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Don't feel frustrated - It's normal to feel frustrated when you find 'unwanted' weeds in your garden. Though you will probably be surprised to learn that in fact there is such a thing as a beneficial weed.

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Soil - Some weeds can be a threat to other plants in your garden as they compete for water and sunlight. However, they are usually good for the soil.

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Clues about the soil - When you plan on planting something, it is natural that you waste time analyzing the soil. By analyzing the types of weed that grow there you will be able to know what type of plants you can grow.

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Beneficial for the soil - Roots, especially the longest and deepest ones, are a good way to transport nutrients and organic matter into the soil. Even when they are in a state of decomposition, the roots serve as tunnels for microbes and worms that are beneficial to the soil.

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Marshy soil - It is always good to analyze the plants that exist in the area surrounding the place where you intend to plant something. If you have a willow nearby, it means the terrain is rather marshy. In this case, perhaps sunflowers, alfalfa, or rye, are the best options, as recommended by Rodale's Organic Life.

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Soil compaction - If you spot chicory and mustard plants nearby, this means that the soil is compact. A good planting option for this type of soil are brassica vegetables.

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Acidic soil - If you find plants such as nettles and dandelions in the area, this means that the soil has high levels of acidity. In this case, a good option would be to plant blueberries, rhubarb, and potatoes.

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Compost - Most people usually get rid of unwanted weeds from their gardens. But building a compost bin and putting those weeds in there might be a good idea. This way you will be able to make the most of all organic matter you have access to. Think of it as a kind of organic recycling. It's a natural process where fungi and bacteria are responsible for the degradation of organic matter. The compost can then be used as fertilizer.

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Compost tea - Did you know you can make a compost infusion? It comes from compost soaked in water. This liquid can then be sprayed onto plants or applied directly to the soil. It's a great way to replace chemical fertilizers.

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Edible plants -

Did you know that many of the plants we regard as weeds are edible? Curiously, plants such as dandelion or the common purslane are rich in nutrients and can be eaten. In fact, according to TreeHugger, dandelion leaves can be a nice addition to any green salad. In addition, these leaves can also be cooked or added to a soup.

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Medicinal purposes - In addition to being used for food, some of the weeds that appear in your garden may also be used for medicinal purposes. Dandelions are filled with vitamins and minerals. Chickweed has several vitamins, and is also rich in omega 6.

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Essential for insects - The appearances of these 'unwanted weeds' are actually beneficial to the appearance of several insects, such as bees and butterflies. These insects are very important for other plants, since they are pollinators and also predators, helping to reduce the number of pests that may exist in the area. More insects also mean more birds.

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Natural cycle - Many weeds bring vital nutrients from the subsoil. These nutrients are carried onto their leaves. When these leaves die, they fall, thus fertilizing the soil.

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Beneficial for the ecosystem - Lawns are authentic monoculture nightmares. In fact, the 'battle' to destroy unwanted weeds doesn't help the ecosystem at all. The appearance of these weeds increases the diversity of plant life and is also a necessity for a sustainable ecosystem.

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Long-term benefits for the soil - It is common to find chenopodium album in agricultural fields where chemical fertilizers were used in excess. Over time, these plants will improve soil quality. But beware, because just one specimen of this plant can drop more than 70,000 seeds.

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Dandelion - Speaking of benefits to the soil. Dandelions grow in clay soils, gardens, and also in old fields. The deep roots of this plant accumulate potassium, copper, iron and magnesium, as well as other nutrients. They attract ladybugs and other pollinators.

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Making the most of broadleaf plantain - If you allow this plant to grow and die naturally, it will bring many benefits to the soil. Cut the leaves every month and leave them on the ground so that they decompose naturally. Leave the roots intact, because this way the plant will regenerate naturally or the roots will deteriorate, which again, will bring benefits to the soil.

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Chickweed - This plant has lots of potassium and attracts pollinating insects that look for nectar during spring and early summer. As with the broadleaf plantain, letting this plant grow and die naturally will bring various benefits to the soil.

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Helping weeds - When the soil is 'naked', weeds cover it and shield it from rain and wind erosion. Plants such as comfrey and amaranth have very deep roots, which are rich in minerals, making them beneficial for other plants in the area.

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White clover - Interestingly, this plant grows naturally in dry fields that are devoid of nitrogen. Nitrogen is essential for plant growth and white clover can transport nitrogen from the air into the soil.

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Don't forget! -

Of course we can't let weeds take over our 'precious' tomato fields or our beautiful gardens. However, there is no need to eliminate them all. They can actually be very beneficial for our soil and for us.

See also: 30 essential garden tools

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