3 weeds to cultivate on your property

Weeds get a bad rap. People have a tendency to lump these plants together and look upon the entire lot as undesirable. It’s true that there are a number of positively destructive weeds, invasive species that can overtake your yard within a growing season. But there are also many plants typically identified as weeds that are highly beneficial to lawns and gardens. Here are three common ones that you should welcome.

1. Dandelion. This ubiquitous weed with a yellow flower has deep roots that draw up minerals and water from the soil, thereby helping to nourish neighboring plants. Additionally, dandelions attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs, lacewings and other pollinators. This plant also has edible roots, leaves and flowers that contain essential nutrients.

2. White clover. White clover collects nitrogen from the air and transfers it to the soil. Nitrogen is essential to plant growth and one of the three main ingredients in fertilizer. Plus, this weed has a large root system that breaks up hardpan (a hard, underground layer of soil impervious to water). Like the dandelion, white clover attracts ladybugs, lacewings and other beneficial insects.

3. Plantain. Not to be confused with the banana variety, the plantain, or broad-leafed plantain, often pops up in spots where soil is compacted. It collects a ton of great nutrients for the soil, including calcium, sulfur, magnesium and iron. If left to die, this weed will enrich the soil and attract beneficial organisms.

So think twice before digging up all the weeds on your property. These three, and a number of others, can improve your soil and enrich the small ecosystem that is your yard and garden.