Private Property
Just because a plant is wild does not mean it is free for the picking. If it's on private property, the plant belongs to the landowner, whether it is an individual, a business, or a corporation. Written permission should be obtained from the owner before venturing onto the land.
Homeowners
Many homeowners would welcome the opportunity to have someone pick their dandelions in the spring when they start to bloom or remove the weeds from the garden. Even so, ask permission first and let them know what you're picking. They may be interested in trying them also.
If you are a homeowner, you may want to consider devoting an area of your yard or garden to the wild plants. You can either establish it as a landscaped area or let it go wild and see what comes up. Reducing the amount of grass you have to cut will give you more time to go out and forage.
Farms
Privately owned organic farms and gardens are ideal foraging grounds. Since the soil is free of herbicides, there is a greater diversity of plants. If you don't know any organic growers, contact your local agricultural agent or go online and search for an Organic Growers Association for your area. Many growers are also interested in which weeds you can eat and often include them in their salad mixes.
Bordering most farm fields are hedgerows. They also border woodlands and streams. Hedgerows are made up of shrubs and vines that produce an abundance of wild food. The presence of birds indicates where the fruits can be found.
Hunters often use wooded areas and have posted signs along the borders. Find out when the hunting season occurs in your area and avoid going into the woods when hunters might be there. Even if you're not hunting wildlife, it's a good idea to wear a blaze orange hat or vest to make yourself visible.
Some landowners have wooded lots that they are growing for timber or to eventually resell. Often, they have received very little management and are an abundant source of wild plant foods. Get to know the owner and offer to take him out and identify the plants growing there. If it has potential as a foraging area, work out an agreement with the owner.
