A recent email from a gardening organization reminded me that I am not the only one with unwanted plants popping up in my garden. Every year, all sorts of things that weren’t planted show up - invasive weeds, my neighbour’s rose bush, and other things that I’m constantly questioning. Despite my efforts applying compost (to feed the plants I do want), adding mulch (to keep the unwanted plants away) and ensuring proper soil health so the wanted plants will thrive, it seems I’m only providing a cocktail of nutrients for anything green and living to benefit. 

I’ll admit - I’m divided when it comes to weeds. It is highly satisfying to pull them out. But doing so disturbs the soil and the microorganisms which were probably feeding on it as well as opening up the space exposing the helpful microorganisms. And it’s likely whatever was growing there is just going to come back. But even if they’re unwanted, they’re not all bad. Some may be beneficial to the cultivated plants, others may be providing insight into the soil. Thistles that prick my hand while harvesting are native to my region and beneficial to pollinators once they flower; various parts of a dandelion can be eaten and enjoyed. If pulled, they can add more nutrients to a compost pile when they break down. 

There are many things we can learn about our soil from the unwanted plants that pop up. Most importantly, when they are co-existing with the cultivated plants, instead of pushing them out, there may be a positive synergy not visible to the naked eye. Or maybe the soil is so full of nutrients, all plants can benefit. As satisfying as it is to pull them out, I’ll leave that for the invasive weeds that truly don’t belong.

For further reading on what weeds can teach us: https://bcfarmsandfood.com/what-weeds-can-tell-you-about-your-garden/