Most homeowners hate weeds, but what if we told you that some weeds were actually helpful to your garden? Would you believe us? Here’s our list of beneficial weeds that you won’t want to pull out of your yard. At least not right away.

“A good garden may have some weeds.” - Thomas Fuller

Dandelions

Despite when many people think, dandelions are quite beneficial
They keep the grass happy and the soil together. Source: Midwestpest

When people ask, “what are weeds?” Dandelions are usually the first thing that comes to mind, and we’re asking that you simply leave them in the garden. Yes, really. The bane of modern gardeners’ existence is actually a beneficial weed that serves a lot of uses for your yard. Here are just a few beneficial effects of weeds like dandelions:

  • Attracts bees
  • Attracts butterflies
  • The heads can be used as tea leaves
  • The bodies can be steamed and eaten
  • They hold the soil together
  • They promote grass growth
  • They repel certain pests

Clover Fields

Crimson and clover
Clovers are surprisingly good for your garden. Source: West Coast Seeds

Bearing no resemblance to the movies, fields of clover are quite beneficial to your garden and don’t look half bad. They add a bit of texture to your flower beds. Clovers actually have a very unique property of fertilizing the soil that they grow in by pulling in nitrogen from the air. It’s one of the most beneficial effects of weeds we’ve heard about. So keep that soil fresh and allow clovers into your yard.

Goldenrod

Another example of what a good weed can do
Some weeds are more helpful than others. Source: Wikipedia

Unfortunately for this plant, it’s usually confused with ragweed, which a lot of people are allergic to. But goldenrod is actually a great addition to any garden as it attracts honey bees and butterflies to the other plants. It has many benefits of weeds in gardens. And it looks good amongst other plants.

Wild Violets

These purple beauties can really help make a difference
Wild violets actually don't look too bad for a weed. Source: Sciencesource

These tough plants look pretty, tighten up the soil, and can survive in really low moisture conditions. So this makes them perfect for really shady areas that don’t get quite as much rainfall as the other areas of the lawn. This clever tactic could help save any crop that didn’t quite get the water it needed. Just one of the many benefits of weeds in agriculture.

Vetch

More purple for flower gardens
Some weeds just look like flowers. Source: Extention

This also has many benefits of weeds in agriculture. Vetch is another example of a plant that fertilizes the soil, and can be planted with vegetables to increase the harvest yield. Specifically broccoli, cabbage, tomatoes, and peppers seem to benefit the most from the fine fertilizing effects that vetch offers. But all plants will do better when grown near vetch.

Gardens are great, but did you know the cost for landscaping changes based on where you live? For example, in New Haven, CT it can cost an average of $1,400 while in Ann Arbor, MI, it can cost an average of $1,800. Want to get a more accurate estimate for free? Get in touch with a professional near you!

Chickweed

Chicks dig it
As the saying goes, "A weed is just a plant in the wrong place." Source: Mywildflower

Despite its name, chickweed is probably closer to a vegetable than an actual weed. And you might be surprised at its uses. You actually can eat chickweed. Beneficial weeds that we’ve already discussed are used to amplify the plants in your garden, but here’s one that can power you up. As a fine source of potassium, calcium, zinc, and vitamins A, C, and D, you can easily toss some freshly picked chickweed into your next salad.

Looking to get a truly captivating garden in your backyard? Get a free estimate from a local pro today to get more info!

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In this article: Beneficial weeds Chickweed beneficial weeds Broadleaf plantain beneficial weeds Beneficial effects of weeds Benefits of weeds in garden Benefits of weeds to man Benefits of weeds in agriculture What are weeds Common medicinal weeds
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