Gardeners are being urged not to destroy all weeds when tackling their gardens this season. Instead of assuming these plants harm your garden, one particular weed can actually help enrich the soil and improve overall plant health.
Despite it not being a popular aesthetic decision, knowing which weeds to keep could be the secret to a more productive and thriving garden. Gardening experts spoke to lifestyle writers at Martha Stewart’s blog and assured: “Every gardener has a different idea of what constitutes a weed, but the simplest definition is that a weed is a plant growing in a place where you don’t want it. The biggest downside of certain weeds is that they are often vigorous growers that edge out preferred plants, but this isn’t the case for all species.”
So what is the special weed gardeners should keep? Dandelions.
How does this work?
According to Heather Stoven, horticulturalist at Oregon State University: “The flowers are a bright, sunny yellow and feed pollinators.
“The wind disperses dandelion seeds to various locations near and far, which is why these plants are considered weeds by many.”
Gardening expert Adrienne Roethling further explained: “The roots of the dandelion are like carrots and help push air into the soil.
“This creates a healthier environment for the roots of surrounding plants. Plus, every part of the dandelion is edible and nutrient-rich.”
If you still want to remove dandelions from your garden, collect as many leaves as you can before disposing of them.
According to Premier Lawns, gardeners can make dandelion tea, which will help enrich their soil without having the wildflower on their lawns.
How to make dandelion tea
Begin by packing dandelion leaves and flowers tightly into a lidded container and cover them with water. Seal the container and leave it in a sheltered spot to ferment for about two months, as reported by Premier Lawns.
After that, strain the liquid into a new container and add the leftover leaves to your compost. The resulting liquid will smell strong, but it’s a nutrient-rich tonic for your garden. Dilute it at a 1:3 ratio with water and use it to give to your plants.
Other weeds you should keep in your garden
A key weed to keep in your garden is the goldenrod plant. This vibrant yellow weed is similar in colour to the dandelion but looks completely different and appears in late summer and early fall.
“Goldenrod is a crucial late-season nectar and pollen source for native bees, moths, migrating butterflies, and other beneficial insects when other blooms may be scarce,” said Tess Renusch, senior coordinator at the National Wildlife Federation.
Goldenrod also plays a key role by serving as a larval host for numerous butterfly and moth species. Its extensive root system helps stabilise the soil and reduce erosion, especially on slopes and disturbed ground.
It also enhances soil structure by improving drainage, increasing aeration, and promoting better water infiltration. The plant’s robust stems and thick foliage provide essential winter shelter for small animals and insects.