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Ep 120. Wild and Useful Backyard Weeds You Can Actually Use this Spring
April 25, 2025 · 14 min

Spring has officially arrived, and with it… a whole lot of weeds. But what if I told you that some of those wild plants popping up in your yard right now are actually useful herbs?

In this episode of The Homestead Challenge, we’re talking about 8 common backyard “weeds” that show up in early spring—like violets, chickweed, stinging nettle, garlic mustard, and more—and how you can use them safely and simply in your homestead routines.

You’ll learn:

Which backyard weeds are edible or medicinal (and which are invasive)

How to tell them apart from lookalikes without getting overwhelmed

Which herbs are helpful for spring allergies, skin soothing, and more

Why it’s totally okay not to use every single wild plant you find

Whether you’re brand new to foraging or just curious about what’s sprouting near your garden beds, this episode will give you confidence and clarity as you learn what nature is offering right in your own yard.

✨ Mentioned in this episode:

Nettle Lemonade Recipe on the Blog

Violet Face Serum

👉 Ready to start noticing what’s growing around you? Tune in, take a walk with me, and let’s dig into some springtime inspiration.