000 years! Plus it has some serious staple potential… CANOPY LAYER Cold hardiness zones: 3 – 7 (can withstand cold to -40° F), and sometimes listed as going down to zone 2. Soil PH: […]

    Golden Currant, Ribes Aureum

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2021 17:46


    Though actually named after their lovely little golden-yellow flowers, golden currants do grow a tasty fruit that can be yellow, purple, or even red. The point is to enjoy them no matter their color! SHRUB LAYER Cold hardiness zones: 4 – 8i (can withstand cold down to -30° F, or -34° C) Soil PH: 6.0 – 8.0. Tolerates a variety […]

    Apple, Malus Domestica

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2021 52:19


    Yes, it is indeed the quintessential, typical domestic apple—with hundreds if not thousands of varieties. But there is nothing typical about its story, nor its history. Plus, because it’s been utilized by people for so long, and been bred so many different ways, there are SO MANY options. You can get the apple varieties that are just right for your […]

    Nannyberry, Viburnum lentago

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2021 16:44


    So bring us some figgy pudding, so bring us some… wait! Make that nannyberry pudding! UNDERSTORY LAYER Cold hardiness zones: 2 – 8 (can withstand cold to -50° F, or -45 C) Soil PH: 5.0 to 8.0 (alkaline tolerant, but can be sensitive to salt) Watering needs: Average, prefers moist ground. Can withstand sopping wet ground,i but can also tolerate […]

    Cornelian Cherry, Cornus Mas

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2021 14:36


    True, it’s not actually a cherry, but this tasty little fruit has its own delicious appeal. UNDERSTORY LAYER Cold hardiness zones: 4 – 8 (Can withstand cold down to -30° F, or -34° C)i Soil PH: 5.0 – 8.0ii Watering needs: Average, does okay in damp soil, but doesn’t like sopping wet soil. Fairly drought tolerant (for short periods) once […]

    Riverbank Grape, Vitis Riparia

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2021 17:34


    Though not everyone’s first choice for a fresh-picked grape, this wild (and ridiculously hardy) grape has several tasty uses beyond its tasty grape jelly. AKA Fox grape, northern fox grape, plum grape, northern muscadine, swamp grape, frost grape, and wild vine. VINE LAYER Cold hardiness zones: Cold hardiness zone 3-9 (can withstand cold to -40° F, or -40° C) Soil […]

    Garlic, Allium Sativum

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2021 20:53


    It likes sun, it’s perennial, and it looks like grass. We should just rip out our lawns and grow garlic instead. The neighbors might not even notice! But hold your breath—unless of course you’ve got garlic breath… ROOT LAYER Cold hardiness zones: 4 – 9 (can withstand temperatures to -30° F, or -34° C)i Soil PH: 4.5 to 8.3 Watering […]

    Spanish Sage, Salvia Lavandulifolia

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2021 16:23


    Hardier, lower maintenance, longer lived, and colder tolerant than common garden sage, yet it can be used in the same recipes in the same way. HERB LAYER Cold hardiness zones: 4 – 8 (can withstand cold to -30° F, -37° C) Soil PH: 6.0 to 6.5 preferred,i but will also grow in higher alkaline soils. (≈ 6.0 – 8.5)ii Watering […]

    Scarlet Runner Bean, Phaseolus coccineus

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2021 17:00


    The best perennial green bean I can find. And they can also make perennial hard dry beans, too. And did I mention they are perennial? I will give a heads up, however—without the ground protection, many gardeners never see this bean again. VINE LAYER Cold hardiness zones: 4 – 11 (though you’ll want to provide heavy mulch for zones 4 […]

    Highbush Cranberry, Viburnum Trilobum

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2021 15:11


    No it’s not a true cranberry… but it can be used for anything a cranberry can be used for, with good results! And they’re hardy, and MUCH easier to grow for most people than true cranberries. SHRUB LAYER Cold hardiness zones: 2 – 7 (can withstand cold down to -50 F, -45 C) Soil PH: 4.5 to 7.0i though some […]

