As tedious as they may be, weeds can be important indicators of what’s going on in your garden. Don’t be discouraged by the sight of weeds, as they can also be signs of healthy and fertile soil. So before you proceed to yank them out, keep these facts in mind to find ways to mend and improve your garden.
Bindweed
Though it may not look like a weed at first because of its misleading white flower, bindweed’s growing vines can bind themselves around your other plants. The presence of bindweed is often an indicator of soil that is crusty and compressed.
Knotweed
Like bindweed, knotweed likes to grow in compact soil. During dry conditions, this weed can be beneficial in preventing erosion, but leaves soil vulnerable when it dies in the winter.
Crabgrass
Crabgrass flourishes quickly in acidic soil, and may also be a warning of soil that is low in calcium. It tends to compete with grass for water and nutrients, often outgrowing it.
Little blue-stem
If you see this plant sprouting in your garden, it is very likely your soil is dry and severely lacking in nutrients. Check to see if your soil has a sandy texture to measure the extent of its dryness.
Moss
Moss loves to grow in soggy and acidic soil, and can thrive in the shadier areas of your garden.
Plantain
Plantain, commonly found in grass and lawns, grows best in compact, clay induced soil with low fertility. It can also grow in frequently used garden paths.
Groundsel
Not all weeds, however, are indicators of poor soil or unhealthy chemical compositions. If you spot groundsel in your garden, it’s because it was welcomed by rich and healthy soil. Give your garden a thumbs up!
Amaranth
Amaranth, also known as redroot pigweed, is another healthy indicator of rich, nutritious soil abundant in nitrogen.
Chickweed
Also prevalent in nitrogen-rich soil is chickweed, which also likes to grow in soil with healthy levels of potassium.
Dandelion
A common weed, dandelions grow well in moist and fertile soil, but also do well in acidic soil. It may beneficial to keep a few dandelions in your garden because they keep worms away and attract honeybees that can help pollinate your other plants.
Clover
If you have clover, your garden is telling you it is fertile and thriving in a nitrogen paradise. Clover roots have sacs of nitrogen that can help circulate nitrogen to other plants. You may want to consider keeping a few clovers to add nutrients to your garden.
Lamb’s quarters
Seeing this common weed is another good sign that your soil is rich and high in nitrogen. Lamb’s quarters are helpful in warding off harmful insects.
Do you know any other weeds and what they can say about your garden? Let us know in the comments!
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[Source: care2.com, gardeningknowhow.com, pss.uvm.edu, , rodalesorganiclife.com, sewisc.org]