Gardening is one of the most popular hobbies in the world. People love getting out and watching things grow, but there is a common problem that they face.
One of the issues that gardeners come up against is weeds, and it seems as if they can grow anywhere at any time. When they see the weeds coming up in their garden, the first thing they want to do is remove them because they don’t want their plants to be damaged.
Although this has been a practice by most gardeners for years, it is also something that some other gardeners have considered putting away. They wonder if the plants known as weeds are actually beneficial and if they might play a role in the ecosystem of the garden.
At this point, you are probably wondering where we are going with this. How could it possibly be true that the weeds we have been pulling for years could benefit the plants we are trying to grow? We will look into that further and it may just change the way you look at the pesky weeds in your garden space.
Why should you let weeds grow in your garden?
1. Soil Benefits: Weeds that have deep roots, such as dandelions, and can break up the soil that has become compacted. It allows for better aeration and water infiltration. In addition, deep-rooted weeds bring nutrients from the lower soil layers so they are available to plants.
2. Biodiversity: Providing a space where weeds can grow also allows a wider variety of insects and wildlife to visit your growing area. This helps to support a more healthy ecosystem and can even control pests in many ways.
3. Mulch: Soil erosion and maintaining moisture within the soil are problems that many gardeners face. Weeds cover the ground, offering that benefit. When they die, they also add organic matter to the soil.
4. Barometer: The weeds can give you an indication if the underlying soil is in need of assistance. Knowing the signs of soil that is nutrient deficient, including nitrogen, can allow you to make the right decisions when adding anything to the soil.
5. Pollination: Many weeds are flowering and bees, along with butterflies, will be attracted to them. They help the health of the garden by allowing for effective pollination.
When you look at weeds in the proper way, you may just find that they benefit your garden in more ways than not. They can contribute to a healthier and more robust ecosystem, allowing you to grow your vegetables even better.