    Black Walnut, Juglans Nigra

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2021 19:56


    You’d be nuts not to get one. This tree walnut disappoint you. CANOPY LAYER Cold hardiness zones: 4 – 9 (can withstand cold to -30° F) Soil PH: 6.8-7.2, but it will survive in a wider range of soils Watering needs: Average, though they prefer more in summer Blooming Season: Mid-spring Harvest season: September-October Fruiting age: As early as 4 […]

    Arctic Raspberry, Rubus Arcticus

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2021 16:55


    Well, ain’t that just the cutest lil’ raspberry you ever did see? But don’t think this little feller’s feeble or frost tender—these things can grow in places far too cold for most raspberries—and thrive there! GROUNDCOVER LAYER Cold hardiness zones: 2 – 8 (can withstand cold to -50° F, or -45° C) Soil PH: 5.0-7.01 Watering needs: Medium. It prefers […]

    Salad Burnet (Small Burnet), Sanguisorba minor

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2021 21:41


    Looks like parsley, tastes like a cucumber, and a great plant for those wide open clearings between forest groves—or that open sunny spot in the middle of your backyard. i GROUNDCOVER LAYER Cold hardiness zones: 4 – 8 (can withstand cold down to -30° F, or -34° C) Soil PH: 6.8ii (but can take up to 8.0)iii Watering needs: Average […]

    Northern Spicebush, Lindera benzoin

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2021 16:23


    Step aside, allspice! Spicebush is coming to town. Cakes, candies, cookies… and it’s not just the berries that give the flavor. This cold hardy, moderate climate seasoning is going to rock your food forest and spice your world.

    Nanking Cherry, Prunus tomentosa

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2021 16:06


    The darling princess of the food forest! And the MUST HAVE for cold climate cherry lovers. This half sweet, half tart little cherry is also known by the names Manchu Cherry, Downy Cherry, Mountain Cherry, Mongolian Cherry, Chinese Bush Cherry, and Hedge Cherry.

    Horseradish, Armoracia rusticana

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2021 16:36


    One of the few leafy greens (not to mention the massive root, obviously) in the cabbage family that is truly perennial. Spicy, healthy, and one of the easiest herbs to grow!

    Smooth Sumac, Rhus Glabra

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2021 16:48


    It looks like something from the rainforest, but provides a popular tart Mediterranean spice. And let’s not forget to mention that when they’re green, they’re totally gorgeous!

    Washington Hawthorn, Crataegus phaenopyrum

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2021 14:10


    They’re cute, they’re tasty, and they can grow almost anywhere! Why wouldn’t you want this food forest pioneer? Just don’t get poked…

    Hinnomaki Red Gooseberry, Ribes uva-crispa

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2021 22:49


    The grape of the high desert mountains! If you struggle to grow other berries, you’ve got to at least try this one… they’re hardy, tasty, and lushly abundant producers.

    Blue Giant Anise Hyssop, Agastache foeniculum

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2021 9:54


    So beautiful! So versatile! So tasty… and yes, it has that wonderful anise “licorice” flavor that we all love—or should, if we don’t.

    American Hazelnut, Corylus americana

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2021 18:26


    Good for more than Nutella (which, by the way, you can make at home with roasted hazelnuts!), hazelnuts are one of the best nuts for the food forest.

    Yamberry (AKA Chinese Yam), Dioscorea polystachya

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2021 20:00


    Like yams, but too cold to grow them? Love yams but hate to have to kill your plant to harvest them? You’ve come to the right place, my friend! Possibly the best crop to qualify as a wild potato—or wild tater!

    Hosui Asian Pear, Pyrus pyrifolia

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2021 15:08


    For those unfamiliar with Asian pears, picture a fruit with the shape of an apple, the color and texture of a pear, but the flavor of an extra-juicy spiced pear. Plus they sell for top dollar at the grocery store and farmer’s market.

    Walking Onion, Allium cepa proliferum

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2021 20:48


    A true perennial among onions, and let’s face it, they just look cool!

    Blue Elderberry, Sambucus caerulea

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2021 16:09


    Also known as Mexican elderberry or tapiro, this is possibly the tastiest of the elderberries.

    White Dutch Clover, Trifolium repens

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2021 18:47


    The occasional 4-leaf clover isn’t the part of this foundational food-forest gift that will bring you the greatest luck. Not only can this thing feed you, but it will feed your other plants, as well.

