This autumn, I’m trading my usual garden harvests for baskets, jars, and a keen eye on what nature has to offer. Inspired by the book Feed Us with Trees by Elspeth Hay, I’ve been thinking differently about the way humans have long partnered with the land — and it’s made me excited to try some new foraging projects this year.

In this episode of The Homestead Challenge Podcast, I’m sharing exactly what I’ll be foraging from August through November, along with tips for identification, uses, and timing. Whether you’re brand new to foraging or you’ve been at it for years, this list is full of easy-to-spot plants, herbs, and wild foods you can gather — even if your garden is done for the year.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

The late-summer goldenrod bloom (and how to use it for allergies or décor)

Elderberries, blackberries, and rosehips for immune-boosting winter remedies

Mushrooms like chicken of the woods and chanterelles for the fall kitchen

Acorns, black walnuts, hazelnuts, and chestnuts — from forest snack to flour

Dandelion root and burdock root for liver and detox support

Usnea, the “Old Man’s Beard” lichen, for natural antimicrobial medicine

You don’t have to go deep into the woods to try this — many of these are hiding in plain sight. Grab a basket, step outside, and let’s make the most of what autumn has to offer.

Resources & Links:

Book: Feed Us with Trees by Elspeth Hay

Join the conversation in the Homestead Challenge Community on Facebook

More foraging and seasonal living tips at TheHomesteadChallenge.com