While many may view weeds as pesky invaders of their gardens, I’ve always had a soft spot for these uninvited guests. In fact, I’m one of the few who genuinely appreciate their tenacity and ability to thrive in even the most challenging environments. As someone who’s passionate about self-sufficiency and homesteading, I’ve learned to harness the power of weeds to save time, money, and enhance my soil quality.
Rather than viewing them as a nuisance, I see them as a valuable resource waiting to be tapped. So, if you’re ready to rethink your relationship with these often-maligned plants, join me on this journey as we explore the many benefits and uses of weeds.
Weeds Are Nature’s Helpers
Weeds prevent erosion
In regions prone to heavy rainfall, strong winds, or steep slopes, erosion can wreak havoc on properties. However, an unexpected silver lining can be found in the rapid spread of weeds across barren soil surfaces. As we face a global shortage of this valuable resource, it’s heartening to see these tenacious plants covering and shielding exposed areas, safeguarding against further damage.
Weeds act as mulch
In scorching weather conditions, weeds play a crucial role in maintaining a cooler soil temperature. This attribute helps preserve moisture, safeguards the soil’s inhabitants (bacteria, fungi, and various critters), and slows down bolting in plants that are sensitive to heat. By intentionally cultivating weed growth in my garden pathways, I’m able to harness this beneficial effect.
Weekly trimming of the weeds with a trimmer ensures they don’t produce seeds or spread into adjacent beds, thereby keeping soil temperatures stable and preventing paths from becoming parched and hot. The presence of weed aisles also creates a contained environment that retains moisture, much like a natural cup, ultimately benefiting my garden’s overall health.
Weeds break up soil compaction
Weeds Are Soil Health Indicators
Weeds are indicators of soil health
Weeds can be seen as a natural indicator of the health and condition of your garden soil. By paying attention to the types of weeds that appear, their size, and overall quality, you can gain valuable insights into factors such as pH levels, nitrogen content, and mineral deficiencies. For instance, crabgrass often thrives in dry, compacted soil conditions, but an unexpected surge of this weed amidst slow-growing plants may signal a lack of calcium in the garden beds.
On the other hand, lush stands of henbit can indicate overly alkaline soils that are detrimental to vegetable growth, while consistent growth suggests optimal growing conditions are met. The size and vigor of giant tree-like lambsquarters weeds can also serve as an indicator of nitrogen levels – high when robust, low when stunted. As weeds tend to grow faster than cultivated plants, they can be leveraged as a predictive tool to identify potential soil issues before they become major problems.
Tap-rooted weeds indicate soil depth
When it comes to identifying the optimal conditions for growing root vegetables, tap-rooted weeds like dandelion, hairy cat’s tongue, thistle, and lambsquarters can be valuable indicators. By examining their root structures, you can determine the depth of nutrients in your soil. If the roots are shallow and sprawling, it suggests that most of the nutrients and water are concentrated in the top few inches of soil.
On the other hand, if the roots resemble a tall, upside-down Christmas tree, it indicates that the nutrients go down deep. This information can be used to strategically select cultivated plants that match the root profiles of your weeds. For example, areas with deep nutrient availability may be better suited for longer varieties of carrots, sweet potatoes, and parsnips.
In contrast, shallow nutrient areas are more suitable for shorter, half-length carrots, as well as other ground-level bulbing root vegetables like beets, turnips, and kohlrabi.
Weeds warn you of dry soil
When certain weeds, such as those belonging to the amaranth family, thrive in semi-arid conditions, it’s a clear indication that my garden soil is leaning towards dryness. As soon as I notice amaranth seedlings sprouting and growing robustly across my beds, I take it as a signal to adjust my watering strategy accordingly – increasing frequency and depth to ensure the underlying soil moisture levels are optimal.
Weeds Are Nutrient Providers
Some weeds fix nitrogen
In many people’s eyes, clover is an invasive weed, but its incredible ability to store nitrogen in its roots makes it a valuable resource for gardeners. As the plant grows, it absorbs nitrogen from the air and stores it in nodes on its roots. When the plants eventually die, the stored nitrogen becomes available to other plants as soil inhabitants decompose the dead vegetation.
To harness this natural process, I allow the clover to grow until just before it’s likely to bloom, then I use a hand tiller to carefully remove the plant by the roots on a sunny day. The exposed roots are left to dry out in the sun, breaking down and releasing their stored nitrogen into the soil. Other invasive legumes like vetches and kudzu can also be used for similar purposes, providing a natural source of nitrogen for gardens.
