Gardeners spend a fair amount of time battling weeds. Dandelions, nettles, and creeping buttercups can quickly take over a flowerbed, leaving homeowners feeling defeated. But before you reach for the weedkiller, take a closer look! Some of these common garden “weeds” can actually be beneficial for your plot.
Gardening expert Fiona Jenkins at MyJobQuote.co.uk has created this guide on some of the garden weeds that are worth saving. Let’s explore some surprising advantages these unwanted guests can bring to your garden haven.
A Feast For Pollinators
Many weeds are fantastic attractors of pollinators, the vital bees, butterflies, and hoverflies that flit from flower to flower. These beneficial insects are crucial for healthy fruit and vegetable yields, as they help pollinate your plants. Dandelions, with their bright yellow blooms, are a magnet for pollinators, appearing early in the season when other flowers are scarce. Similarly, clover boasts little bright flowers that are a haven for bees while also adding nitrogen to the soil – a bonus for nearby plants!
Living Mulch Ground Cover
Certain weeds can act as a living mulch, suppressing the growth of unwanted weeds and helping to retain moisture in the soil. Creeping cinquefoil, for example, forms a dense green mat that chokes out weeds and keeps the soil cool in summer. Deadnettle, while not everyone’s favourite flower, also forms a dense ground cover and can help suppress weeds, particularly in shady areas. This can be especially beneficial in newly planted flowerbeds or around established trees where water retention is key. Living mulch can also help reduce soil erosion, especially on slopes or windy parts of your garden.
Potential Foodie Treats
Did you know some weeds are actually edible? Nettles, once blanched, can be used to make a nutritious soup or tea packed with vitamins and minerals. Dandelion leaves can be added to salads, and their bright yellow flowers can be used to make wine. Young chickweed can be enjoyed raw in salads, while its delicate white flowers add a touch of elegance to a summer dish. Plantain leaves can be used to help soothe some insect bites, and even the common dandelion root can be roasted and enjoyed as a healthy coffee substitute. Of course, always ensure you correctly identify any wild plants before consuming them. Consult a reliable foraging guide or seek advice from an expert to avoid accidentally picking something poisonous.
Natural Pest Deterrents
Certain weeds can even help deter unwanted pests. Strong-smelling herbs like chamomile and tansy are thought to repel aphids, while nasturtiums can attract aphids away from your prized vegetables. These sacrificial plants can act as a natural form of pest control, keeping your vegetables safe and reducing the need for chemical pesticides. Additionally, some weeds can harbour beneficial insects that prey on other garden pests. For example, ladybirds love to munch on aphids, and they’ll often be found on plants that attract aphids, such as dandelions and nettles.
A Sign of Soil Health
The presence of certain weeds can actually be an indicator of your soil’s health. For instance, dandelions thrive in compacted soil, and their presence can be a prompt to aerate your soil to improve drainage and plant health. Similarly, horsetail prefers damp, acidic soil, so its presence might indicate a need to add lime to raise the soil’s pH level. Understanding which weeds favour specific soil conditions can help you tailor your soil amendments for optimal plant growth. For example, if you see a patch of nettles thriving in a shady corner, it might be a sign that the soil there is rich in nitrogen, perfect for planting leafy greens.
Weeding For Balance
While some weeds can be beneficial, it’s important to maintain a balance. If a particular weed is taking over a flowerbed or smothering your vegetables, then gentle removal is necessary. Here are some tips for weeding with wisdom:
- Identify before you pull: Not all green leafy things are enemies. Learn to identify the beneficial weeds in your garden using online resources or gardening books.
- Hand-pull when possible: This is the most eco-friendly way to remove unwanted weeds, and it helps prevent the spread of weed seeds. Use a weeding fork to help loosen the soil and remove the entire root system, preventing regrowth.
- Weed before they seed: Once a weed sets seed, you’ll be battling its offspring next season. Regular weeding throughout the growing season helps prevent this cycle.
- Consider a more natural approach: For stubborn weeds, try pouring boiling water on them (with caution around desirable plants) or smothering them with a thick layer of mulch to block sunlight and prevent them from photosynthesising. You can also try homemade weed killers made with vinegar or soap solutions, but be aware these can harm nearby plants if not used carefully.
Embrace The Ecosystem
By recognising the potential benefits of some “weeds,” you can create a more balanced and biodiverse garden. These unexpected allies can contribute to a healthy ecosystem, attracting pollinators, suppressing unwanted pests, and even offering a free, homegrown meal. So, the next time you see a weed in your garden, take a moment to consider if it might be a friend in disguise. With a little knowledge and a shift in perspective, you can transform your weeding routine from a chore into an opportunity to create a thriving garden haven that benefits both you and the wider environment.
