Weed all about it
Gardeners may grumble about them, but these common plants, found in almost every garden, are often packed with unexpected benefits, says
Weeds are often seen as a nuisance, but the truth is they are much more important than we realise. They are good for the ecosystem, playing a key role in transforming barren earth into rich, fertile soil.
They can also tell you a lot about your garden, its soil and what you can grow there, and are essential for wildlife. Some can even be used as medicine and a food source.
Here, we reveal some unexpected benefits of common weeds.
DAISY
The name daisy comes from “day’s eye”, referring to the flower’s tendency to open when the sun rises and close when it sets.
This common flower, often found in grass, is as effective as arnica for treating bruises. The young leaves can be eaten raw in salads, cooked or even made into tea, and contain high levels of vitamin C.
■■Top tip: leaving your lawn to grow a little longer allows daisies to flower, providing much-needed food for bees.
DANDELION
This British native can be a source of frustration for gardeners, but it is an important wildflower and coveted as a herb.
The entire plant, including the leaves, stems, flowers and roots, is edible and nutritious. The plant contains betacarotene, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage, and bioactive compounds that may help lower cholesterol. ■■Top tip: if you leave them in your grass, the roots spread widely, loosening hard-packed soil and aerating the earth.
DOCK
Dock leaves are found in almost every field, waste ground, garden and lawn. The leaves are famously used to soothe nettle stings, and often grow near the offending plant. However, the cooling properties can also be used to calm insect bites and stings, as well as treating mild burns.
■■Top tip: leave the seedheads in place over winter, they are a valuable source of food for birds, rodents and deer.
CHICKWEED
Often found in gardens, the delicate white flowers are a joy to behold. In fact, another name for chickweed is Snow in Summer because of its small white star-shaped flowers.
The entire plant is edible and can be grown as a vegetable crop. It’s nutritious too, containing six times more vitamin C and 12 times more calcium than spinach.
■■Top tip: try adding it raw to sandwiches or in a salad.
NETTLE
The nettle has a well-known reputation for its uncomfortable prickling sting, caused by the hairs and bristles on its leaves and stems. However, this plant is incredibly useful. It is packed with nutrients, including vitamins A and C, and has a wide variety of culinary uses.
The dried leaves and flowers can be steeped to make a delicious herbal tea, while the leaves, stems and roots can be cooked and added to soups, stews and stir-fries.
■■Top tip: be a friend to butterflies by letting nettles grow in your garden – they provide food for many species including peacocks, red admirals and small tortoiseshells.
HAIRY BITTERCRESS
This tiny, compact edible herb grows everywhere and is much-loved by foragers. It’s a member of the brassica family, along with cabbage and broccoli. Available all year round, the soft, tender leaves have a sharp peppery flavour not unlike watercress, which makes them an excellent addition to a salad.
It contains high quantities of vitamin C, as well as antioxidants, calcium and magnesium.
■■Top tip: blend the roots with vinegar to make a sauce that is similar to horseradish.
Extracted from The Joy Of Weeds: A Celebration of Wild Plants by Paul Farrell (Portico, £9.99)