While many gardeners will be keen to remove weeds from their gardens, one expert has revealed how one pesky plant could actually be beneficial to the health of others
Dandelions can benefit your garden(Image: Getty)
Gardening enthusiasts are being advised against eliminating every single weed whilst tending to their outdoor spaces this season. Rather than presuming these plants are detrimental to your garden, one specific weed can actually enhance soil quality and boost overall plant vitality.
Whilst it may not be the most visually appealing choice, understanding which weeds to preserve could be the key to cultivating a more fruitful and flourishing garden. Horticultural specialists consulted lifestyle journalists at Martha Stewart’s publication and confirmed: “Every gardener has a different idea of what constitutes a weed.
“But the simplest definition is that a weed is a plant growing in a place where you don’t want it. The biggest downside of certain weeds is that they are often vigorous growers that edge out preferred plants, but this isn’t the case for all species.”
So which particular weed should gardeners retain? reports the Express.
There is one weed you should not get rid of in your garden(Image: Getty)DandelionsHow does this function?
According to Heather Stoven, horticulturalist at Oregon State University: “The flowers are a bright, sunny yellow and feed pollinators. The wind disperses dandelion seeds to various locations near and far, which is why these plants are considered weeds by many.”
Gardening specialist Adrienne Roethling elaborated: “The roots of the dandelion are like carrots and help push air into the soil. This creates a healthier environment for the roots of surrounding plants. Plus, every part of the dandelion is edible and nutrient-rich.”
Should you still wish to eliminate dandelions from your garden, gather as many leaves as possible before discarding them. According to Premier Lawns, gardeners can create dandelion tea, which will help nourish their soil whilst avoiding having the wildflower scattered across their lawns.
How to create dandelion tea
Begin by packing dandelion leaves and flowers tightly into a lidded container and cover them with water. Seal the container and leave it in a sheltered spot to ferment for about two months, as reported by Premier Lawns.
After that, strain the liquid into a new container and add the leftover leaves to your compost. The resulting liquid will smell strong, but it’s a nutrient-rich tonic for your garden. Dilute it at a 1:3 ratio with water and use it to give to your plants.
Goldenrod is a crucial late-season nectar source(Image: Getty)Other weeds you should retain in your garden
A key weed to keep in your garden is the goldenrod plant. This vibrant yellow weed is similar in colour to the dandelion but looks completely different and appears in late summer and early fall.
“Goldenrod is a crucial late-season nectar and pollen source for native bees, moths, migrating butterflies, and other beneficial insects when other blooms may be scarce,” said Tess Renusch, senior coordinator at the National Wildlife Federation.
Goldenrod also fulfils an important function by acting as a larval host for countless butterfly and moth varieties. Its widespread root network helps secure the soil and prevent erosion, particularly on inclines and damaged terrain.
It also improves soil composition by enhancing drainage, boosting aeration, and encouraging superior water penetration. The plant’s sturdy stems and dense foliage offer vital winter protection for small creatures and insects.