Some weeds are outstanding “bioaccumulators”
Bioaccumulation refers to the remarkable ability of certain plants to absorb minerals from a broader range of pH levels, making them more resilient than others. Bioaccumulator plants boast complex root systems that enable them to forage more effectively, often outperforming other vegetation in this regard.
Ragweed stands out as an exemplary bioaccumulator, its nutritional value rivaled only by the most palatable crops.
Alas, its unappealing taste renders it unsuitable as a food source for livestock. However, these same minerals and proteins can be harnessed to benefit your garden when composted.
I find immense satisfaction in clearing large areas of seed-free ragweed and utilizing it as mulch or adding it to my compost pile. The benefits are twofold: I eradicate a notorious allergen while enriching the soil for my plants.
Some weeds make excellent plant probiotic
Stinging nettle may be an unwelcome guest in your garden, but with the right approach, you can turn it into a valuable resource for your plants. Instead of mowing it down, put on protective gear like long-sleeved shirts, jeans, and gloves and dig up the roots to eliminate the problem. This process also offers an opportunity to create a foliar probiotic and vitamin-rich concoction that can benefit your garden.
Start by chopping the nettle into smaller pieces, then submerge it in water and allow it to ferment for at least a week. Stir the mixture regularly to introduce oxygen and promote fermentation. Once the mixture has stopped bubbling and reached its desired level of stinkiness, strain it carefully and dilute it with water at a 5:1 ratio. Finally, use this fermented plant tea to spray your plants, targeting the undersides of their leaves.
This treatment adds a boost of nitrogen and delivers essential minerals that can enhance plant health. The fermentation process also introduces beneficial bacteria that help plants defend against pests and diseases, making it a valuable addition to your gardening arsenal.
Excellent in the Compost Pile
In my garden, I take a straightforward approach when dealing with unwanted weeds. If they don’t have seeds, I gather them in large quantities and let them decompose on the surface for a few days before incorporating them into my compost pile as a nutrient-rich addition. Known as ‘greens,’ this method helps speed up the decomposition process.
Alternatively, if I’m low on carbon-rich materials, also known as ‘browns,’ I’ll spread the weeds out on a tarp and allow them to dry in the sun for a few days before adding them to my compost pile. This technique is particularly effective when dealing with weeds that propagate quickly through small sections of roots or cuttings. If left unchecked, these aggressive weeds can form large mats across your garden bed.
To prevent this, drying and using them as browns provides an efficient way to manage their spread and create a balanced compost mixture.
Weeds Are Awesome Biomass
Weeds make great planter beds
One method I’ve found effective in preparing a new planting area on our clay soil is by creating a ‘weed island’. This process begins with digging out the topsoil from the designated bed. Next, I head to my weediest areas and start clearing them out, loading the weeds into my wheelbarrow. If the weeds have seed heads, I take the time to cut off the seeds and donate them to my chickens before processing.
To create the ‘weed island’, I stack several loads of weeds on top of each other, aiming for a pile at least 4×4 feet wide and tall, similar to a compost pile. This allows the weeds to smother one another as they break down. After allowing the pile to rot for a few days, I reduce its size by about half before covering it with cardboard and the previously dug topsoil. To kick-start the process, I may also add some bags of good garden soil. Finally, I’m ready to plant.
While you might still encounter some weeds growing from the weed island, they tend to be easy to remove as the decomposing process fosters biological life in the soil.
Weeds as backfill for Hugelkultur
Incorporating hugelkultur into your garden means creating a unique mounded bed by layering logs, branches, and an abundance of organic matter – think weeds, leaves, grass clippings, manure, and more. The foundation of this system is built upon three layers: logs at the base, followed by branches, and then copious amounts of organic material. Once these layers are in place, you can finish with a few inches of topsoil and start planting.
One of my favorite aspects of hugelkultur is that it’s incredibly easy to source organic matter – particularly weeds – which seem to thrive in the poor soil conditions where I construct my mounds. As an added bonus, this means I often have a readily available supply right at my fingertips.
Weeds Are Great For Livestock
Goats love weeds
While my farm has a decent-sized pasture, it’s not quite enough to sustain all of my goats year-round. As a result, I often rely on supplementing their diet with weeds from nearby areas. Surprisingly, they’re thrilled to munch on just about any type of bramble or wild vine that grows locally – even poison ivy! In addition to these, they’ll happily devour various types of wild lettuces, chickweed, numerous mints, an assortment of grasses and more.
