Weeds as a hidden talent in the garden

There are no weeds in nature, because that is just a term for wild plants that spread undesirably between the carefully planted plants in the garden. And even though having a garden is a real nightmare for many, weeds also have a useful and beautiful side. These wild plants include different Herbsgrasses, mosses and even Flowerswhich are actually a natural part of the ecosystem and are therefore still referred to as “Wild herbs“ or “weeds”. Find out why and which weeds you should leave in the garden.

There are various reasons for leaving wild plants in the garden

What is the actual benefit of weeds?

Whether for aesthetic reasons or as a threat to the livelihood of cultivated plants, undergrowth is removed. However, the complete removal of weeds is not only time-consuming, but also has negative effects on nature. Because many Wild plants are a rich source of food for various insects such as bees, butterflies, etc., and can also be used for consumption or as medicinal plants, as well as pest repellent and natural pesticides. In addition, weeds can also be used as Soil improver and provide shade. So you can safely describe these unwanted plants as hidden talents.

Weeds as a food source for bees

Many flowering weeds such as dandelions, daisies and clover are actually valuable sources of nectar and pollen for bees. They are a rich, often quite readily available and persistent source of food for both the domestic honey bee and the wild bee species that are crucial for the pollination of Garden and crop plants Especially for the Wild bees Flowering weeds are invaluable because their flowers are often easily accessible and provide an early and long-lasting seasonal source of food when other plants are not yet in flower or have already finished flowering. It is therefore important not to pull out every weed in the garden. By doing so, you will both encourage the bee population and increase the diversity in your garden.

Flowering weeds serve as a valuable food source for bees and other pollinators

The benefits of weeds as ground cover

The ability of weeds to act as natural Ground cover also has practical advantages for the garden. On the one hand, their dense growth ensures that the soil moisture is better preserved and the earth dries out less. On the other hand, it protects the valuable nutrients in the soil, which can be washed away by heavy rain, especially on slopes and in areas with loose soil.

Thanks to the deep root systems of some weeds, the soil is loosened and nutrient-rich layers are brought to the surface. This turns these plants into natural soil aerators and fertilizer suppliers and thus into true Master of soil improvement.

Some weed species with dense leaves also play the role of shade providers, cooling the soil and promoting the growth of sensitive and shade-loving plants.

Weed ground cover also has its advantages for the garden

Weeds as protection against pests and unwanted plagues

Another benefit of weeds is the amazing ability of some species to repel or deter pests. In addition, natural pesticides can be made from weeds. Here are some examples of excellent pest control plants:

• Marigolds – With their scent, the beautiful flowers can deter harmful insects such as aphids and whiteflies and thus protect your vegetables.
• Marigold (Tagetes spp.) – Also known as marigold, the Tagetes has a strong smell that repels many pests such as nematodes and aphids and thus promotes the health of your crops.
• Nettle (Urtica dioica)- Although considered a weed, stinging nettle contributes to biodiversity in the garden as it is attractive to many beneficial insects such as butterflies and ladybirds, which in turn are natural enemies of many harmful garden insects.
• Savory (Satureja spp.) – This plant has a strong scent that repels pests such as aphids, cabbage white butterflies and flies, providing protection to your vegetable plants.

Plants such as nettle and garlic mustard can also be used to easily produce natural pesticides that can be used to kill aphids and other Fighting pests without endangering the health of your garden.

Certain weeds keep pests away and can be used to make natural pesticides

Weeds in the kitchen

Among the many plants labeled as ‘weeds’, there are many edible species that can be a delicious addition to your meals. Edible weeds offer a great opportunity to experience nature in a new way and to be surprised by the flavors and nutrients of these overlooked plants. Discover which culinary highlights might also grow in your garden.

• Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale): Dandelion is one of the most well-known edible weeds. The young leaves of the plant are used in salads, while its flowers are used to make jelly, honey, various desserts, wine and tea. Dandelion can also be used to brew coffee and make ice cream.Identification features:

• herbaceous plant up to 25 cm high
• toothed leaves up to 30 cm long
• hollow stem filled with plant milk
• Inflorescence with many small, yellow ray flowers

Due to its high content of vitamins and minerals, this weed can be called a superfood

• Ground elder (Aegopodium podagraria): Ground elder is a feared weed among gardeners because it spreads massively through underground runners. This plant is also an extremely tasty herb. In addition to being rich in vitamins and other vital substances, the young leaves of ground elder also have a fresh, spicy taste and can be used in soups, salads, smoothies or as a pesto ingredient. Ground elder can be an excellent substitute for parsley and for making Herbal vinegar and Herbal oil be used.Identification features:

• The hollow leaf stalk has a triangular shape.
• Three groups of leaves branch off from the stem, which can be up to 20 centimeters long.
• The leaf groups are in turn divided into three parts, called leaflets.
• The leaflets have a blue to medium green color.
• The roots are one to three millimeters thick, long and white.
• The plant exudes a pleasant scent of carrot and parsley.

Eat ground elder instead of fighting it: An old remedy that also brings variety to the menu

• Chickweed (Stellaria media): Considered a nuisance weed, chickweed is found in many gardens. It not only contains numerous vital substances, but is also as mild and tender as lettuce and can be prepared in the same way. That is why it is widespread weed as a healthy ingredient for cold and warm dishes. The tender shoots of the plant are ideal as a salad garnish or can be used in green smoothies With its mild, spicy taste, chickweed forms a perfect basis for an aromatic pesto and is also a wonderful ingredient for a nutrient-rich bread topping.Identification features:
• herbaceous Ground covergrows up to 40 centimeters high
• thin, soft, round and hairy stem
• pointed, oval leaves up to three centimetres long, which are as tender and juicy as leaf lettuce and also taste similar
• small, white, star-shaped flowers

The widespread chickweed contains numerous vital substances and is therefore a healthy ingredient for cold and warm cuisine

• Deadnettle (Lamium spp.): The dead nettle is one of the true all-rounders among the regionally growing plants, because it is completely edible: flowers, shoots, leaves, stems and roots can be prepared in a variety of delicious ways. Its leaves have a mild taste and can also be used in soups or as a side dish in dishes. The upper fresh shoots of the dead nettle can be used raw in salads and green smoothies. Nettle tea can be made from the flowering shoots and the sweet flowers can be processed into a syrup and used for lemonades and spritzers. The delicate flowers are also suitable for decorating desserts.Identification features:
• The stem is square and has an upright growth.
• The leaves are heart-ovate, serrated and arranged opposite each other on the stem.
• The labiate flowers, which bloom from April to autumn, sit close to the stem on the upper pairs of leaves.

Dead nettle: this delicious and healthy medicinal herb grows almost everywhere

• Gunderman (Glechoma hederacea): Instead of pulling out the ground ivy, it is worth simply letting the supposed weed grow, as it is extremely beneficial for your health and as a spicy ingredient in the kitchen. Ground ivy has a slightly minty taste and is excellent for use in soups and stews. It is also good as a tea and for a refreshing herbal lemonadeIn addition, the young leaves of ground ivy can also be candied and enjoyed as a sweet and spicy speciality.Identification features:
• opposite, round, wavy or serrated leaves with short stem
• small blue-violet, lip-shaped flowers that grow directly on the stem above the leaves
• upright flowering shoots, ground-covering, non-flowering shoots
• typical, spicy smell
• grows even in winter, even under a blanket of snow

Refine desserts and cakes with spicy wild herbs such as ground ivy

• Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata): The spicy aroma of garlic mustard ensures that it can be used in many different ways in the kitchen. As the name suggests, garlic mustard has a subtle garlic flavour. The leaves of garlic mustard harmonise wonderfully with a Lettuce or refine quark, soups and vegetable dishes. The peppery, spicy note of the rocket leaves can provide a homemade herb butter or a cream cheese with wild herbs.Identification features:

• The plant bears small, white flowers that are found at the top of the rocket and are arranged in small clusters.
• If you rub the leaves between your fingers, you should notice a distinct garlic scent.
• The leaves of garlic mustard are triangular in shape and are reminiscent of the leaves of a nettle. However, they do not have the nasty stinging hairs and the leaf edges are usually more clearly jagged.