Think Before You Yank Those Weeds

by Libba on April 21, 2008


Photo courtesy of Scramberlee at flikr.com.

While most of the gardening industry would have you think that the only good weed is a dead weed, don’t let yourself fall into that mindset — there are situations in which it’s best to leave unwanted plants alone rather than pull them or otherwise kill them.

Keep in mind, first of all, that some of the plants we call weeds aren’t necessarily harmful. In fact, some (like sow thistle and mallow) can draw nutrients to the surface, while others can serve as a catch crop for harmful insects; wild radish is a good example.


Photo courtesy of tigerweet at flikr.com.

Most importantly, don’t denude the soil just because it’s full of weeds, or otherwise you’ll suffer your own miniature version of the Dust Bowl and lose your topsoil the next time the wind blows.

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