Chickens treat weeds like candy
While not all backyard chicken keepers have the luxury of free-ranging their flock, there are ways to bring nature to your confined chickens. One effective method is by introducing seed-loaded weeds, which they absolutely adore. As long as they’re well-fed, chickens tend to have a keen sense of what’s safe to eat and what isn’t. To keep things interesting for my birds, I like to collect a variety of different weeds and present them all at once, giving them a choice of snacks.
This activity not only provides mental stimulation but also allows me to spend quality time with my feathered friends. Watching them meticulously shred roots, hunt down hidden insects, and selectively graze on plant tops while leaving others alone is truly mesmerizing. It’s a unique form of entertainment that’s both free and enjoyable, making it a great alternative to traditional evening activities.
Cut your pig feed bill
When faced with overwhelming weed growth, I often resort to calling in the cavalry – my trusty pigs. These eco-friendly lawn mowers are naturals when it comes to weeding, consuming not only the visible foliage but also tackling those pesky roots. By allowing them to till and forage through your weed-ridden areas, you not only gain a free and effective labor force, but also reduce your feed expenses.
With some gentle guidance, pigs can even transform your once-overgrown patch into a tidy garden in no time at all.
Weeds Are Delicious
You can wildcraft your weeds
Foraging for wild edibles has become increasingly popular, with enthusiasts venturing into the great outdoors to discover unique ingredients not found on grocery store shelves. However, few people realize that a vast array of wild plants can be found growing in their own backyards. Weeds like dandelion, lambsquarters, chickweed, and purslane are not only edible but also packed with nutrients and medicinal properties.
The cress-family plants, including miner’s lettuce, as well as red sumac, yarrow, mullein, nettle, sorrel, nutsedge, and dock, all offer a range of flavors and health benefits. As with any foraging endeavor, it is crucial to positively identify the plant before consumption and to avoid overindulgence due to their often high mineral content. By doing thorough research and practicing responsible wildcrafting, individuals can unlock the secrets of these underappreciated plants.
Can even be cultivated as edibles
While I may not identify as a prepper, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for the value of edible ‘weeds’ in my garden. As a seasoned gardener, I’ve come to accept that not every crop will thrive each year, and having some reliable alternatives can be a game-changer. For me, that means cultivating a selection of tasty wild greens and utilizing their flavors to add variety to my meals.
Dandelions, lambsquarters, purslane, and chickweed are personal favorites when it comes to adding some excitement to my plate. Red sumac is another story altogether – its striking foliage is a bonus, but it’s the fruit that really steals the show, yielding a refreshing lemonade-like drink or a tangy spice when dried. And let’s not forget about stinging and wood nettle, which offer a wealth of nutritional benefits and a delicious way to add some extra oomph to my cooking.
Weeds Build Biodiversity
Make great foundation plants
As I looked out at the sloped hillside behind my house, I was reminded of its once barren state. The steep slope had proven challenging for any plant to thrive, and for a time, I simply let the weeds take over. Lespedeza, Joe Pye, violets, wild blackberries, dog fennel, and other native species moved in, slowly healing the soil as they went.
As the years passed, I began to reclaim parts of the slope for my cultivated plants, introducing comfrey, bee balm, figs, an apple tree, spearmint, oregano, and more to the mix. To my surprise, this mixed-use hillside has become a haven for wildlife. Lizards, birds, insects, mice, and other creatures now visit regularly, drawn by the diversity of plant life. What’s even more remarkable is that I’m able to harvest a greater abundance from this area than from my more manicured plots.
It seems that the balance struck by allowing both wild and cultivated plants to coexist has created an ecosystem where all parties can thrive.
Offer habitat and forage for pollinators
While many pollinator populations continue to struggle due to the disappearance of forage and habitat, making a conscious effort to preserve some areas as ‘wild’ can have a significant positive impact. By intentionally leaving certain spaces untamed, you’re providing vital food sources and winter shelter for these vulnerable populations – all without requiring any additional labor on your part.
Of course, this approach still allows you to maintain a sense of control over the overall aesthetic of your landscape. To achieve this balance, simply mow around the designated ‘weed’ plots to create a clear boundary between the cultivated areas and the intentionally wild spaces.
Conclusion
We’ve covered several compelling points about the value of weeds on your homestead, but we’re not quite done making the case for their benefits just yet. In fact, there’s another crucial aspect to consider: the role they play in supporting biodiversity.