    Lamarckii Serviceberry, Amelanchier lamarckii

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2021 15:48


    AKA juneberry, AKA shadbush, AKA saskatoon, AKA Snowy Mespilus, AKA apple serviceberry, AKA quite-possibly-the-best-little-berry-you’ll-ever-find-growing-on-a-tree.

    Bigtooth Maple, Acer grandidentatum

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 19, 2021 23:36


    The sugar maple of the rockies! Half the size, half the syrup, but much less than half the maintenance. And here’s two ways to tap them, too.

    Buffaloberry, Shepherdia argentea

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2021 10:23


    Also known as the silver buffalo berry, which, while it may make it sound like something for a boy scout, can be enjoyed by the whole family.

    Hosta Longipes

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2021 10:39


    Step aside, asparagus! Hostas have come to town! Or better yet, come alongside. There’s room for us all!

    Asparagus, Asparagus officinalis

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2021 17:19


    Get it started, and it will do the rest. A perfect candidate for food forest veggies.

    Broadleaf Cattail, Typha latifolia

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2021 14:16


    No, it’s not really a corndog sticking out of the water, but it’s probably even more edible and nutritious. Cattail is a fabulous wild edible worth adding to the wettest part of your food forest.

    Gambel Oak, Quercus gambelii

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 12, 2021 13:42


    Ah, nuts! These things are great if you can beat the deer to them.

    Aronia Berry, Aronia melanocarpa

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2021 10:58


    Pucker up! The aronia chokeberry is tastier than it sounds!

    Honeyberry, Lonicera caerulea

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2021 13:43


    Imagine a blueberry rolled to the shape of an elongated egg, but that tastes like a kiwi, and LOVES cold climates. Did I mention one mature bush can produce several pounds of fruit every year? Oh yeah, that’s what I’m talking about.

    Siberian Dwarf Pine (AKA Japanese Stone Pine), Pinus pumila

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2021 11:09


    A power-punch shorty, a champion in the cold, and a rockstar in the food forest.

    Nootka Rose, Rosa nutkana

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2021 17:22


    Great fruit, beautiful shrub.

    Black Cherry, Prunus serotina

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2021 20:04


    Photo by Rasbak of Wikimedia commons, CC3

    Rose of Sharon, Hibiscus syriacus

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2019 27:44


    The beautiful edible rose tree. Gorgeous, tasty, hardy, big… what more could you want?

    Box Elder, Acer Negundo

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2019 35:13


    The Box Elder tree is a sadly misunderstood and incredible tree. Useful on so many levels, this beautiful, fast-growing tree is well worth considering if you’re trying to grow a food forest.

    French Sorrel, Rumex Scutatus

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2019 15:10


    Picture lime-tinted chard or lettuce. It’s Romain meets rhubarb. In other words, you’ve got to try French Sorrel…

    Lambsquarters, Chenopodium Album

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2019 40:43


    Probably the wild edible I eat most, Lambsquarters is a delicious green that makes a great spinach substitute. Close relatives include red goosefoot, orach, quinoa, and dozens of other similar-tasting, similarly edible plants.

    Goji Berry, Lycium barbarum

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2019 41:37


    AKA Lycium chinense I love goji berries. They’re not the candy-sweet berries you get with raspberries or strawberries. Rather, they’re more like the flavor of a tomato or bell-pepper, but they are perennial and incredibly hardy. I would love to see these little red ‘maters showing up in the produce department, sold by the pound. […]

    Oregon Grape, Mahonia aquifolium

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2019 27:04


    The Oregon grape (alongside the creeping Oregon grape) is a delightful addition to the garden, but it’s a must-have in the food forest. Edible berries grow in the shade of cover story trees.

    New Plant Focus

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2019 13:11


    We’re going to start focusing more on plants—their uses as food, medicine, etc. This episode introduces that focus and helps give listeners an idea what to expect for awhile.

    Permaculture Design 01

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2017 9:32


    Rather than fighting nature, we ought to be working with nature, using the tools that nature uses, and assisting nature do what it does best—create natural ecosystems. If we learn to act out of thoughtful, conscious forethought, rather than manmade traditions of patterns which are designed only for aesthetics and rigid order, we’ll find that […]

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